Winterton Rangers FC v Frickley Athletic

Recap

Winterton Rangers 4 Frickley 0

Christmas might have gone but we certainly gave Winterton a few gifts as we slipped to a 4-0 defeat (cheers for the line, Steve K).

The only charge to the lineup against Hemsworth was Sam Cullingworth replacing Charlie Preston on the bench.

In the early stages The Blues went toe to toe with Winterton but were behind in the 12th minute when Henry Hampshaw couldn’t hold onto a cross under pressure and Winterton put away the loose ball.

It was all Frickley for the next 20 minutes as Ripley created chances for Big Al and Ben Hall. Kofi saw a drive deflected wide and an almighty scramble in the home goalmouth was just missing someone to apply the coup de grace.

Winterton’s Josh Walker had the ball in the net in the 34th minute but was offside. This obviously got his dander up and seven minutes later, he headed Winterton further ahead, getting on the end of a cross after Kofi was robbed on the edge of the box and we failed to take chances to clear.

It looked promising when Smith went one on one with the centre half before the break but it came to nought in the end. HT 2-0.

The Blues exerted early pressure after half time but Winterton hit on the break, slicing through the defence, Walker netting his second in the 52nd minute.

Shortly after the hour mark, Walker completed a ‘perfect’ hat trick (a goal with the head and both the left and right feet).

In the final twenty minutes, Big Al had a couple of attempts on goal and Hall had another. Hampshaw made a decent stop too. But otherwise Winterton saw out the remaining minutes relatively comfortably. FT 4-0.

So our undefeated run in 2023 is over! Despite this being our biggest defeat of the season so far and a comedown from the Hemsworth win, we weren’t outplayed. Winterton were simply clinical in taking their chances when they were offered, showing why they are second in the league.

WEBMASTER MOTM – we’ve had better days, particularly in the two penalty boxes, everything in between was competitive. The Colonel and Kofi battled constantly, Ben Hall got down the flanks well, and Big Al was industrious. However, the standouts and joint Glitterball winners are Lloyd Smith and Wade Ripley. Their quick feet were tying defenders in knots even though the final killer ball just wouldn’t come. Bravo Sirs!

TWITTER MOTM – Wade Ripley wins the public vote from Lloyd Smith, Richard Collier and Big Al Keita. Ben Hall also polled votes. Thanks for voting.

373 through the gate, Winterton’s second biggest crowd of the season, with plenty from SESKU in attendance. We thank you for your support, especially on days like these.

We’re next in action next Saturday, 7th January, at Penistone Church, 3pm ko, when we will be looking for a positive response to the Winterton performance. Please note that dogs are not allowed at Penistone. Hope to see you all there!