RIASA Bradford U23s 3
Frickley U23s 0
Some days it’s just not your day – last night a group of very good young footballers had one of them – it just didn’t click. On those occasions you just have to take your medicine (as the mighty Dave Frecklington used to say) AND you win or you learn (as the mighty Ken Whitehead often says)
The game was 2nd v 3rd, with the team sitting second deservedly running out comfortable winners in the end as we were forced into 5 changes with injuries & players being not available but on paper we still looked to have a really strong squad out.
The Young Azzurri actually started confidently, keeping possession of the ball and creating several half chances, but unfortunately the hosts then dominated for the last 30 mins without really creating a clear chance.
Frickleys defence which was marshalled by 1st team gaffer Tom Claisse & the experienced Zav Elkin Sheppard (who were helping the depleted squad out) & these two were superbly assisted by James Nicklin & Wilfey Woodham – who remarkably were playing their second game of the day – restricted the talented home side to long range efforts. One particular effort was superbly tipped around the post from Dylan Sefton when it look destined for the bottom corner, unfortunately just before the break another shot from just inside the did find the back of the net probably what the home team deserved.
Could the visitors respond 2nd half & improve? Yeah they probably did. Harrison Rowley had a close range header saved as we pushed for an equaliser but ultimately we seemed to lack the final quality in the last third of the pitch. It was not through a lack of effort with Atley Jackson & Harry Alexander trying to find a way back into the game, substitutes George Blaydes & Joe Wilson provided fresh energy along with returning Dainton Armitage who was tigerish in midfield.
Ultimately the home side had several good footballers, who were well coached, they dominated possession for large periods and scored 2 late goals to fully deserve the 3 points, no complaints from ourselves.
The main positive from the game was the Man Of The Match performance of 17 year defender James Nicklin who was outstanding from start to finish, some performance when you remember it was his second game of the day!! Congratulations James !!!
Back to a home game next week when we entertain i2i City at the Wezzie – Thursday 27th March, 7.45pm kick off. Well worth a visit – you won’t regret it
