Frickley 2 Newcastle Town 0

Back in the game!

Midweek matches at Frickley have always been my favourite (apart from the pain in the rear of getting away from the factory in time to make it for kick off). As I drive from the Peoples Republic of Sheffield South Yorkshire (PROSSY), through the redolent landscape of the Dearne Valley & the leafy hamlets of Great Houghton & South Kirkby, with the floodlights of the football ground glistening in the distance, like a beacon calling you home & as I approach the ground the evocative sights & smells of the Wezziecana beckon you in, like The Siren luring forlorn sailors towards unknown pleasures, I think "What a time to be alive!"

& last nights game didn't disavow me of those thoughts - both sides served up a thoroughly watchable game of footy, with the Blues ultimately having too much upper hand to be denied.

Without the engine room of Patts (suspended - the Media Team were honoured by his presence briefly) & Darkenbauer (poorly - I know, Darker gets poorly like us - who knew!!), Sam Liversidge (more of him later) made his home debut in the 4 shirt & new signing Reece McGinley took a place on the bench.

It took just 6 minutes for the Blues to get their proboscides in front - tremendous battling work by Gav feeds Duggie who looked to have a great scoring opportunity for himself but he selflessly put the ball in Hazes path who smashed home an excellent finish - his 36th of the season & 59th career goal.

At times Frickleys 1 touch tiki taka was a joy to watch - in particular a 20 pass move that ended when Ben Algar shanked his cross into the keepers arms.

Then Big Daddy gaffered the defence (again) & set up Tyler Walton for a very good chance but he hit his shot at the keeper & then Duggie did some great work out wide & got a cross in for Haze who still had plenty to do & his shot was inches wide.

HALF TIME -FRICKLEY 1 NEWCASTLE 0

To no-ones surprise, the visitors came out & gave it a go at the start of the 2nd half, but the Blues comfortably dealt with it & were on the attack again - great work by Gav & Tyler sets up Duggie who managed to put a shot over from (very) close range.

On 60 minutes Algar whips in a lovely free kick - the away defence try to move out as one to play offside but a couple of the defenders didn't get the memo which left Gav & Danny Burns stood on their own in the box, & the Burns Unit with the ball at his feet. A greedy, selfish striker would have smashed it home - but not Danny. With no thought for himself he played the ball off the keeper to set up the onrushing Sam Liversidge to power home for his first goal for the club. That's the kind of spirit we've got at this club!

Time for a subby - JC replaced by Reece McGinley.

More sterling work by Big Daddy Allott sets up a chance for himself & shortly afterwards for Haze but the keeper is equal to both efforts.

Subby number 2 - Tyler Walton replaced by Dangerous Dan Palmer. Tell you what, the boy Walton can play!

Frickley saw out the game with little discomfort & were good value for the win. But well done Newcastle for making a game of it.

WEBMASTER MOTM - some good displays, Walton of course, the back line looked much more secure, Ben Algar had a very good game & McGinley looked very adept when he came on. But the Glitterball goes to Sam Liversidge - drafted into the 4 shirt, played well & scored the goal that closed the game down.

I'd like to say a brief word about Gav here - we may never see him banging in 35 goals a season again (though we remain hopeful) but he's scored 22 already & his all round game is wonderful to watch. He still knows where the onion bag is, still knows how to gaffer a defence but his wile & guile, tackling back & all round team play have been a pleasure to behold this season. Well played sir!

157 through the gate - thank you to everyone who attended & please come again.

Moving pictures courtesy of Frickley Athletic FC You Tube channel, still pictures from our good friend Onion Bag