Frickley U23s 1
i2i Utd 4

A good while ago I boldly predicted to the mighty Ken Whitehead that the only team to beat our U23s at the Wez this season would be Em*ey – sadly my prediction fell short at the penultimate hurdle (we’ve got one more home game to play) as we succumbed to ~~Dan Marino’s Miami Dolphins~~ i2i United U23s last night

The Young Azzurri gave an uncharacteristic Jekyll & Hyde performance – taking a deserved early lead before i2i scored 2 touchdowns in the 2nd quarter & 2 more in the final 2 quarters. Despite the scoreline our defensive unit gave a really strong display last night & Alfie Denton in goal didn’t deserve to concede 4 as he gave an excellent account of himself – but that’s the way the Oreo crumbles some times…..

A disappointing evening for Frickley’s youngsters as they lost with, what looks like, quite a heavy defeat, but the reality was that the score was very harsh on the hosts.

Alfie Denton made several good saves early on as the visitors started on the front foot, but it was mainly long range efforts, which he coped with well. Frickley created the better early chances through Atley Jackson, Bailey Cowsell & Harry McCudden who were all unfortunate not to score when presented with good chances.

We took the lead midway through the 1st half when the talented Atley Jackson found Jordan Barnett who crossed for Harry McCudden to score with a far post header.

Unfortunately we couldn’t hang on to our lead very long as the visitors equalised almost immediately when a cross from the left was fired home from close range. With scores level & half time approaching 1-1 was probably a fair reflection of the half but not according to i2i as they took the lead with last kick of the 1st half this time a cross from the right was coolly slotted home at the far post, 1-2 to the visitors

The second half Frickley huffed & puffed but couldn’t create as good as chances as we did 1st half & inevitably we conceded a 3rd goal when we were pushing bodies forward, to be far it was a great strike into the top corner.

In the final minutes we then conceded a soft penalty which was despatched by the talented no 7 who had had a good game (a similar ‘offence’ was committed almost immediately at the other end but was ignored…..)

Final score 1-4, like the report started with, it was a bit harsh on the home side but the visitors probably just deserved all 3 points.

Martin & Tony & Paul & Bob told us that they were disappointed with the performance / result – but let’s put that into context, it’s probably only the 5th or 6th time they’ve said that to us in 4 seasons – every one is allowed an off night gents!!

Bob Smith MOTM went to defender Lincoln Gleadall who gave his all throughout, along with his fellow defensive partner Spencer Moses & Alfie Denton made some good saves between the sticks.

Final home game of the season is Tuesday 14th April when Frickley U23s entertain i2i City at the Wez, 7.45pm kick off – please come & support the boys & give them a good send off for this season