Stamford 5 Frickley 2
The Blues stormed the first 45 minutes but eventually ran out of steam in this behind closed doors friendly against our old foes, Stamford.
Late withdrawals and an injury in the warm up meant that it was a scratch side, made up of regulars, new signings, triallists and some welcome returnees, that took to the field at The Zeeco Stadium.
Frickley lined up with Maison Campbell in goal, a back four of Josh Burns, Tyler Williams, Kern Miller and skipper Danny Burns, in midfield it was Michael Williams, Lee Frecklington, Dan Simpson and Kian Sketchley then Brad Wells and Nyle Blake were up top.
Considering the warm conditions, the game started at a hundred miles an hour, The Blues racing into a two goal lead in the first 10 minutes. Brad Wells was bundled over as he surged into the box before Michael Williams tucked away the penalty in the 8th minute. Then less than 2 minutes later, Williams picked up a ball driven into the danger area and slotted it past the keeper from a narrow angle for his and Frickley’s second.
Stamford reduced the arrears when a cross from the flanks was headed back across goal, over the keeper and into the net.
The high tempo continued with several through balls finding Wellsy and Nyle. Sadly, the liner had washed his flag last night and it was still damp so he was frantically waving it to get it dry every time the front two broke clear.
But The Blue Machine was purring, with Williams and Young Frecks working hard in the engine room, tenacious in the tackle and economical with their passing.
Kern, Tyler and the Burns brothers kept the Stamford attack to just the one chance, a stinging drive, stunningly pushed over by Campbell. HT 1-2.
The second half was a different story as The Daniels were able to bring on several substitutes, including the regular thorn in Frickley sides over recent seasons, Rob Morgan.
The fresh legs had the desired effect, Stamford scoring 3 times between the 52nd and 59th minutes to take an unassailable lead.
Stamford were kind enough to loan The Azzurri a couple of players to help out as subs, bearing in mind that most were playing their first game in well over five months (or longer in some cases).
Six minutes from the end, Stamford rounded off the scoring with their fifth goal of the day. FT 5-2.
No one likes to lose but it was an entertaining game, played in good spirits – as usual for a Frickley-Stamford game 😉
The nucleus of the Blues side was looking strong but it’s quite a while until the start of next season so there will be a fair amount of additional horse-trading to be done between now and then along with the necessary fitness work.
The standouts to these eyes were Michael Williams, Lee Frecklington, Kern Miller, Brad Wells, Nyle Blake and the Burns boys, Danny and Jacob.
At the end of the day it was just good to be back at it! Roll on August….
