NCEL round-up: Frickley’s late comeback in vain as they drop into bottom two
Frickley Athletic dropped into the bottom two in the NCE Premier Division after a fourth successive defeat.
Martyn Woolford’s men have been competitive in all of the games, but are finding ways to lose and need to turn things round quickly.
In their latest match at home to Handsworth they found themselves two down in the first 14 minutes and conceded a third before half-time, but never gave up and almost snatched an unlikely point.
Despite still being three down going into the last 10 minutes they had the visitors hanging on at the end as Liam Flanagan and Jayden Roberts netted to set up a grandstand finish that the Blues could not quite pull off.
In stoppage time a succession of shots were blocked before Elliott Andrew headed over then Flanagan fired another chance narrowly wide as Frickley fell agonisingly short of an amazing comeback.
They are looking for a change of fortune at Campion on Wednesday evening before turning attentions back to the FA Vase with a second qualifying round tie at FC St Helens on Saturday. The Blues also host Dearne & District next Tuesday.
A late goal by Jack White earned Kinsley Boys a share of the spoils with a 2-2 draw at home to Club Thorne Colliery in the NCE Division One.
They were trailing to a Marc Newsham goal after just three minutes and the task got even harder when Zavier Elkin-Sheppard was red carded on 40 minutes.
But they stayed in the contest and levelled on the stroke of half-time when man of the match Harry Mills netted.
Despite being a man down Kinsley dominated the second period and it was against the run of play when Deven Hannan restored Thorne’s lead 15 minutes from time.
The visitors looked set to go away with all three points only for White to pop up with a calm finish in the second minute of added time to make it 2-2.
Kinsley travel to play fellow NCE newcomers LIV this Saturday and host South Leeds next Tuesday.
Hemsworth MW battled to a third successive Division One draw as they were held 1-1 at home by Athersley Recreation.
Despite missing a number of regulars they were the better side in the first half and deservedly led through Andy Horbury’s diving header.
Athersley came more into the game after the break and equalised through Nathan Perks.
Hemsworth are away to third from bottom Crowle Colts this Saturday.