i2i Albion 7
Frickley U23s 2
Another result involving Americans that no-one wanted & that sent shock waves around the world,,,,,
A chastening evening for a very young Young Azzurri – but they will learn plenty from this game. Sometimes you have to hold your hand up, swallow your medicine & come back stronger in the next one. & if there is one thing that Martin, Tony & Bobs teams do, that is come back stronger
Let’s put things into context too – this is the U23s 2nd defeat in 2 & a half seasons & their 1st defeat of the season against a very good i2i side. Unfortunately after scoring 7 goals on their travels last week this week they conceded 7 last night.
One or two of the goals could maybe have been avoided but the home side were well value for their victory, they got off to a flying start with a well worked corner kick routine (which had been signalled as offside initially by the liner but overruled by the ref – getting to be a bit of a habit against Frickley teams….) & quickly doubled their lead in the opening 15 mins. We settled midway through the 1st half, a change of formation managed to get a grip of their well drilled opposition and they scored a good goal through the inform Bailey Cowsell (that’s 6 goals in 6 games for Bails). With half time approaching Callum Beaumont hit the crossbar with a great header from a Joe Cooney corner as the visitors were now having their best period of the game, Joe Wilson & Bailey Cowsell all had efforts saved as they pushed for an equaliser.
But unfortunately they conceded again just before half time when a ball wasn’t cleared 3-1 half time to the hosts.
The next goal was vital now, unfortunately for Frickley the home side scored when a cross from the right hand side eluded Dylan Sefton into the far top corner in the opening 10 mins, 4-1 looked a long way back.
Our boys, to their credit, got off the canvas again & scored a great goal when a Harry Alexander free kick found Wilfey Woodham who superbly fired home on the half volley 4-2 with 30 minutes left.
The home side increased their 3 goal cushion when Frickley failed to intercept a cross from the left, unfortunately the visitors ran out of steam and conceded 2 more late goals.
7-2 was a bit harsh on the young Frickley side but we have to be honest & i2i were the better side on the night & fully deserved their win (I hate having to type phrases like that….)
The Bob Smith MOTM went to 16 year old Alfie Studd who was making his 1st start and was superb throughout showing his versatility playing midfield & defence. Well done Alfie mate, another youngster making the step up from Frickley U18s, & he’s much better looking than his dad – Alfie pictured for proof (sorry Mark!!)
