Our u23s vs riasa leeds u23s – a brief match report

Frickley Athletic U23’s 4
RIASA Leeds U23s 1

Last night, when he wasn’t name dropping Wet Wet Wet songs, the mighty Ken Whitehead said ‘if you look up the dictionary definition of cruising to victory, it says Frickley vs RIASA Leeds 23rd October 2025’ which left me Wishing I Was Lucky enough to be so insightful

A much changed side from recently, due to injuries & unavailability, but the boys just carried on playing in the Martin Beaumont / Tony Jones style – popped 2 in the onion bag in the first half (probably should have been more) & repeated the feat in the 2nd half, with a solo riposte by the visitors

With the sad news that Tess & Claudia are leaving Strictly, our front 3 of Bailey Cowsell, Josh Cummins & Atley Jackson led the opposition defence a merry dance whilst the rest of the squad in general – & James Nicklin in particular – would all have got a 10 From Len

We were forced into several changes to their starting 11, with players being injured or not available, but it certainly gave opportunities to the players who came into the side. The four lads that did come into the team certainly took their chances, Lincoln Gleadall joined veteran Ryan Clements in the heart of defence and 16 year old Freddie Dale came into midfield with the returning Atley Jackson, all of them were superb for the hosts.

Atley Jackson was involved from the off & within the first 10 mins he played a lovely ball over the top for Josh Cummins to run onto & skillfully round the advancing keeper (ball went 1 side, Josh went the other – reminiscent of Pele vs Uruguay in the 1970 World Cup – Google it kids!) to pass the ball into the empty net, great start 1-0 up.

Frickley had certainly started the brighter but they had to thank Goalkeeper Alfie Denton to make a good save when the visiting wide man found himself in a good position in front of goal.

After several good chances were wasted for the home side, Joe Cooney scored a early contender for the goal of the season when a Alfie Studd cross was headed back into his path just inside the box he skillfully somehow scissors kick the dropping clearance into the far top corner of the net (reminiscent of Tom Dugdale for Frickley vs Belper away in 17/18 season – Google it kids!). Take a bow young man, a wonder strike with his so called weaker left foot, an outstanding effort!!

The hosts were 2-0 at halftime playing some good football & unfortunate not to have scored more goals if honest.

Second half started as the first had finished with Frickley on top & creating several good chances to increase their lead, stand in full back James Nicklin (who was excellent all night – his reading of the game was befitting of someone with 500 games under his belt) & Skipper Tom Cotson were driving them forward. But unfortunately they couldn’t convert any of the chances created & sometimes if you don’t take advantage you can come unstuck at the other end.

Inevitably this what happened when the visitors scored with a looping header into the far corner after they had a few good chances to score to be fair, game on with half an hour to play.

The home side needed to keep their composure & believe they would get their reward from their dominant play, & they deservedly scored a third 3 when the hard working Bailey Cowsell fed the super talented Atley Jackson who confidently ran on to the ball & coolly despatched the ball into the far bottom corner. Ice Cold!

3-1 with 15mins left to play, substitute’s Charlie Clayworth & Lucas Brown both had good chances to seal the victory after great work out wide from Atley Jackson but it was left to another super sub Diyar Mahmud who fired home at the far post to get Frickley’s 4th goal after great work from Lincoln Gleadall.

Overall the hosts probably produced their best performance of the season so far with regards to football played & chances created as they recorded their 3rd win of the season.

Bob Smith MOTM went to 2 players, Atley Jackson was the standout performer & at times he was unplayable, also young defender James Nicklin had to stand in at full back and he didn’t put a foot wrong defensively, also getting forward & putting some telling crosses into the box.

Two vastly different performances but both fully deserve their recognition – well done Atley & James

The Young Guns are on their travels next week as they look to keep their good start to the season going & it’s 2nd v 3rd in the league, so it should be a cracker

Thursday 30th October
i2i Utd v Frickley Athletic U23’s
7.45pm kick off
All away support is welcome