Whickham FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

So our FA Cup journey ended at the first hurdle – but once again this young inexperienced team gave it a right go & definitely deserved something from the game. To put things in context, 7 of the squad had never played in the FA Cup before!

The first half was a pretty dour battle – the only highlight (or low light depending on your point of view) being the home team taking the lead from a corner as our defence were caught out for once

But the 2nd half more than made up for it…..

Whickham were awarded a penalty for handball – it was an exact replay of the incident at Maltby last Saturday that WASN’T awarded, so come on officials, sort it out – handball in the box is a pretty easy call to make. Anyway, Charlie Preston wasn’t having any of it & pulled off a great save to keep it at 1 nil. Then we had the ball in the net but the ref decided it was handled by a Frickley player

Move of the game came on 67 minutes – The Hawk Keita ran at the defence & slipped a lovely ball for Rich Collier to run on to. He appeared to have taken it too wide but then he pulls off a superb finish to stick it in the onion bag.

Then came a horror tackle – knee high & 2 footed – straight red for a Whickham player

As the game entered its denouement, Whickham broke down the left & pulled the ball into the box – we challenged for the ball but another penalty was awarded. Charlie Preston pulled off another superb save from the spot kick but the rebound fell kindly & the home team made it 2-1 to take the victory.

So we’re disappointed with the result but these players are going to get better & better

WEBMASTER MOTM – no-one had a bad game. The ubiquitous Green was the best player on the pitch once again. Keita was everywhere & deserved more protection from the officials as his shirt was pulled off his back every time he got the ball. The defence was strong again. The stand out players were Murillo & Varley at centre half, Kofi in midfield (the work rate & commitment is phenomenal). But it comes down to the player who saved the penalties & the player that scored – & whilst Charlie Preston was superb I’m giving the Glitterball to The Colonel Collier (cos everyone loves a goal scorer!)

TWITTER POLL MOTM – this is the one that matters as it is the fans vote. & Charlie Preston comes out on top (cos everyone loves a penner stopper) from Rich Collier, with Kofi & Murillo tucked in behind them. Thank you to everyone who voted

Here are the Gaffers thoughts

326 was the announced attendance – I don’t know where they all were…..another large contingent following Frickley – thanks to everyone who travelled

A very quick turnaround as we play our first ever home game in the NCEL tomorrow – 9th August – as we host Garforth Town, 7.45pm kick off. It would be great to have a really big turn out to support the boys