Official Frickley Athletic Website

The Blues’ reserves returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 home win against a physical visiting Sheffield team. The Blues playing against a blustery wind did have the better of several limited chances but the first half went largely unnoticed. However, the blues looked a different outfit on the resumption and they scored within minutes of the restart with Chris Dwyer cleanly heading the ball into the net from a Ryan Till pinpoint cross. Till was again involved with Frickley’s second goal when his corner kick found Tom Grindel who headed acutely to improve the blues advantage. The game was put beyond doubt when some fine interplay between Rico Young and Calum Selby enabled Grindel to burst through to fire a shot pass the advancing goalkeeper. Frickley’s defence was never under threat and further raids by Till, Young and Selby could have resulted in an improved score line, but a 3-0 result reflected a good 2^nd half performance. Chris Dwyer was voted MOM with Grindel also shining.

Despite fielding a much depleted team due to injuries and work
commitments the blues' reserves gave a spirited performance before
finally going down 2-0. Prior to kick-off the young blues witnessed what
can only be described as the downside of local football. On Frickley's
arrival to the ground, the Caribbean squad were engaging in internal
verbal insults at one another, which then developed into fist-fights.
Despite this the referee decided that the game should go-ahead, and the
young blues to their credit took the game to the home team and were
instantly rewarded when Rico Young was brought down inside the penalty
area. Ashley Vickers stepped up to take the spot-kick, only to see his
shot shave the post and out of play. This not deter the visitors and
again Young and Vickers had several close shots whiz by the posts. The
blues however suffered a set back toward the end of the half when slack
marking allowed Caribbean to take the lead with a header at the back
post. On the resumption new blues' keeper Ryan Tolley kept Frickley in
the fray with some fine saves with Young, Vickers and Adam Wolfe going
close at the other end. Frickley's hopes ended in the 80th minute when
Caribbean took advantage of a high frickley line to steal the game,
although Frickley never stopped trying in the closing minutes. Young,
Vickers and Wolfe shone for Frickley.

Sheffield Centralians 3 Frickley reserves 2

The Blues' reserves were unfortunate to lose this Sheffield County
League encounter going down by the odd goal to their division 2
opponents. Frickley got off to a dream start when Adam Wolfe and Rico
Young combined to see Young slot the ball home comfortably past the home
keeper. The response was immediate from the home team, converting a
corner, and then pushing the advantage from two defensive errors gifting
the opposition with two goals to see them go in 3-1 down at half time.
The Blues pushed forward to get on terms and Young again produced a
power drive to pull back some advantage and then the Blues had a blatant
penalty turned down as Young was pole-axed inside the opposition's
penalty area. Both team exchanged shots at either end, but the Blues
couldn't find the all important equaliser. Young, Ryan Till and Chris
Dwyer shone for Frickley. The reserves have no game this week

Frickley's reserves bowed out of the Sheffield Association Challenge Cup at the first hurdle without really threatening their close neighbours Upton in this lack-luster fixture. Frickley started the brighter but the final pass wasn't forthcoming, whilst the blues' keeper never faced a shot at goal during the first period. Frickley changed their formation in the second period by going for a more attacking style, but Upton exploited the flanks and wizardry wing play saw the visitors take the lead mid-way through the half. Frickley huffed and puffed but to no avail and Upton saw out the closing stages to deservedly progress through to the next round.

Frickley's reserve team came through a penalty shoot-out following extra-time against visiting Thorncliffe to progress through to the next round of the Sheffield County Senior League Cup. The Blues welcomed back Ryan Till and Callum Hardy to the side, which gave the blues a much needed boost following recent results. The home team started the brighter with several penetrating raids from Young and Warden but unfortunately the duo couldn't find the target in the opening stages. Fortunes changed mid-way through the half when Pinnell seized the opportunity to take a quick free-kick from 20 yard to give Frickley a well deserved lead. The blues lost the momentum in the second period although Warden and Grindel missed good opportunities to wrap up the cup-tie but it was the visitors who levelled 10 minutes from time with a well-taken shot. End to end exchanges could have won it for both teams but normal time was played out with neither teams scoring. Some clinical fouling from the visitors brought an array of yellow cards against them and Frickley's appeal for two penalties in the closing stages of extra-time went unnoticed. The subsequent shoot-out resulted in Frickley and the visitor's missing their first penalty, with both sides slotting home their next three spot-kicks. It was left to the blues' keeper Chris Dwyer to save the visitor's final penalty leaving Till to blast home the winner for Frickley.

Team: Dwyer, Firth, Laight, Bedford, Stanley, Grindel, Pinnell, Hunter, Till, Young, Warden Subs: Hardy, Thorpe, Drinkall, Wolfe

The reserve side got back on the points trail with a vastly improved performance at Penistone at the weekend. They travelled with a good line up, despite having lost 2 players to the first team.

Frickley started the game in fine style, retaining possession and making it difficult for the home side to settle. The opening twenty minutes brought no less than 6 Frickley corners, but they were unable to turn the pressure into a much deserved goal.

As is often the case in games of this nature, the home side managed to break the deadlock completely against the run of the play. A hopeful cross into the Frickley penalty area caused no real problem, but a momentary lack of concentration in the heart of defence saw the cross find its way to a Penistone striker, who was able to role the ball into the now empty net.

The goal was good for the game, as it appeared to inspire the home side and the game became a much more even affair for the 20 minutes either side of half time. Frickleys continued pressure however resulted in a much deserved equaliser after 35 minutes, as Warden, playing up front for the first time for Frickley, coolly rounded the advancing keeper on the edge of the box to role the ball home.

The second half continued in the same manner, with Frickley playing “a passing game” in what was turning into a good game of football. As the match entered its final quarter, it was Frickley who again looked the stronger and the game could have been won in the last 5 minutes when the ball broke for Dwyer, whose strike rattled back of the post.

Whilst it was disappointing not to have come away with all 3 points, the performance was reward itself. The back four rarely looked under any real pressure and some good football was played through the middle of the park. Both young strikers did well, and whilst everyone played their part, particular mention must go to Young, who worked tirelessly up front and caused the much more experienced Penistone defence no end of problems. His reaction to possibly the worst tackle ever committed not resulting in a dismissal, was exemplary.

Frickley reserves produced a lacklustre performance and probably their poorest display to date, going down by 3-0 to a team sitting mid-way in the league table. Frickley started brightly with Rose, Grindel and Young going close but then suffered a set-back mid-way in the half when the home team took advantage of some poor defending. Frickley’s demeanour and lack of enthusiasm for the game saw their opponents increase the lead after the interval and then saw them add a third just before the close. The only consolation from the game was Chris Dwyer’s untiring performance.

The Blues' reserves returned to winning ways following their mid-week defeat by comfortably beating Sheffield's De La Salle in what proved to be a very competitive game.

Opening exchanges saw both teams go close but it was Ian Robinson who opened the scoring with an individual effort after 30 minutes. Frickley's stand-in keeper Chris Dywer dealt comfortably with the visitor's sporadic raids and Young and Rose came close for the Blues just before half-time.

The visitor's came out for the second period with much renewed vigour and pushed the blues' back during the opening periods, although De La Salle suffered a set back after 60 minutes when the referee sent off a player for abusive language. Frickley took full advantage of the situation and new signing
John Allatt smashed in a goal from 18 yards to increase Frickley's lead. The game was eventually over when Warden fed a through ball to Shane Rose who ran round the keeper and slotted the ball home for a 3-0 advantage.

The Blues continue their Sheffield County Senior league fixtures with a visit to Bramley Sunnyside Juniors on Saturday 23rd September, kick-off 3pm.

Frickley's reserves unbeaten run came to end on Wednesday evening against one of the leading runners in the Sheffield County Senior League. Frickley began brightly and retained large amounts of possession without really threatening the away team's goal, and it was no surprise when a misplaced pass in midfield found a Thorncliffe player who unleashed a 25 yard effort to open up the scoring. This inspired the visitors to attack Frickley at every opportunity and the blues goal came under continual threat, although stand-in Keeper, Vickers, dealt competitively with the visitors raids. Going in at half-time one goal in deficit, the Blues resumed with a new found vigour and played the better football of the two teams in the opening periods of the second half.
Firstly, Pollock had a well placed header cleared off the line and then Grindel, after a good run and cross by Young, missed by a whisker as the Blues pelted the Thorncliffe goal. Pollock again failed unluckily to turn a cross toward goal and then Rose had a few distance shots wiz by the post. Sporadic raids by Thorncliffe could have put the game out of view for the blues but largely it was the home team applying pressure in chasing for the equaliser. Deliberate time-wasting added extra minutes to the game but the blues failed to find the net for the first time this season. The Blues entertain De La Salle at home on Saturday 16 September, kick-off 3.00pm.

Injuries and first team duties left the reserves with a depleted squad as they prepared for the top of the table clash with Sheffield Bankers, although two late signings ensured that a full eleven were available.

The new look back four settled well and denied the Bankers any real goal scoring opportunities as the hosts dominated the opening 20 minutes. As the game wore on however, Frickley become more and more confident and took the lead on 30 minutes, with YOUNG beating the advancing keeper with a clinical strike from the edge of the box. From this point on Frickley were playing the better football and created two good opportunities as the first half drew to a close.

The second period was much the same as the first, with the home side having lots of possession, but failing to break down what was beginning to look like a more than competent defensive unit. However a momentary lack of concentration saw the Bankers draw level when they latched on to a miss placed pass as Frickley tried to play the ball out of defence. The away side however immediately regained the lead when GRINDEL got in front of his marker to fire home from the edge of the 6 yard box. The remaining 20 minutes was pretty much end to end, although Frickley should have been sewn the game up when Robinson and Young both had a clear chance. Frickleys stand in keeper, Dwyer, came under pressure for the first time in the closing ten minutes, saving well at the feet of the oncoming striker. Just when it looked as if all three points were in the bag, the ever fussy referee inexplicably awarded a free kick to the home side for an innocuous challenge by a Frickley defender. The kick resulted in a corner for the home side, from which they headed home the equaliser with 2 minutes to go.

Frickley Reserves : Dwyer, West, Laight, Bedford, Ford, Warden, Pinnell, Grindel, Rose, Young, Robinson.

Wed 6th September - Sheffield Everest 2 Frickley reserves 5

Frickley reserves consolidated their league position with an emphatic
victory over a physical Sheffield team despite playing without a
recognised goalkeeper due to work commitments. Playing on a tricky
surface the blues dominated play from the onset with Shane Rose breaking
clear of the home defence to open the blues' scoring. An instant
equaliser by Everest didn't damp the blues enthusiasm and goals by Ian
Robinson and Mark Crossfield provided a 3-1 lead going to into half
time. The Blues maintained the tempo in the second period and Robinson
proving to be a thorn in the home defence scored from close range.
Everest rallied to pull back a goal back, but the blues increased their
advantage when Scott Turner turned several home defenders inside out and
then rounded the keeper to tuck the ball neatly into the empty goal. The
Blues' reserves visit Sheffield Bankers on Saturday 9th September;
players meet at away ground for 2pm.

The Blues' reserves moved to the top of the Sheffield County Senior
League with a comfortable home win against their Sheffield opponents.
The blues welcomed back Ascroft, Turner and West from 1st team duties
with Hardy and Grindel moving to the bench. The first period saw
Frickley struggle against a swirling wind and it was no surprise that
the visitors took an early lead from a set play move. Frickley gradually
clawed their way back into the game and Rico Young and Scott Turner had
several shots go close but Frickley went in at half-time one goal in
deficit. Frickley introduced Hardy and Grindel early into the second
half and this injected a new found vigour with Turner scoring after 5
minutes with a well taken chip over the advancing keeper. Sheffield came
under some strong pressure and a sliced clearance found the back of the
net to give the Blues the advantage. A spell of persistent pressure from
the blues saw Rose felled outside the penalty area and Till's quickly
taken free-kick saw the blues increase their lead. Frickley produced a
passing game that frustrated their opponents resulting in a series of
free kicks. The game petted out but Sheffield reduced the arrears with a
surprise goal in the closing minutes.

Man of the match: Ryan Till

Sat 26th August - Millmoor Juniors 2 Frickley Reserves 2

The Blues' reserves came back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a well earned draw in their Sheffield County Senior League encounter against Rotherham's Millmoor Juniors. The blues started brightly and were unlucky not to go ahead with Rico Young having two close range efforts thwarted by the home keeper. End to end exchanges saw both teams go close but the scores remained goalless at half-time. Frickley's young reserves began the second half solidly and the midfield duo of Till and Pinnell dominated long spells of play, however an uncharacteristic error from goalkeeper Milner allowed Millmoor to take the lead. A further mix-up in Frickley's defence provided another opportunity and the home team duly increased their lead. Frickley changed their formation to a
more attacking style and were rewarded instantly when Robinson's cross was turned in by Young. Robinson proved to be a thorn in the home defence and his mazy run and cross was met by substitute Grindel who smashed the ball in the net to bring Frickley back on equal terms. The Blues' keeper, Milner, saved bravely at the feet of a Junior attacker only to leave the field with a serious cut above the eye, which saw Bates tend the goal leaving the Blues with 10-men to see out the closing stages.

The reserves make their home Sheffield County Senior League debut on
Saturday 2nd September against Sheffield Athletic, Kick Off 3.00pm.

The Blues' reserves completed their pre-season friendlies with an emphatic victory over a spirited Thorpe Audlin side. Fielding an experimental under 19 team the Blues took time to adjust and Thorpe Audlin were unlucky not to take the lead with Wilson going close on
several occasions. The Blues settled into the game mid-way through the first half and were instantly rewarded when Young passed the ball into an empty goal following a Robinson cross. The visitors responded immediately and equalised following a mix-up in the home defence. Both teams had opportunities to take the lead but some excellent goalkeeping
ensured that the scores remained level at half-time. On the resumption the Blues lifted the tempo and scored two goals in quick succession, Robinson with his first and Frickley's second and Young increased his tally to give Frickley a deserved 3-1 lead. Frickley's slick passing game frustrated the visitors and Turner completed a 5 man move with a cracking drive from 20 yards. Robinson netted his second with an individual effort enabling Frickley to run out comfortable winners.

The Blues' reserves start their league campaign on Saturday 26th August with a visit to Rotherham's Millmoor Juniors.

Team: Green, Bates, Firth, Hampton, trialist, Turner, Ciss, Ashcroft, trialist, Young, Robinson

Thu 10th August - Frickley Reserves 5 Sturdy Lads 0

Frickley's reserves continued their improvement with a comfortable victory over Barnsley Sunday Leaguers 'Sturdy Lads'. Again the Blues fielded mostly an under 21 team with 1st teamer Steve Robinson providing the experience in mid-field. The blues' early attacking football presented the visitors with all sort of problems especially with the pace of Turner, Young and Ciss and on 20 minutes Robinson's slide rule pass found Rico Young who outstripped the defenders to coolly slot the ball home. Further raids should have resulted in more goals, but the efforts of the visitor's keeper ensured that Frickley only had the one
goal advantage going into half-time. The Blues lifted the tempo in the second period and within 10 minutes of the resumption Oliver Pinnell rose above the defence to head in a powerful header from a Turner corner. Robinson made in 3-0 with a well taken spot kick and Ashley Vickers was rewarded for his forward forays with two goals in quick concession.

Team: Andrew Naylor; Nick Bates (Ryan Till); Craig Laight; Oliver Pinnell; Chris Dywer; Steve Robinson (Craig Walton); Scott Turner (Ashley Vickers) James Ashcroft; Adam Fretwell (Andy Birkett); Rico Young (Carl Wilson); Manabo Ciss

The reserves play their final friendly game at home against Thorpe Audlin on Wednesday 16 August, Kick-off 7.00pm.

Frickley reserves produced their best performance to date going down 3-2 to North East Counties Winterton Rangers. The Blues had large parts of possession in the first half and the midfield trio of Tracey, Ashcroft and Turner produced high quality slick passing. Frickley were rewarded on 20 minutes when Liam Radford cut inside the Winterton defence to
slide the ball past the home keeper for a deserved lead. On the 30 minutes striker Carl Wilson was rewarded with his persistence when he chased down the home defence and lobbed the ball over the keeper to give Frickley a 2-0 advantage. Frickley never looked in danger, but Ryan Till unfortunately gave a needless penalty away in the remaining minute of
the first period enabling Winterton to reduce the arrears. In the second period Winterton came more into the game and Frickley were pushed deeper into their own half resulting in Winterton equalising from a corner from the left. Several sporadic raids by Turner and Crossfield could have earned the blues' a victory, but the home team stole the game in the
last seconds when Blues' keeper Byrom Heckler failed to deal with a cross, although he was dubiously challenged by the Winterton forwards.

Team: Bryrom Heckler; Ryan Till; Craig Laight (Andy Birkett); Oliver Pinnell; Chris Dwyer (Tom Grindel); Scott Turner; Richard Tracey; James Ashcroft; Carl Wilson; Mark Crossfield (Ian Robinson); Liam Radford

The reserve team play their final friendly game on Thursday 10th August at home against Barnsley Sunday League division 1 team - Sturdy Lads, Kick-off 7.30pm.

A reasonable crowd watched Kinsley Boys win 3-1 in a lively and generally clean friendly. Adam Fretwell went close for the Blues before Boys took a 17th minute lead, Damon Liddle sliding an angled shot past Ian Robinson.

A minute later, Sean Hammonds improved Kinsley's advantage with a slick finish, but Ashley Vickers went close with a 35 yard free-kick for the visitors before Boys struck again in the 37th minute, a curling cross from Mick Tomes dropping over Robinson and just inside the far post.

On the stroke of half-time, Adam Fretwell got down the left and knocked in a pass for Chris Dwyer whose shot was deflected off the home line.

Robinson continued to be tested in the second half, saving well from Andy Davis in the 65th minute and blocking a free-kick by Hammonds seven minutes later.

A good Frickley attack led to Scott Turner firing just wide in the 76th minute, while Robinson did well to hold a 20 yard drive from Hammonds after 81 minutes.

The Blues gained a last minute consolation when Liam Radford intercepted a clearance and drilled the ball into the net from 20 yards.

Frickley's squad was: Ian Robinson, Danny Womack, Chris Dwyer, Ryan Till, Andrew West, Craig Laight, Mamadou Ciss, Oliver Pinnell, Carl Wilson, Ashley Vickers, Scott Turner, Liam Radford, Andy Birkett, Callum Hardy, Tom Parkinson, Adam Fretwell, Nick Bates, Rico Young, Dave Hirst, Liam Womack, James Ashcroft.

The Blues fielded an under 21 team to play new Northern Counties East League newcomers Nostell, with the Blues having the advantage in the opening 15 minutes. However, Nostell took the lead when a well driven corner found former Frickley player Wilkinson, who headed in from close range. Frickley fought back and Wilkinson was again involved only this time to deliberately handle the ball from a goal bound shot. Crossfield stepped up to take the penalty, but the home keeper dived low to his right to parry the ball back to Crossfield, who then turned the rebound over the bar. Frickley created further chances when Vickers and Rose went close, but the blues were one goal in deficit reaching half-time. Nostell came out in the second period and produced several early chances, particularly with the pace of Gilbert causing trouble to the blues defence. Gilbert was rewarded mid-way through the half when he turned in a well delivered cross from the left to put Nostell two goals clear. Frickley made seven substitutions with 30 minutes remaining, including three 16-year olds, who adapted well to this level of football. Local player Carl Wilson caused Nostell problems and was unlucky when a 20 yard drive went close, just missing the post. The blues gave a credible performance and have a several friendlies before their 2006/7 campaign in the Sheffield County Senior League, which starts August 26 (see fixtures).

Team: Giles, Hardy (Womack D.), Laight, Birkett (Bates), Dwyer, Robinson (Hirst), Pinnell (Grindel), Till (Fretwell) , Rose, Vickers (Young), Crossfield (Wilson)

The next game for the reserves is Thursday 3^rd August v Kinsley away, Kick Off 7.00pm

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