The Young Azzurri gave us some quality football in the first half & dug in & defended (very well) in the 2nd half to run out 1 nil winners against Yorkie Ammies. All in all, a very professional performance against the Amateurs (sorry, that’s probably not very original….)
Frickley started well – as they usually do – Edrissa shooting wide & then Sherbs got his dancing shoes on but scooped his shot over the bar.
On 9 minutes a great ball from the right ping ponged around in the box before The Sherburnator smashed it home for 1 nil.
We continued to attack but couldn’t get the decisive 2nd goal – however at the other end the defence was holding strong & James Brookes handled well in goal, & the half ended 1 nil to the Blues.
The 2nd half was played in horrendous conditions – torrential rain being blown straight down the ground by a howling wind – so massive respect to both sides for giving us a game to watch & enjoy.
Frickley gained a penalty – Sherbs showing lovely feet to get in the box but getting chopped down – Harry Brown took the penalty. Probably conscious that his penner last week was at a decent height for the keeper, he went high – but it was too high & he shot over.
Next up it became the Walshaw Show – as new signing Ethan Walshaw hit a curling free kick inches wide. Then he smashed a free kick against the bar from distance – it would have been goal of the season, any season.
Then he had a header drift just wide, a feat matched by Liam Carrick.
The Young Blues remained resolute at the back & saw the game out with good game management to earn a well deserved win & also keep their first clean sheet of the season.
Standouts – I think we have to give a mention to every player on both sides for playing through the 2nd half. Up top Sherbs & Kyle Simpson did well. Mahine & Edrissa battled well in a game that didn’t suit their usual running game & Harry Brown looked strong. But the defensive unit take the glory tonight – Walshaw & Hancock were a great pairing & Liam Carrick showed great determination, playing a lot of the 2nd half as a wing back.
The Gaffers thoughts on the game
The Skippers thoughts on the game
A well earned win – the lads overcame their tendency to have a ‘mad’ 15 minutes where they sometimes continue 2 or 3 goals in rapid succession.
Next up our 21s are away to Farsley Celtic U23s on Monday 16th March, kick off 7:45pm
