West Bridgford 3 v Clifton all Whites 1

West Bridgford Finish the Season In Style

The game wasn't a classic but West Bridgford have now comfortably retained there place in the league with their third victory on the trot. Due to Saturday cricket taking priority at Regatta Way in May, Clifton kindly agreed to host the game.
On a hot Bank Holiday weekend day, Bridgford quickly got into their stride. Akim Akimbinu had an early dribble before his long range shot went wide of the left post. Will Daly's good form continued and he was finding plenty of space overlapping from the left full back position. Jaylee Hodgson was again defying his age and was involved in plenty of the Bridgford moves. Clifton were looking dangerous on the break and in the 25th minute Danny Rigley had to pull off an exceptional save from a powerful Nikki Kannerdale volley. Bridgford should have gone ahead shortly afterwards when Josh Kwadu found himself in a 2 v 1 situation near goal but his shot went straight at the away team's goalkeeper. With 15 minutes to go before half time Ross Haig charged down a goalkeeping clearance and the ball rolled 30 yards off his body into the net to make it 1-0.
Just after the restart Dave Erentz appeared to clear the ball with a last ditch tackle but the referee judged that it had been dangerous. There were no Bridgford complaints though and the Clifton attacker needed treatment. Kennerdale then stepped up to take the penalty and Rigley pulled off an excellent save to keep the 'home' team in the lead. Clifton were now having the better of the game. Goalkeeper Rigley was booked after charging out and colliding with an attacker.
The second half therefore began with Bridgford leading. Clifton continued to threaten but in the 70th minute Will Heath followed up an Akimbinu shot to score and give Bridgford a 2 goal advantage. Clifton got a deserved goal back when Colbi Brown capitalised on a good Clifton interception to storm down the right wing and fire in an excellent shot. Bridgford ahd a couple more notable attempts at goal Will Heath having a long range shot turned over and Dave Erentz similarly with a header. Well into added on time Bridgford got a controversial late third when Kwadu received a through pass but looked well offside. He rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home to make the win a 3-1 one.
West Bridgford can now look forward to another season in the East Midlands Counties League.