Liversedge v Clipstone

Toolstation Northern Counties East – Premier Division
Saturday 22 October 2016
At The Clayborn Ground, Cleckheaton
Liversedge (1) 1
Wales 32
Clipstone (0) 0
Attendance : 195
Report by Jim McIntosh (@Realalerunner)
Clipstone were unfortunate to return from West Yorkshire empty-handed after a battling display against second-place Liversedge.

Whilst the visitors created chances of their own, a deflected first half goal proved enough to ensure all three points for the home side.

The Cobras made three changes to the team beaten by Handsworth Parramore seven days ago with Jamie Bailey returning in goal, Chris Fawcus replacing Brandon Cardwell in the centre of defence and recent signing Jordan Edridge being handed a first start with Martin Brissett dropping to the substitutes bench.

The visitors started well and an early move involving George Milner and Ellis Wall created an opportunity for captain Josh Nodder but his shot was easily saved by home ‘keeper Christian Thewlis.

Joe Austin then made a timely interception to take the ball off Vaughan Redford as Liversedge’s top scorer made a penetrating run into the box.

Play was end to end as firstly Milner picked up a loose back pass but shot straight at Thewlis and then Cobras’ man of the match Chris Fawcus did well to dispossess Joe Walton who had got into a great position for a possible shot on goal.

On 19 minutes the impressive Steve Wales made a strong run for the home side and beat four defenders but his weak shot was easily dealt with by Bailey.

The Cobras had another chance near the half hour mark when Wall controlled a long ball, cut inside and found Josh Nodder near the area. However the Cobras’ top scorer was challenged as he shot and missed the target.

The only goal of the game came after 32 minutes when Wales again ran strongly into the box. His original shot was heading towards the right hand side of the goal and appeared to be covered by Bailey but the ball then took a cruel deflection off Austin, wrong-footing the ‘keeper, and ended up in the other corner of the net. 1-0

Nodder then had two half chances for the visitors when he shot over after good work from Milner and then he had a free kick from 20 yards that was straight at Thewlis.

The Cobras best chance of the half came in added time when Milner ran onto a long through ball from Andrew Fox and drew the ‘keeper but his shot was agonisingly just the wrong side of the post.
Half Time 1-0

Steve Wales had three good chances to extend the home side’s lead early in the second period. On 51minutes he shot wide when well placed and then four minutes later Joe Austin did just enough to deny him another opportunity.

Wales’ best chance came on the hour mark when he intercepted a misplaced Chris Fawcus header and rounded Jamie Bailey but Austin was again in the right place to clear.

With the home side running out of ideas, the Cobras spotted an opportunity to get back in the game and Sam Forster and Martin Brissett came on, replacing Edridge and James Ashmore.

They created a number of chances during the last 30 minutes of the game but a lack of confidence in front of goal was once again evident.

A Milner cross from the right found Wall in space in the box but rather than look for a shooting opportunity, the midfielder elected to head the ball in the direction of Nodder, who was dispossessed by a covering defender.

Nodder then played a long ball to Martin Brissett who had time and space but his shot was wide. Sam Forster then had an opportunity on the corner of the box after a defensive slip but his finish lacked composure and was well wide.

In the final ten minutes Clipstone pressed for what would have been a deserved equaliser and there was a feeling that if they got one, then a second might follow. A penalty appeal was waived away by referee Alan Bennett after Milner went down under a challenge in the box and the same player then shot wide when a run took him as far as the six yard box.

As the game moved into added time Nodder tested Thewlis from the edge of the box but his shot was straight at the ‘keeper who gathered the ball at the second attempt.
Full Time 1-0
Clipstone man of the match : Chris Fawcus

Clipstone remain in 13th place with 20 points from 15 games.
Clipstone’s return to the same ground on Tuesday 25 October, 7.45pm for a 3rd round League Cup tie. They are then back in league action at home against Harrogate Railway on Saturday 29 October, 3pm.