The Blues are into the second half of the season and the run to the line starts with a visit to Pickering Town in the NCEL, kick off is at 3:00pm
Blues News
It seems hard to believe that the first half of the season has been and gone. But with 19 league games, and every team, played, the Blues are now on the downward slope towards the end of the season.
Last week saw the first defeat of the Tom Claisse era following a 3-2 defeat away at Parkgate. Frickley had controlled the opening hour of the game and taken the lead through Joel Spence’s long range effort. However, the defensive errors crept back in and allowed Parkgate to turn the game around to 2-1
Niall Butchart then came off the bench to grab a late equaliser to try and secure a valuable away point. But there was another late sting for the Blues as Parkgate were able to find the winner and come away with all 3 points.
The result leaves the Blues in 13th place at the halfway stage of the NCEL season on 22 points but the middle of the pack remains incredibly close with plenty of opportunity and risk for big movement. 19 games played, 19 to go, 9 at home, 10 away. Let’s see what the second half has in store!!
Form (Last 5) – LLDWL
League Standing – P19, W6, D4, L9, Pts 22, Pos 13th
Our Opponents
It’s the reverse of the opening day as we make the trip to North Yorkshire and to Pickering Town.
The Pikes also find themselves embroiled in the midfield battle in the league table, sitting in 16th place. They have had a tough run of fixtures in recent weeks, having gone 7 games without a win which has seen them slip down the table. Their last win was against Thackley at the start of October so they’ll be looking to turn the tide.
However, there has been encouragement in their last two matches as they have suffered narrow defeats to the top two in the division, losing 2-1 to Golcar last Saturday before slipping to a 3-2 defeat in midweek. Captain Wayne Brooksby and defender Connor Avison missed both these games as well through suspension but will be back to face the Blues tomorrow.
Form (Last 5) – LDLLL
League Standing – P18, W5, D4, L9, Pts 19, Pos 16th
Previous Meetings
The two sides opened the new campaign at Westfield Lane back in July where the Pikes came away with a 4-2 victory.
It looked to be going perfectly for the Blues when Jack Varley’s First Half strike was doubled by Luke Williams just after half time. However, a 5 minute period of defensive madness followed where goals from George Brown and a Harry Jessop double turned the game around, compounded by a straight red card for Josh Haigh immediately after the 3rd goal.
Frickley tried to fight back with 10 men but to no avail and the game was over as a contest in stoppage time when the Pikes won a penalty and Wayne Brooksby converted from 12 yards to give the visitors the spoils on opening day.
Match Details
So come along and get behind the lads as we look to get back to winning ways in North Yorkshire. The address to the ground is below:
Mill Lane, Pickering, Y018 7DB
There is still space on the supporters coach which leaves North Elmsall at 12:15 and returns immediately after the game. Ring Ian on 07790 569075 to book a seat
And if you can’t make the game, you can always tune in on PodBean for live commentary of the game. Join us around 2:55pm for all the coverage
Let’s look to get the Tom Claisse era back on track with a massive 3 points. Hope to see lots of you there behind the lads!!
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#forzafrickley
