A ray of hope flickers in the skyA tiny star lights up way up highAll across the land, dawns a brand new mornThis comes to pass
When Martins boys are on form
So Martin, Tony & Bobs Young Azzuri saw out 2024 the same way they see out most occasions, with another thumping win – don’t forget that since Martins various teams first kicked a ball in September 2022, they’ve only lost 2 competitive matches – which is a bit WOW don’t you think??
So a rarity – the mighty Ken Whitehead missed this game as he was sunning himself in Tossa for a few days – was matched by something that is anything but a rarity, our Young Blues putting a team to the sword
We were on our travels again (& I got lost driving through Leeds……again) & finished 2024 in style with a superb away victory with a great all round team performance. We had 6 U17’s in the starting line up & another 3 on the bench which is a credit to Frickley’s Academy set up & hopefully a bright future to all involved.
We took control of the game early on & were unfortunate not to take an early lead with strikers Josh Haigh, Harrison Rowley & Bailey Cowsell all going close. After several corners Frickley took the lead after 20 mins when the talented Joe Cooney crossed for Harrison Rowley to score from close range, Josh Haigh then doubled the lead by coolly going round the advancing keeper to score after running onto another assist from Joe Cooney. The boys were playing some lovely football and creating several chances, the influential Joe Cooney hit the bar with a great long range effort & Bailey Cowsell didn’t want to be outdone so he struck both post & crossbar. Josh Haigh was running riot down the left & he superbly crossed for Harrison Rowley to fire home for no 3 & his second goal of the night just before half time.
2nd half continued in much the same as the 1st half had ended with Frickley on top and looking to increase their lead, midfielders Tom Cotson & Harry Alexander were conducting everything from midfield with young full backs Ben Jennings & Wilfey Woodham providing outlets out wide. This they did when did when Joe Cooney continued with his impressive performance by slotting a slide rule pass to play in Bailey Cowsell who coolly fired into the bottom corner, 4-0.
RIASA to their credit never gave up and scored a good goal when a corner wasn’t cleared, Frickley though stuck to their principles of playing attractive football and were awarded a penalty when sub Dwight Addai was brought down in the box. Up stepped defender Callum Beaumont who coolly slotted the ball home sending the GK the wrong way. Another 2nd half sub, Joe Wilson, played in Bailey Cowsell who skillfully fired past the advancing keeper to get his second of the game & our 6th
With time running out Dwight Addai was brought down again in the box, another penalty was awarded but this time young full back Wilfey Woodham unfortunately rattled the bar from 12 yards (apparently the crossbar was still shaking this morning – he really leathered his penner)
That was the final kick off the game as the referee blew for full time and Frickley’s young guns had finished the calendar year of in style with a great 6-1 victory.
The man of the match was awarded jointly to the super talented Joe Cooney & the outstanding full back Wilfey Woodham who both showed they have a very bright future, well done lads !!!
Personally I would like to thank Martin, Tony & Bob was giving us another feast of football so far this season – business as usual as Martin calls it!
We would also like to say thanks to all the players, parents, families & supporters for their continued support throughout 2024 and we look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year!! If you only make 1 resolution in 2025, watching these boys more often would be a good one
Finally thank you to everyone who works behind the scenes to get these games on – we see you!
