Liversedge v Clipstone match report

Clipstone brought their 2015/16 league campaign to a close with a defeat at a soggy Clayborn Ground

Toolstation Northern Counties East – Premier Division
Thursday 28 April 2016
At Clayborn Ground, Cleckheaton
Liversedge (1) 4
Brook 11 Igiehon 50 52 Chibaro 54
Clipstone (0) 1
Walker 69
Attendance : tbc

Clipstone:
Bookings: Royles, Langley
Report by Jim McIntosh (@Realalerunner)

Clipstone brought their 2015/16 league campaign to a close with a defeat at a soggy Clayborn Ground. The margin of victory would have been greater but for an inspired performance from goalkeeper Andy Francis who was standing in for Steve Hernandez.

The Cobras had a number of players unavailable due to work commitments and several late withdrawals meant manager Billy Fox had only 12 players available..

Francis made an initial double save on ten minutes to deny home side centre forward Beny Igiehom (on loan from Sheffield FC) but Liversedge opened the scoring o minute later when Tom Brook headed a corner home from close range.1-0

The pressure for the remainder of the half came exclusively from the home side but Francis ensured that there were no further additions to the scoreline.

Half time 1-0

The home side made sure of the three points with three goals in a six minute period, which almost guarantees their NCEL Premier League status next season.

A neat turn in the box and powerful shot on 50 minutes by Beny Igiehom made it 2-0 and the same player latched onto a through ball two minutes later and beat Andy Francis from close range. 3-0

A free kick by Tinotinda Chibaro then put the game out of the Cobras’ reach although it looked like the defensive wall failed to line up where Francis requested it, based on the ‘keepers’ remonstrations immediately after the goal. 4-0

Clipstone grabbed a goal back on 69 minutes when Nicky Walker latched onto as loose back pass and went round the ‘keeper and scored the Cobras’ first goal for 564 minutes. At least that particular monkey is off the players’ backs!

The visitors had a number of half chances as the game moved into the final ten minutes but were unable to grab a second goal.

Full Time 4-1

Clipstone man of the match : Andy Francis

Clipstone finish in a respectful 13th place with 55 points from 42 games, having spent most of the season in the top ten.

Clipstone’s final game of the season is the Nottinghamshire Senior Cup Final against Basford United on Tuesday 10 May, 7.45pm at Field Mill, home of Mansfield Town FC.