Twelve months ago, teams in the Hutton Moor competitions used to regard Clevedon 70’s as an easy target. Give some game time to the fringe players; get the opportunity to up one’s goal tally.

But no more- rising like a phoenix from the ashes, Clevedon are now treated with respect. Their skilful low block strategy kept such luminaries as Exeter completely contained and led to them giving several free kicks away as their frustration showed.

Today Abbeymead, top of the leader board was frustrated by the incredibly disciplined play of Nigel Mcmain and Gerry Thompson of the back line, restricting any shots to long range efforts which Nigel Clarke in goal confidently dealt with. The rotation policy of bringing John Skinner and Mike Coles into the back line seamlessly carried on the growing reputation for fortress Clevedon.

The Midfield and front players battled hard to break down their equally stubborn defence but to no avail...A well-earned nil-nil draw.

Exeter came next having just beaten Rebels 4-0, but despite the relentless running and passing of Bryan Nutt, Mark Plinston, Mike Tippins and John Hughes again a nil- nil draw was secured. The man marking of the Exeter forwards by Mike Coles and John Skinner paid off restricting them to again shooting from distance. Nigel Clarke showed his England credentials with some magnificent saves, keeping us deservedly in the game.

The final game against W Rebels, fighting to prove a point was turning decidedly spikey, but the cool heads of the team kept up the attacking pressure. The breakthrough came when a brilliant diversionary run by Mark Plinston opened a channel within which Nigel McMain superbly executed a driving pass to Mike Coles who had moved in front of the goal. Mike deftly dummied a mis-kick, which wrong-footed the keeper for the goal. Nigel’s first Clevedon competitive goal.

Settling in to manage the game out, we had several decidedly aggressive incidents against us but John Hughes took over the Beckenbauer role and bossed the back of the field. Super ball control and neat passing snuffed out any danger. Icing on the cake was another Hughes special, picking up a loose ball on the half way line and travelling forward dropping a shoulder and blasting it into the top corner.

An excellent day- Thanks to Tony for his support and Eric for his Refereeing of the games.

Clevedon 0-0 Abbeymead

Clevedon 0-0 Exeter

Clevedon 2-0 Weston Rebels

Report by Pete Lyne, 70s player/manager