Official Frickley Athletic Website 

The Blues finally got off the mark as a hat-trick by Graham Lewis gave them three much needed points. With Gary Marrow taking charge of team affairs for tonight's game Steve Price was moved into the defence in place of the suspended Dean Jones (who also misses Saturday's game against Barrow) with Carl Fothergill coming in as right wing-back. Soner Zumrutel moved to left wing-back, allowing Rob Hanby to take Price's place in midfield.

In swirling wind and rain which made conditions difficult to say the least Whitby attacked from the first whistle, forcing Mark Wilkinson to punch clear on several occasions but Frickley slowly began to settle with George Santos having a low 25 yard shot well held by Whitby keeper Naisbett. The Blues took the lead five minutes later with some good build up play as Andy Evans broke down the left and played the ball in to Lewis on the edge of the box. He laid it back to Zumrutel who picked out Fothergill at the far side of the box who intelligently squared across goal to LEWIS whose first attempt was blocked by Naisbett but he slotted home at the second attempt. By now the home sides' threat had subsided whilst Santos again went close for the Blues on 15 minutes but 11 minutes later the Blues increased their lead. Zumrutel sent LEWIS racing down the left where he outpaced his marker before cutting in and confidently chipping over Naisbett from the edge of the box. Shortly before half time the home side threatened briefly, flashing a header just wide from a free-kick just over half way.

Two minutes after the break Simon Collins went close to extending the Blues' lead with a 25 yard effort which went just over the bar but the home side pulled a goal back on 52 minutes with Robinson heading in from close range from a right wing cross. Whitby briefly pushed forwards but, as was the same for both sides, attacks often broke down in the difficult conditions. On 58 minutes Naisbett came to the edge of his box to kick clear but sliced the ball into the air with it falling to Evans but, under pressure, he shot wide. Lewis then shot straight at Naisbett from 18 yards as he broke clear but the Blues had to wait until the 89th minute to make sure of the win. Evans played a ball over the top for Lewis to run on to but Naisbett came out to clear only to miss his kick, allowing LEWIS to roll the ball into the empty net to ensure a morale boosting win.

Frickley Athletic : Mark Wilkinson, Fothergill, Zumrutel, Hanby, Ogley, Collins, Lewis, Price, Evans, Santos, Matt.Wilkinson. Unused subs. Duffty, Savic, Gowan.

Referee : Mr. S. Drew (Wallsend)