Our u23s vs bradford central u23s – a brief match report

Frickley U23s 1
Bradford Central U23s 1

We were treated to a high quality high octane game at the Wez last night as our U23s hosted Bradford Central U23s – & the 2 teams shared the spoils, which felt about right – & the game was a treat for the eyes

Bradford were probably the best attacking footballing team I’ve seen at U23s level this season (apart from our own boys obvs!) but as soon as they got anywhere near goalscoring chances they couldn’t finish a good dinner (due in no small way to resolute defending by our defensive unit). Our Young Azzurri countered them by playing direct, powerful (but still high quality) football. The game was the dictionary definition of end to end.

This was our 1st U23s home game since the end of November against Bradford Central who unfortunately arrived late so the kick off was delayed till 8pm (apparently they had been taking in the sights & sounds of the Fitzwilliam waterfront….)

You would have expected the visitors to take some time to get into the game, but it was the exact opposite, Bradford were soon on the front foot creating several good chances to open the scoring.

Not sure how but Frickley’s young guns hung on with a combination of good defending, poor finishing & numerous good saves from Alfie Denton.

It took the home side a good 30 mins to get to grips will their talented opponents, Sam Yates was introduced on the half due to an unfortunate facial injury Ryan Clements & he immediately started to make several strong challenges in midfield (Yates is a 1970s hard man for the 21st century – & I can’t think of a higher compliment to pay him – he is a joy to behold)

To their credit in the final 15mins of the 1st half Frickley had 2 or 3 great chances to score through strikers Harry McCudden & Bailey Cowsell.

The hosts were somewhat fortunate to make it to halftime 0-0

Second half Frickley started with a bang when defender Ben Jennings won the ball on the half way line, he fed Bailey Cowsell out wide on the right who superbly crossed for Joe Wilson to bravely head home (if the Keith Houchen diving header for Coventry vs Spurs in the 1987 Cup Final mated with the Robin Van Persie diving header for Holland vs Spain in 2014, the offspring would have looked EXACTLY like Joes diving header – the diving header is a skill that you don’t see so much these days sadly….)

The game was more even now with chances being created at both ends, Leo Cosgrove, Spencer Moses & Lincoln Gleadall were all defending well along with hard working midfielders Tom Cotson & the talented Lucas Brown.

With 15mins left Bradford broke clear on the left & crossed for the on rushing forward to head in the equaliser, probably what they deserved if honest.

But it did now set up a grandstand finish, 17 year old Freddie Dale & Josh Haigh was introduced from the bench and both created good chances for Frickley to pinch the points. Freddie played a lovely through ball to release Bailey Cowsell over the top but he struck the ball high & wide, Josh Haigh then got in around the back of the Bradford defence to cross for Bailey Cowsell who gleefully fired the ball home only to see the linesman stood with his flag up for a questionable offside.

Bradford also had some good chances to score but like the hosts were wasteful when in decent position, James Nicklin made one superb challenge on the edge of the to prevent a goal scoring opportunity.

The game finished 1-1 with the visitors probably more disappointed with the draw but on reflection Frickley had some great chances to steal all 3 points.

The Paul Mann Of The Match was jointly shared between Skipper Tom Cotson who covered every blade of grass & defender Lincoln Gleadall who was outstanding at the back. A final word on this, we were honoured & privileged to have a guest presenter with us in the Media Suite last night – I’ll anonymise him as KW, otherwise his agent will be after us for big £££S. From very early on in the game (& throughout) KW called it & said that Lincoln Gleadall was having a storming game – & he wasn’t wrong

Frickley U23s are at home again next Thursday v i2i City 7.45pm kick off – if it’s 50% of the quality from last night we are in for a feast of football – although I’ll happily take a scrappy game with a scuffed shinner from 3 yards out for a 1 nil win