Worsbrough Bridge U23s 1 Frickley U23s 3
7 up for the U23s!
Frickley Athletic U23s started 2023 with a hard fought 3 points against a tough Worsbrough Bridge U23s side to make it 7 wins out of 7.
Charlie Clegg got us off to a great start when his deflected shot looped over the unfortunate home keeper after a great interception and through ball from Lee Jordan.
The Young Azzurri were defending the bottom of the slope in the first half and they had to withstand a lot of pressure, defenders Brandon Murillo, Danny Selwood and Ross Nowodny stood tall to restrict the home side to just a few half chances. Frickley keeper Ross Pritchard stood tall on an emotional night for him, and he was forced into a couple of decent saves and a timely interception with his head to keep the Young Briggers out.
Just as the half was coming to an end the talented Wade Ripley, who’s quality stood out again for Frickley, was played through superbly by Ben Ellison-Tope to find himself through on goal, the Worsbrough keeper could again consider himself unfortunate as he saved well with his legs only to see the ball spin away to Robbie Wood to head in at the far post.
At the start of the second half the hard working Robbie Wood was clean through with only the keeper to beat but unfortunately for him the keeper made another great save with his legs as he tried to play the ball round him. The visitors withstood further Worsbrough pressure as the game was full on now, no prisoners were taken on either side with several heated moments, which the referee did really well in dealing with to be fair.
Charlie Glegg had a goal bound effort cleared superbly of the line by a home defender, Danny Selwood fired over a volley when found by another Wade Ripley assist. Midway through the second period Frickley got their third goal when substitute George Bland sprayed a signature 50 yard pass to the feet of Robbie Wood who squared the ball to the super Wade Ripley to skillfully fire a left footed shot into the far corner.
You would have thought it was game over, but Worsbrough didn’t give up and scored a consolation goal with 5 minutes to go when the unfortunate Ross Pritchard’s attempted clearance only found a home striker who lobbed the ball into the empty net from a difficult angle.
Time had run out for the home side with the Young Azzurri winning 3-1 which was probably about right in the end, with Frickley being more clinical in front of goal. However, credit must go to the Worsbrough side for giving their all and hats off to the groundsman for getting the game played.
The Bob Smith man of the match award went to Callum Beaumont who stepped into midfield after playing most of the season at centre half and he epitomised his side’s performance. Hardworking, brave in the tackle, he took a few blows but ultimately showed the right quality and desire to ensure his side collected all 3 points with an outstanding performance against second placed Worsbrough.
Next up:
Wednesday 18th January – away friendly v West Yorkshire Police
