Frickley 1 Spalding 0

The doctor will see you now....

A clinical first half finish by Carl 'The Surgeon' Stewart gave Frickley the lead & excellent game management, particularly in defence, meant that the boys maintained that lead throughout.

Sebba returned between the sticks allowing Grant Allott to move to his more accustomed role in central defence whilst the other significant change was the re-debut of Bailey Gooda & it was just like he'd never been away!!! Matt Overton, our loan signing from Doncaster Rovers & Dangerous Dan Palmer both took their first forays into active combat with the Blue Army.

An early chance saw Haze having a decent dig but it went just wide. However it didn't take long for Frickley to open their account - a long ball forward saw Stewy break through the Spalding defence & control the ball beautifully before taking it into the box & ending with a precise finish.

Then Duggie hit (the first of many) quality balls into the box but it evaded 3 or 4 forwards & all the defence & the goal sadly. Nodder & Bloor combined well to get the ball into the box, Gav had a shot saved then the follow up shot was blocked. Towards the end of the half, Haze tried one of his special free kicks, which found Gav but he couldn't get his shot off.

HALF TIME - FRICKLEY 1 SPALDING 0

More chances early second half, first for Gav & then a cracking strike from Haze that went just over. Duggie put some lovely delivery on his corners & they created more chances that we couldn't quite get the finishing touch to.

Spalding showed a bit more intent but their main threat was from corners & the defensive unit were more than fit for purpose.

Carl Stewart picked up a knock & was replaced by Jason Yates, Bailey (Gooda) was replaced by Bailey (Fabian) & Josh Nodder allowed Matt Overton to make his debut at the Wezziecana.

The highlight of the night for me was a move where Gav didn't quite get his shot away from the edge of the box & Spalding cleared. Next thing you know & Gav is back making the tackle to win the ball back ON THE HALF WAY LINE - superb commitment from the skipper.

Duggie had a searching run & fed a lovely weighted pass to Haze who just wrapped his foot round it a bit too much & it went wide. Bloory this time to Haze, same approach & same end result - narrowly wide - but great set up play from the Blues.

Spalding tried to go for it towards the end but excellent game management by the whole team meant that it was always going to end with the right result.

FINAL SCORE - FRICKLEY 1 SPALDING 0

WEBMASTER MOTM - a thoroughly entertaining game & every Blues player played his part. The Glitterball award caused some heated debate amongst the Media Team - a case was made for Haze (who I love in this new role of his), Nodder who was a midfield engine again, Jam who marshalled the back line superbly, Duggie who had his best game in a blue shirt, Bailey was quality & Gav gave a captains knock - but it's my internet & I'm picking the winner & if you don't like it I won't play out with you ever again. Glitterball goes to Jack Burton - outstanding in midfield & helping back which followed up this performance on Saturday. Well done Sir.

246 through the gate - thank you to everyone, do come again - & that was our 5th league win in 6 games & we are in 3rd.

Next up, we're away at Kidsgrove on Saturday

Photoset courtesy of our good friend Onion Bag, currently sat in a darkened room after seeing a Frickley vs West Ham programme from the 1930s