This is it, the one we’ve all been waiting for. Preseason is over and now it’s time for the fun to start once again. It’s the first game of the 2024/25 NCEL Premier Division season and it sees us welcome Pickering Town to Westfield Lane, kick off is at 3:00pm
Blues News
The Blues were able to finish preseason on a high following a 2-1 victory over Nostell Miners Welfare on Tuesday night. A Jack Varley penalty and a cool finish from Rob Guilfoyle either side of half time were enough to secure the win in a game that was far closer than it should have been, after Frickley squandered a number of opportunities in both halves.
The victory concludes an overall positive preseason that saw Bax’s new look Blues put through their paces against some quality opposition. 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats tells the story of the campaign but a lot will have been learned ahead of the new season.
So to league action. The Blues will be looking to replicate their opening game from the 2022/23 season when we picked up all 3 points against Maltby Main with a 1-0 win. Last season’s opener was significantly tougher as newly prompted Campion came away from Westfield Lane 3-0 winners. So a mixed bag on opening days in the NCEL so far
Form (Last 5) – WDLLW
Our Opponents
This season’s first visitors to Westfield Lane are Pickering Town. The Pikes had a disappointing campaign last season, finishing 19th in the final NCEL standings. Like Frickley, there has been a large turnover in the close season but the club have retained stalwart Wayne Brooksby, centre half Blake Drury and dangerous winger Nathan Dyer from last season among others.
They have also made some smart signings over the summer, the headline being centre half Eddie Cass moving from Knaresborough who brings plenty of NCEL experience and quality to boost their defence. Midfield Harry Lovick and attacker Ben Silburn also add quality further up the pitch.
Preseason has been mixed for Pickering. It started with a 12-0 win over Sinnington but was followed by defeats to Billingham Synth, Yarm and Eaglescliffe and Northallerton Town. There was also an abandoned tie against Bradford City that the Pikes had led 1-0 at the time in between which could have been a positive result. So a stern opening test for Frickley awaits.
Form (Last 5) – WLALL
Previous Meetings
The Blues were undefeated against Pickering last season, picking up 4 points from the 2 fixtures against them. It was a 2-0 victory in North Yorkshire last August thanks to goals from Alhassane Keita and Richard Collier before an own goal from the latter got the Pickering equaliser in a 1-1 draw at the Wezzie back in March after Morgan James had put the Blues ahead.
Match Details
So we’re back to the old 3:00pm on a Saturday kick off at the Wezzie to welcome the new season. Admission prices have been frozen from last season so will be as below:
Adults – £7.00
Concessions – £5.00
Under 16s – £2.00
Season tickets will still be available if you’re yet to pick yours up ahead of the new season so it’s not too late to get one purchased.
A big thank you to Steve Cubitt who will be our match ball sponsor for the fixture.
All your usual match day amenities will be available so come along and get behind the Blues as we look to start the new season with 3 points. Hope to see you all there!!
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#forzafrickley
