Rossington are the Main men in this Battle of the Collieries…
It wasn’t a good day at the office for the Blues as Rossington Main’s Josh Gelder bagged a hat trick to give his side a deserved win.
The Azzurri looked to have made the perfect start when newbie Dan Bramall was felled as he darted into the box to win a 3rd minute penalty. Haze stepped up to take the kick but the experienced Rosso keeper Jan Budtz, formerly of Doncaster Rovers and Buxton, stuck out a paw to make a fine save.
However, in the 11th minute Rosso were ahead, Clarke’s shot was turned onto the post then, from the resulting corner, Gelder found space at the back post to poke the ball beyond Jackson for the opener.
Seven minutes later, Gelder had another, cutting inside to slot in number 2 from the edge of the box.
On the 20 minute mark, Jack McMenemy reduced the arrears, escaping his marker to squeeze his shot past Budtz and into the onion bag.
Rosso restored their 2-goal cushion before the break when Gelder hit the upright but Clarke was on hand to pop in the rebound. HT 1-3.
Chances were at a premium for the first half an hour of the second period. Haze flashed the ball temptingly across goal, Currie saw a shot well saved by sub Rosso keeper Wheatley and Haze had a good shout for a second penner turned down but there was no addition to the score for either side.
The last 15 minutes were a different story. Les Blues closed the gap when Sam Cable nodded in a Hazel cross in the 77th minute.
It was 4-2 though just 90 seconds later, the ref had no hesitation in pointing to the spot when the Rosso forward was bundled over in the area. Naturally, Gelder grabbed the ball and duly dispatched the penalty for his hat trick, despite Jacko getting plenty of hand on the strike.
The Boys in Blue didn’t give up, Jack Mc had an effort saved in the 83rd minute. And Jack did manage to get himself on the scoresheet again, with two minutes remaining, finishing off a move initiated by Haze and assisted by Sam Cable, but it was too little, too late. FT 3-4.
Well, it was a makeshift defence due to injuries, and it was only a friendly, and the conditions were miserable, and… oh you know the rest. You win or you learn. We go again next time.
WEBMASTER MOTM – On a day to largely forget, Dan Bramall deserves a mention, he was a handful whenever he got on the ball. Haze showed a skipper’s mental toughness to come back from his missed spot kick by working tirelessly and creating two of our three goals. It was also good to see Sam Liversidge back in a blue shirt, getting some minutes under his belt. However, the standout performer was unquestionably the hardworking Jack McMenemy, involved as he was in the most meaningful of the Frickley attacks, and clinically putting away his two chances when they presented themselves. Good effort sir.
We thank all of the brave souls who came out to support the Blues on a horribly wet afternoon. The next time we are in action at The Wezzie will be the first day of the league season against Chasetown. Hope to see you there.
