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Sat 20/08/05 - Clitheroe 2 Brigg Town
2 (UniBond League) Att 238 |
The Blues opened the new campaign
with a draw against a team that drew 19 matches
last season. The visitors took a very early lead
when a loose ball was fired home from close range
after 2 minutes. Clitheroe equalised after 21
minutes when Paul Stansfield waltzed his way into
the 6yard box and pulled the ball back for Mike
Wolstenholme to slot home. They took the
lead on 28 minutes when a glorious ball forward
by right back Ian Kearney was superbly controlled
by Tony Evans and then volleyed
home from 15 yards to give the Blues a 2-1 half
time lead. Both sides created further chances
after the break but Brigg who scored next with a
fortunate goal after 64 minutes. A very high ball
into the box looked to be going out at the far
post and keeper Peter Collinge back-pedalled to
cover it, only for the ball to strike the post
and bounce back across the area to be slammed
home from close range. A draw was a fair result
for a new team against a competent Brigg team.
Team : Collinge, Kearney (White), Hardwick,
Clarke, Nestor, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds,
Evans, Wolstenholme (Jackson), Johnson (Parr).
Subs : Parr, Jackson, White.
|
Tue 23/08/05 - Fleetwood Town 4
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 321 |
The
Blues were comprehensively beaten by last season's
NWCFL champions who opened the scoring after just
19 seconds. The lead was doubled after 8 minutes
when a Clitheroe attack quickly turned into a
Fleetwood counter-attack and Ian Stevens netted
his second goal. A strong wind didn't help and it
was the stroke of halftime before the home keeper
was tested by a low shot from Tony Evans.
Clitheroe enjoyed more of the play in the second
half but could not find a way past a well
organised defence. Fleetwood coasted through the
game and increased the lead after 66 minutes with
a thumping far post header from a corner. Worse
was to come on 85 minutes when their left back
ran through acres of space down the left before
drilling the ball home across keeper Peter
Collinge. The only real bright spot was a good
performance down the left wing by sub Sean White.
Team : Collinge, Kearney, Johnson (White), Clarke,
Nestor, Stansfield (Jackson), Sargeson, Reynolds,
Evans, Wolstenholme, Hardwick (Parr). Subs : Parr,
Jackson, White.
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Sat 27/08/05 - Harrogate Railway 1
Clitheroe 2 (FA Cup) Att 138 |
The
Blues won through to the FA Cup 1st Qualifying
Round with this victory in front of a sparse
crowd. Harrogate took a 5th minute lead when a
ball over our midfield left their forward clear
in space and he lobbed keeper Peter Collinge from
20 yards. Clitheroe levelled after 18 minutes
when Tony Evans nodded the ball down to Neil
Reynolds and his first time ball over the home
defence left Gary Jackson in a
race against the onrushing Harrogate keeper. The
ball fell kindly for Jacko in a near-collision
and he recovered to slot the ball into the empty
net from 15 yards. The Blues created chances in
the second half without really testing their
keeper and after a close call at the other end
with 15 minutes to go, Tommy Lawson changed the
shape of the team. This paid dividends in the 83rd
minute when Craig Sargeson created space to whip
in a left-footed inswinger from the right and Gary
Jackson nipped in front of the keeper to
head home from close range.
Team : Collinge, Clarke, Hardwick, Parr, Kearney,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Evans, Jackson,
Gidlow (White). Subs : White (not used - Nestor,
Clare, Pickup, Tinker)
|
Mon 29/08/05 - Clitheroe 2 Spalding
United 1 (UniBond League) Att 211 |
The
Blues totally dominated this game and the
scoreline could easily have been more
comprehensive. Shawbridge welcomed Simon Garner
back to the club and he played a part in the
first goal after 16 minutes. Neil Reynolds played
a good ball forward to him and his excellent pass
released Gary Jackson in on goal
and he made no mistake from 15 yards. A couple of
freekicks around the edge of the box were placed
over the Spalding bar while at the other end
keeper Peter Collinge was having a quiet
afternoon. The second half was even more one way
traffic as plenty of chances were created and
three were cleared of the line. The second goal
finally came after 66 minutes when Paul
Stansfield raced into the box and
finished with a low shot across the keeper.
Spalding missed an open goal but the same player
later made amends on 79 minutes with a good
finish as they surprisingly came into the game at
last, to reduce the final score to 2-1.
Team : Collinge, Clarke, Hardwick, Parr, Kearney,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Evans, Jackson (Dunning),
Garner. Subs : Dunning (not used - Nestor, White)
|
Sat 03/09/05 - Clitheroe 4 Bishop
Auckland 1 (UniBond League) Att 173 |
Clitheroe
came from behind with some terrific goals to beat
a strong visiting team who dominated the first 20
minutes. Their early impressive play led to them
taking the lead after 13 minutes with a close
range header and a tough encounter was in
prospect. The Blues battled for each ball and
equalised after 34 minutes when a cross-cum-flighted
shot from Craig Sargeson
deceived the keeper who fumbled the ball over the
line to leave the halftime score level. Clitheroe
continued to battle after the break and a fine
ball from Paul Stansfield released Gary Jackson
who drove into the box before crossing for Tony
Evans to score with a diving header on
68 minutes. The lead was increased after 73
minutes when Simon Garner laid the ball off for Neil
Reynolds to fire home a screamer from 25
yards. Bishop Auckland continued to look for a
way back but were exposed on 78 minutes when Craig
Sargeson picked up a clearance in his
own half and raced clear on goal before firing
home past the advancing keeper to cap a great
Blues fight back.
Team : Collinge, Clarke (Nestor), Hardwick (White),
Parr, Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds,
Evans (Clegg), Jackson, Garner. Subs : Clegg,
Nestor, White.
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Sat 10/09/05 - AFC Goole 5 Clitheroe
3 (FA Cup) Att 207 |
The
Blues slumped out of the FA Cup in contentious
circumstances after the referee dismissed Ryan
Parr after 30 minutes and then frustrated
everyone with his lack of consistency and
decisions which seemingly depended on the colour
of a player's shirt. Clitheroe were given a dream
start when Gary Jackson fired
home a loose ball after just 3 minutes. A mix-up
in the Blues defence led to Goole equalising at
21 minutes before the ref took centre stage on 30
minutes. He saw a slight tug by Ryan Parr but the
dramatic fall to earth by the Goole player made
his decision to award a penalty and send him off
(as last man) harsh, but according to the rule
book he had no other option. From that moment on
he failed to be fair and consistent and Clitheroe's
10 men were battling 12 of Goole..or so it seemed.
Goole scored from the spotkick and took a 2-1
interval lead. The match had a bizarre spell
where 5 goals were scored in 13 minutes - Goole
went 3-1 up after 53 minutes, Craig Sargeson laid
on Gary Jackson's second after
55 minutes, Goole went 4-2 up after 63 minutes, Paul
Stansfield scored after 64 minutes and
Goole scored their 5th after 66 minutes. There
were times when you forgot Clitheroe only had 10
men and they battled right to the final whistle.
This was a match they could easily have won and
with 11 players they probably would have. The
referee might have had other ideas though.
Team : Collinge, Clarke, Hardwick (Birchall),
Parr, Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson (Roberts),
Reynolds, Evans, Jackson, Garner. Subs : Birchall,
Roberts (not used - Nestor, White, Pickup).
|
Tue 13/09/05 - Clitheroe 4 Ossett
Albion 2 (UniBond League) Att 160 |
Clitheroe
played some of their best football yet to once
again fight back from going an early goal down
and winning convincingly. The visitors took the
lead after just 2 minutes when a corner was
headed home from in front of keeper Peter
Collinge. The Blues created many chances before Paul
Stansfield equalised after 23 minutes
when he somehow forced the ball over the line
following a deep low cross from Gary Jackson.
Clitheroe took the lead after 34 minutes when Gary
Jackson was released on a run into the
box and his fierce shot fizzed into the net.
Ossett squared the interval scoreline with a 45th
minute equaliser, again forcing the ball home
from close range. The second half was completely
dominated by the rampant Blues and terrific play
from everyone created chance after chance. It was
fitting that the resurgent Craig Sargeson
scored the third goal after 52 minutes when he
drilled home across the Ossett keeper. His move
out to wide right surprised many fans but manager
Tommy Lawson has rejuvenated him and is being
rewarded with some outstanding play. The game was
wrapped up after 82 minutes when Gary
Jackson again broke into the box and
fired home another stunning low shot. There is
still some work to be done at the back but this
is a much more attack-minded Clitheroe team who
look likely to score with each attack.
Team : Collinge, Clarke (Birchall), Hardwick (Roberts),
Parr, Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds,
Evans, Jackson, Garner. Subs : Birchall, Roberts
(not used - Nestor).
|
Sat 17/09/05 - Gresley Rovers 3
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 260 |
The
Blues are still struggling to take their home
form on their travels and again fell behind to
early goals - this time in each half. Gresley
scored in the 2nd minute when the ball was headed
in from close range and doubled the lead in the 7th
minute with another close range effort. The Blues
pulled one back in the 28th minute when a superb
Ryan Parr long range pass dropped over the
Gresley rightback's head and was controlled by Craig
Sargeson, who skipped around a couple of
challenges before unleashing a terrific left
footed drive from 20 yards into the top corner.
Gresley looked the more likely to score as their
defence held firm to deny Clitheroe further
chances. A couple of interval substitutions saw a
different Blues back four but it only took 3
minutes before they too were breached. A poor
pass in midfield was intercepted, the ball played
forward and quickly slammed home. Gresley
controlled the rest of the match and although
Clitheroe had the ball in some good positions
they couldn't make the final delivery that
counted. Strikers Gary Jackson and Tony Evans in
particular were well marshalled all afternoon and
will not have many harder matches than this.
Team : Collinge, Clarke (Nestor), Hardwick (Roberts),
Parr, Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds (Birchall),
Evans, Jackson, Garner. Subs : Birchall, Roberts,
Nestor.
|
Tue 20/09/05 - Kendal Town 1
Clitheroe 4 (UniBond League) Att 199 |
The
Blues finally put in an away performance to match
the home form and soundly beat a fancied Kendal
Town side. New keeper Andy Paxton replaced young
Peter Collinge in goals after serving his
suspension and manager Tommy Lawson put out a 4-5-1
formation with Tony Evans the lone front man with
Gary Jackson and Craig Sargeson wide on the
flanks. Tony Evans did a huge amount of running
throughout the game and repeatedly created space
that both Sarge and especially Jacko thrived on.
Clitheroe had a 2nd minute penalty appeal turned
down but took the lead after just 8 minutes when
Neil Reynolds found Craig Sargeson
close to the left touchline, who then skipped
around several challenges as he threaded his way
into the box and fired home from 8 yards. Both
sides created chances and it was Kendal who
equalised on 25 minutes when keeper Andy Paxton
dived well to save a long range shot but Lee
Ashcroft had followed in and forced the loose
ball home. Halftime was reached with plenty of
action but no more goals. The second half was to
match the Blues convincing performance in the
recent home win over Ossett Albion and they
completely dominated and overran the home side.
Tony Evans was making acres of space down the
right that Gary Jackson took full advantage of.
In the 51st minute he was released by another
excellent ball from Ryan Parr and caught the ball
just before the byeline before centreing superbly
for Craig Sargeson to smash home
at the back post. Gary Jackson's
speed and strength were causing all sorts of
problems for the Kendal defence and he grabbed a
couple of goals himself in the 64th and 75th
minutes to cap a fine display in an unusual
position. What seemed a strange formation at
kickoff ultimately had the desired effect and all
the players played their part in a fantastic away
victory. Roll on Kidsgrove!
Team : Paxton, Clarke, Hardwick, Parr, Kearney,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Evans, Jackson,
Garner. Subs not used : Birchall, Roberts, Nestor.
|
Sat 24/09/05 - Kidsgrove Athletic 5
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 151 |
The
Blues were given a lesson in committed physical
football on a very bobbly pitch that caused many
individual errors. Craig Sargeson was not fully
fit and took a place on the bench while Chris
Nestor replaced the suspended Ryan Parr at the
centre of defence. Simon Garner played the wide
left role and Adam Birchall took his place in
centre midfield. The first half was evenly
matched with neither goalkeeper really being
troubled and a tough battle taking place in the
middle of the park. A goalless first half looked
likely until Clitheroe conceded a freekick 10
yards inside their own half in the 45th minute.
The ball was launched into the box, over an
unmarked Darren Twigg and headed home low down
through a crowded goalmouth. The second half also
started off even but once Kidsgrove scored their
second with a close range knock-in in the 53rd
minute the balance was well and truly tilted in
their favour. Their giant number 9 Matt Rhead
robbed Tom Hardwick in the 59th minute and ran 45
yards to slot home. He grabbed his second in the
61st minute when he rose to head a high bouncing
ball in midfield and his speculative effort from
30 yards sailed over the stranded Blues keeper
Andy Paxton. By now Clitheroe were clearly second
best and only threatened the Kidsgrove goal when
Gary Jackson was moved up front alongside Tony
Evans but each attack was broken down before a
clear shot could be made. Kidsgrove wrapped the
game up in the 87th minute when their number 9
stole in and rounded the keeper and from a narrow
angle managed to get a shot on target. It was
cleared off the line at the back post but was hit
straight against the Clitheroe keeper who was
coming back from his wide position and rebounded
into the net for an obvious own goal - though
Matt Rhead claimed it to complete his hattrick.
Another potentially physical match is in store
when league leaders Fleetwood Town come to
Shawbridge on Tuesday and this will may well have
been a good example of what the young players can
expect.
Team : Paxton, Clarke, Hardwick (Roberts), Nestor
(C.Clark), Kearney, Stansfield, Birchall,
Reynolds, Evans, Jackson, Garner. Sub not used :
Sargeson.
|
Tue 27/09/05 - Clitheroe 1 Fleetwood
Town 0 (UniBond League) Att 311 |
The
Blues rose superbly to the challenge of avenging
the recent 4-0 away defeat to the unbeaten league
leaders as a very late Jacko stunner deservedly
gave them the three points. Injuries to Craig
Sargeson, Tony Evans and Chris Nestor saw another
90 minutes for Adam Birchall, an excellent debut
for local lad Alan Coar and a return for Ryan
Parr after suspension. Ian Kearney was recalled
by the injury-hit Southport so Russ Clarke moved
to centrehalf and Chris Clark made his debut at
right back. The Fleetwood keeper made two fine
saves early on from Alan Coar to keep the
rampaging Blues out while poor finishing at the
other end gave Clitheroe their first clean sheet
at half time this season. An early second half
dismissal for 2 fouls saw Fleetwood reduced to 10
men and for once the Blues were able to make the
extra man count. They continued to surge forward
and looked the team more likely to break the
deadlock but the visiting keeper Andy Banks
continued to thwart them with his clean handling
from a succession of corners. Russ Clarke pounced
on a loose ball in a crowded goalmouth following
a setpiece but ballooned his shot over the bar.
The match was set up for an exciting last 10
minutes when Neil Reynolds set up Paul Stansfield
for a 20 yard strike but his thunderous shot
cannoned back off the underside of the bar and
was cleared to safety. The Blues defence
withstood anything the visitors threw at them and
a harsh decision on 85 minutes looked like
spoiling all of their hard work. A cross played
into the box struck Ryan Parr on the arm and the
ref bizarrely pointed to the spot. Justice seemed
to have been done when Andy Paxton saved the
spotkick and the rebound was blocked and then
cleared. However, the linesman signalled that the
Blues keeper had moved too early and the ref
ordered the penalty to be retaken, only for the
same penalty-taker to send the ball high over the
bar and out of the ground. An unlikely defeat was
avoided and an entertaining goalless draw looked
the likely outcome but in the 89th minute the
ball was played up to Gary Jackson
30 yards from goal. He controlled the ball,
turned and found a yard of space to unleash a
terrific blast into the top left hand corner
beyond the otherwise unbeatable Fleetwood keeper.
There were scenes of great joy on the pitch and
terraces as the final whistle went and the league
leaders, and great rivals, had finally been
beaten this season.
Team : Paxton, C.Clark, Hardwick, Parr, R.Clarke,
Stansfield, Birchall, Reynolds, Coar, Jackson,
Garner. Subs not used : Roberts, Gidlow, Johnson.
|
Sat 01/10/05 - Bridlington Town 1
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 145 |
The
Blues' awayday blues returned and they fell to a
disappointing defeat at the hands of a very
ordinary side on a pitch they should have thrived
on. Tony Evans returned after injury otherwise
the squad was the same that had beaten Fleetwood
so convincingly on Tuesday. Bridlington were
given the opportunity to join the teams that have
scored very early goals against us when a
theatrical dive in the box earned them a spotkick
decision from the linesman. The locals predicted
the ball was going over the bar but instead it
was aimed low and Clitheroe keeper Andy Paxton
saved superbly at the foot of the post. That was
to be the only real attempt on either goal in a
dismal first half and it was no surprise that the
first half ended goalless. Hopes were high for an
improved performance after the break but it was
not forthcoming. Bridlington took the lead on 62
minutes when a freekick on the right was floated
in and a glancing header found its way in at an
unprotected near post. The Blues applied pressure
but the home defence coped easily with anything
aimed into the box. Alan Coar was introduced up
front, with Gary Jackson taking a wider position
on the right replacing Adam Birchall, but still
no way could be found through the Bridlington
back line. Neither team managed to force any
other action from the goalkeepers and the final
whistle went enabling us to ponder on the
contrast with the Fleetwood victory on our long
journey home. Tommy's side is coming together
nicely but the consistency from match to match
just needs tweaking further, especially away from
Shawbridge.
Team : Paxton, C.Clark, Hardwick, Parr, R.Clarke,
Stansfield, Birchall (Coar), Reynolds, Evans,
Jackson, Garner. Subs not used : Roberts, Johnson.
|
Tue 04/10/05 - Clitheroe 3 Woodley
Sports 2 (UniBond League) Att 282 |
The
Blues needed a last gasp goal from sub Owen
Roberts to take the points against a very decent
Woodley Sports side who deserved at least a share
of the spoils. They gave one of the best
attacking displays from 10 men I've ever seen
while protecting 'goalie' Greg Brickell at the
other end. Ian Kearney and Craig Sargeson
returned to the starting line up with Simon
Garner replacing Tom Hardwick at left back. The
visitors made a very lively start and took the
lead after 10 minutes when a vicious shot was
parried by Blues keeper Andy Paxton and the
rebound was fired home. The equaliser came from
the penalty spot after 31 minutes after a
deliberate handball in the area. Craig Sargeson's
spot kick was saved but the keeper was judged to
have moved from his line and Simon Garner
fired home the retaken penalty. The keeper was
sent off after 38 minutes when he tumbled Adam
Birchall to the ground and Simon Garner
slammed home his second penalty, this time past
stand-in keeper Brickell. Further chances fell to
Craig Sargeson and Gary Jackson but the half
ended 2-1 to the Blues. After the break Woodley's
10 men played superbly and they caused Clitheroe
many problems. The ref awarded them a fortunate
penalty decision after 51 minutes and they duly
equalised from the spot. They continued to
dominate the game and only poor finishing kept
the scores level, while the Blues struggled to
get behind their defence and test the stand-in
keeper. Woodley resorted to fouling at times to
stem the attacks and Clitheroe were awarded a 90th
minute freekick just outside the box. It was the
perfect spot for leftsided player Owen
Roberts to bend low round the wall into
the net with Brickell rooted to the goalline.
Woodley were shattered while the Blues terrific
home record goes on to be tested by new league
leaders Mossley on Saturday.
Team : Paxton, R.Clarke, Garner (Roberts), Parr,
Kearney, Stansfield, Birchall (C.Clark), Reynolds,
Evans, Jackson, Sargeson. Sub not used : Johnson.
|
Sat 08/10/05 - Clitheroe 3 Mossley 2 (UniBond
League) Att 323 |
The
Blues survived a late rally from league leaders
Mossley to record a fine home victory. Tom
Hardwick returned after a bout of flu and Adam
Birchall took a place on the bench. The visitors
maybe shaded the opening 30 minutes without
really threatening and it was Clitheroe who took
the lead on 35 minutes when Craig
Sargeson stretched his leg and got his
toe on the end of a low cross to prod home into
the bottom corner. Clitheroe held on to this
narrow lead until half time. The lead was doubled
after 48 minutes when Gary Jackson latched on to
a ball forward, got round his marker and played
the ball across for Tony Evans
to fire home. The Blues were now well on top and Gary
Jackson made the game safe when he
lifted the ball over the advancing Mossley keeper
after 62 minutes. Mossley finally began to make
an impression on the game and pulled one back
after 68 minutes with a well taken goal from sub
Jordan Goodeve. The same player snatched a second
after 82 minutes to set up a tense final few
minutes in which the Blues did well to thwart a
determined Mossley fight back. This was a big
victory against another table topping team and
hopefully the Blues can now take this winning
mentality on to some local away Tuesday night
fixtures.
Team : Paxton, R.Clarke, Hardwick, Parr (Melling),
Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Evans,
Jackson, Garner. Subs not used : Birchall,
Roberts.
|
Tue 11/10/05 - Bamber Bridge 2
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 237 |
Clitheroe
turned around a poor first half performance to
fight back from 2 goals down and gain an unlikely
draw in torrential rain at Irongate. Bamber
Bridge were gifted the lead after 10 minutes when
keeper Andy Paxton needlessly rushed out of the
area to reach a ball forward that Ryan Parr was
favourite to reach and clear. Instead he was
felled by the sliding keeper and the loose ball
was gathered by Brig's dangerous forward Bennett
and driven home from 20 yards. They doubled their
lead in the 12th minute when a bouncing ball in
the box was firmly slammed home by Bennett again.
Clitheroe were second best and the half was
summed up when Gary Jackson missed a sitter right
on the halftime whistle. George Melling and Adam
Birchall replaced Russ Clarke and Simon Garner
for the second half and the Blues started much
brighter. Gary Jackson was very unlucky with a
couple of early chances - one which produced a
fine save from the Brig keeper but a goalkick
rather than a corner was awarded. In the 57th
minute Gary Jackson produced an electrifying run
that took him into the home penalty area and his
fierce shot was parried into the path of Tony
Evans who made no mistake from 6 yards.
Andy Paxton made a vital save to keep Bamber
Bridge out and as fulltime approached he made his
way into the Brig box after the Blues were
awarded a freekick. The last gasp effort produced
a result as the referee spotted a handball as the
ball arrived in the box and awarded a penalty.
Sub Owen Roberts calmly placed
the ball on the spot and smashed it home in the
90th minute to send the sizeable away following
home more than happy with a point away.
Team : Paxton, R.Clarke (Melling), Hardwick, Parr,
Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Evans (Roberts),
Jackson, Garner (Birchall).
|
Sat 15/10/05 - Clitheroe 3 Spalding
United 1 (FA Trophy) Att 253 |
Clitheroe
finally overcame a poor Spalding team to record
the club's first ever FA Trophy win and increase
the bank balance by £1300 in doing so. An evenly
matched first half will only be remembered for
when Craig Sargeson beat the offside trap on 33
minutes and raced away to put his flicked shot
over the keeper only for it to strike the foot of
the post. The breakthrough came early in the
second half when after 47th minutes a freekick
was headed back across goal and fired home by Craig
Sargeson from close range. Simon Garner
was then given an opportunity to double the lead
from a penalty but his spotkick was easily saved
by the visiting keeper. However, he made amends
in the 75th minute when he crossed for the
hardworking Tony Evans to notch
his third goal in as many games. Spalding pulled
one back in the 81st minute but Gary
Jackson settled the tie with a low close-range
header after 84 minutes to set up a game in the
next round at Premier Division Ossett Town, who
beat Stocksbridge Park Steels in their replay on
Tuesday night.
Team : Collinge, Kearney, Hardwick, Parr, Melling,
Stansfield, Sargeson (C.Clark), Birchall, Evans,
Jackson, Garner. Subs : C.Clark (not used -
Reynolds, Roberts).
|
Tue 18/10/05 - Chorley 1 Clitheroe 2 (UniBond
League) Att 205 |
The
Blues played superbly to beat a very good Chorley
side and go to the top of the table. Clitheroe a
dream start after 9 minutes when Gary Jackson
received the ball in the penalty area, turned to
make space and his centre looped over the keeper
and was slammed home by Tony Evans
at the back post. Chorley pressed for an
equaliser and the Blues defence will have been
pleased to take a clean sheet in at half time.
The action from both sides continued after the
break and the next goal became very important.
Chorley's attacking build-up play tested the
Clitheroe defence to the limit but they stood
firm and the lead was doubled after 63 minutes
when Gary Jackson beat the offside trap and
chased the ball deep into the Chorley penalty box.
He pulled the ball back superbly for Tony
Evans to rifle home from 10 yards. The
home side pulled a goal back after 77 minutes
following good play down their right wing and
Simon Garner's late sending off led to a tense
final 2 minutes of play. The defence battled
right to the final whistle to secure a great away
victory.
Team : Collinge, Kearney, Hardwick, Parr, Melling,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, Evans, Jackson,
Garner. Subs : (not used - C.Clark, Roberts, Coar).
|
Sat 22/10/05 - Clitheroe 2 Kidsgrove
Athletic 2 (UniBond League) Att 262 |
Clitheroe
had to battle from 2 goals down in the final few
minutes to rescue a point in another entertaining
game on Shawbridge. Blues keeper Peter Collinge
made a superb 3rd minute save to deny the
visitors the lead and this was matched by
Kidsgrove keeper 'Dabber' stretching backwards to
tip a Gary Jackson shot over the bar. Clitheroe
finished the half stronger with Gary Jackson
having a header saved and a strong Paul
Stansfield run into the goal area ending with the
ball pulled back just slightly behind and too
high for Tony Evans to connect cleanly. The
second half was dominated by the Blues and many
chances were created without the ball finding its
way home. This proved costly when a Kidsgrove
breakaway down the right saw the ball played in
and superbly volleyed home from the edge of the
box and the visitors doubled their lead from a
series of free headers following a couple of
corners. This is a much different Clitheroe side
this season though and they battled back superbly
and when Gary Jackson laid the ball off for sub Alan
Coar to smash home into the top corner
from 20 yards the fightback was on. They went in
search of the equaliser and it came soon after
when Gary Jackson drove home a
terrific left foot shot in a crowded penalty area.
There was just time for a Clitheroe corner to be
sent over and centre-half George Melling got his
head to the ball only to see it agonisingly graze
the top of the crossbar and go over.
Team : Collinge, Kearney, Hardwick, Parr, Melling,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, Evans, Jackson,
Garner. Subs : Coar (not used - R.Clarke,
Reynolds).
|
Sat 29/10/05 - Belper Town 1
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 174 |
Clitheroe
had the chances to win this match but a
combination of slack finishing and superb
goalkeeping gave the bottom team the 3 points.
The Blues had a couple of early chances but
careless passing enabled Belper to break through
and open the scoring on 9 minutes. Further
chances were created but the home penalty area
always seemed to have plenty of defending players
in to limit a clean strike on goal. The second
half opened with more urgency in the Blues play
and some fluent passing created chances that were
again thwarted by the home defence or saved
smartly by their keeper. Belper doubled their
lead in the 72nd minute when a corner wasn't
cleared and the loose ball was forced home from
close range. Clitheroe's best effort came when
Ian Kearney met a corner and his bullet header
was well saved and soon after he drove in a low
shot that was equally well handled. Substitute
Alan Coar was introduced for the final 10 minutes
but the home back line remained firm and denied
the Blues attack the time or space to make the
extra forward count. Generally the play was OK
but this was another Saturday away game that was
just missing the all-important accurate clean
strike on goal.
Team : Collinge, Kearney, Hardwick (Roberts),
Parr, Melling, Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall,
Evans, Jackson, C.Clark (Coar). Subs : Coar,
Roberts (not used - Reynolds).
|
Tue 01/11/05 - Clitheroe 4 Woodley
Sports 2 (UniBond League Cup) Att 178 |
Clitheroe
survived a late rally from Woodley Sports to
record another fine home victory and progress
into the next round of the UniBond League Cup.
The Blues opened the scoring after just 8 minutes
when some neat approach work saw the ball played
in from the left by Craig Sargeson for Paul
Stansfield to force home from close
range. Tony Evans had a shot
across the goalie and bound for the top right
hand corner superbly pushed away by the visiting
keeper but in the 38th minute he gave him no
chance with a shot from the edge of the box.
Clitheroe remained on top in the second half and
increased the lead from the penalty spot after 55
minutes when Tony Evans sent the
keeper the wrong way with his spot kick. From
being safely 3-0 up and well on top, the Blues
were caught out in the 60th by a superb break
down the left and an equally fine finish that
gave keeper Peter Collinge no chance. Woodley's
spell on top brought a second goal after 75
minutes and a tense final quarter of an hour was
in store. However, returning winger Chris
Whittingham was in the right place at
the right time just a minute later and slotted
home from the edge of the box after 76 minutes to
restore the 2 goal cushion which the Blues held
till the final whistle.
Team : Collinge, Kearney, Roberts, Parr, Melling,
Stansfield (Birchall), Whittingam (C.Clark),
Reynolds, Evans, Jackson (Coar), Sargeson. Subs :
Coar, Birchall, C.Clark
|
Sat 05/11/05 - Clitheroe 0
Stocksbridge Park Steels 1 (UniBond
League) Att 261 |
The
Blues missed injured 13 goal striker Gary Jackson
but still forced four superb saves from the
visiting keeper as they attempted to break down a
defence that had only conceded 1 goal in 5 away
matches. Stocksbridge took the lead after 19
minutes when the ball was accurately placed over
the advancing Clitheroe keeper from the angle of
the 18 yard box. Craig Sargeson forced a great
save, the resulting corner was firmly headed
goalwards but was again tipped over the bar and
Tony Evans struck the bar from the edge of the
box with a fierce drive. Clitheroe enjoyed
territorial advantage in the second half but
could not find a way through a disciplined back
four whose giant centre-half won everything in
the air. Paul Stansfield came closest with a mazy
dribble in the box but his well struck close
range shot was smartly saved by the keeper at the
near post. Stocksbridge were quick to break when
they had the ball and but for some woeful
finishing could have increased their lead. A goal
for the Blues would have been fair reward but
instead they lost their unbeaten home record to a
team that would go 4th in the league if they win
their matches in hand.
Team : Collinge, Holmes, Hardwick (Roberts), Parr,
Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Evans,
Coar (Whittingham), Birchall. Subs : Roberts,
Whittingham (not used : C.Clark)
|
Sat 12/11/05 - Ossett Town 2
Clitheroe 2 (FA Trophy) Att 108 |
The
Blues put up a spirited performance on a poor
pitch and came away with a replay against the
Premier Division team. It was obvious from the
kickoff that ball control on a pudding of a pitch
was going to be a serious test and the home side
quickly closed players down to make it even
harder. The ref missed a clear-cut handball
before the ball was played across the Blues back
line and finished with a rising drive after 13
minutes to give Ossett the lead. Clitheroe
equalised after 40 minutes when Paul
Stansfield picked up the ball on the
edge of the box and somehow managed to control
the ball as he edged around a couple of defenders
before slotting home. The second half also saw
plenty of first-touch action as players struggled
to control the ball and the Blues were frequently
turned to chase punts over midfield. Ossett
struck the post and bar before Clitheroe took the
lead in the 78th minute. A Craig Sargeson corner
found its way through a mass of players and was
firmly headed home by Ian Kearney
from 6 yards. Ossett continued to launch the ball
forward and they equalised after 84 minutes to
earn a replay on Tuesday night.
Team : Collinge, B.Clegg, Hardwick, Howey,
Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Evans,
Rogers, Whittingham. Subs (not used) : C.Clark,
Coar, Birchall, Fagan, Paxton.
|
Tue 15/11/05 - Clitheroe 1* Ossett
Town 1* (FA Trophy replay) Att 188 *Clitheroe
won 4-3 on pens |
Clitheroe
won a tense penalty shoot-out to proceed to the
next round and a game at home against Woodley
Sports. Ossett Town showed they could knock the
ball around on a decent surface and caused a few
scares in front of the Clitheroe goal but it was
the Blues who took the lead on 30 minutes. Craig
Sargeson was crudely fouled just outside the box
but the ref allowed advantage to be played and
the ball was laid off nicely for Paul
Stansfield to drive home from 18 yards.
The second half saw Clitheroe enjoy greater
possession but maybe the better chances falling
to Ossett who were quick to break away from
defence. Brad Clegg was excellent in central
defence as he kept their dangerous striker quiet
all night but the visitors equalised on 83
minutes with a good angled drive from their right.
Simon Garner's last ditch sliding tackle denied
them a late winner and took the game into extra
time where Ossett only had 10 men due to an
injury having already used their 3 subs. No
further goals were scored and so the game was to
be decided on penalties. Clitheroe had wanted to
subsitute keeper Peter Collinge but the ref blew
for full time before Andy Paxton was on the pitch.
Simon Garner had his first penalty saved, Ossett
scored their first three with replies from Paul
Stansfield and Craig Sargeson.
Ian Kearney slotted his home and
Peter Collinge saved the 4th Ossett penalty to
level the scores. Tony Evans put
the Blues in front and the 5th Ossett penalty
struck the outside of the post and went wide to
send the Blues through to the 3rd Qualifying
Round on Saturday 26th November.
Team : Collinge, Howey, Garner, B.Clegg, Kearney,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Evans, Rogers,
Whittingham. Subs : Coar, Birchall (not used) : C.Clark,
Hardwick, Paxton.
|
Tue 22/11/05 - Clitheroe 3 Rossendale
United 1 (UC Lancashire Cup) Att 177 |
Tony
Evans was unlucky not to bag a hat-trick as
Clitheroe came from behind to beat a Rossendale
side given special permission to play recent
signings in the competition. The visitors took a
9th minute lead from the penalty spot after the
ref spotted an infringement that not one of the
Rossendale players appealed for. Their lead was
shortlived as a great pass forward from Chris
Whittingham gave Paul Rogers the
opportunity to fire home the equaliser after 14
minutes. The Blues continued to create chances
but had to wait until the 45th minute to take the
lead when a Craig Sargeson freekick was headed
home by Tony Evans. The second
half saw Clitheroe continue to dominate and a
superb pass forward after 70 minutes from Simon
Garner found Tony Evans down the
left wing. He made his way into the penalty area
before shooting home across the keeper to put the
game beyond Rossendale. Clitheroe will find out
their opponents in the next round when the draw
is made on Radio Lancashire on Thusday evening.
Team : Collinge, Holmes (Howey), Garner, B.Clegg,
Kearney, Stansfield (Reynolds), Sargeson,
Birchall, Evans, Rogers, Whittingham (Williams).
Subs : Williams, Howey, Reynolds. (not used -
Hardwick, Paxton)
|
Sat 26/11/05 - Clitheroe 2 Woodley
Sports 1 (FA Trophy) Att 205 |
The
Blues tucked away a very late chance to make it
into the draw for the 1st Round Proper of the FA
Trophy when the competition goes nationwide.
Woodley took a shock 6th minute lead when a
superb curling left footed shot rebounded off the
bar and the same player tucked it away with his
right foot. Clitheroe created many chances and
had more than one good penalty claim turned down
by the referee as the visitors held on to their
slender lead into the half time break. The Blues
continued to create chances in the second half
and they equalised on 56 minutes when Paul
Stansfield rose unchallenged to head
home from 8 yards. Woodley looked dangerous on
the break but woeful finishing in front of goal
would prove to be very costly for them and on 89
minutes Clitheroe took the lead when Gary
Williams chased a long ball forward and
expertly stroked it past the on-rushing keeper.
The win earned the club another £3000 and Monday's
draw will be eagerly anticipated for a possible
match against the Conference teams who now enter
the competition.
Team : Collinge, Howey, Garner, B.Clegg, Kearney,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, G.Evans (Reynolds),
Rogers, C.Clark (Williams). Subs : Williams,
Reynolds. (not used - Whittingham, Hardwick,
Paxton)
|
Sat 03/12/05 - Brigg Town 2 Clitheroe
2 (UniBond League) Att 186 |
Clitheroe
came away from old foes Brigg with a hard fought
and well deserved point. The Blues were on top in
the opening exchanges but fell the customary goal
behind in the 13th minute, Brigg firing home a
low shot. Paul Stansfield rattled the Brigg
crossbar from 25 yards and keeper Peter Collinge
made some smart saves to deny the home strikers.
Clitheroe equalised on 44 minutes when a loose
ball from a corner was poked home from close
range by Brad Clegg. The Blues
were again on top in the opening minutes of the
second half and took the lead after 63 minutes
after sub Gary Williams was felled in the penalty
area as he skipped past a defender, Paul
Stansfield firing home the resulting
spotkick. This spurred Brigg into having their
best spell and Peter Collinge again made some
important saves. Clitheroe continued to create
their own chances but it was the home side who
scored next with a penalty in the 76th minute,
following a similar foul in the box. Both sides
looked for the winner but the final score was a
fair 2-2 draw.
Team : Collinge, Holmes, Garner, B.Clegg,
Hardwick, Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, G.Evans,
Rogers (Williams), C.Clark. Subs : Williams. (not
used - Reynolds, Howey)
|
Sat 10/12/05 - AFC Goole 1 Clitheroe
0 (UniBond League) Att 213 |
Clitheroe
recovered from having keeper Peter Collinge sent
off early in the first half to dominate the
second half and very nearly rescue a point. Goole
took the customary lead in the 15th with a well
taken goal and then a bizarre refereeing decision
saw both teams lose a player. A Goole forward was
flagged offside but ran on and thumped the ball
past Peter Collinge with his fist. The forward
then pushed the keeper in his chest, Peter
responded likewise and they swapped a few
pantomime pushes before the ref intervened. A
yellow card apiece would have been sensible but
instead he sent them both off! Simon Garner took
his place in goal and he was rarely troubled
thereafter. A poor first half was followed by a
dominant Clitheroe display after the break but
they couldn't find the back of the net. Gary
Williams flashed a couple of shots into the side
netting and Craig Sargeson struck the top of the
bar with a freekick from the edge of the box.
Goole packed the goal area towards the final
whistle and did enough to thwart the Blues and
hang on for their narrow win.
Team : Collinge, Holmes, Garner, B.Clegg, Kearney,
Stansfield, Williams, Reynolds, Rogers, Birchall
(C.Clark), Williams. Subs : C.Clark. (not used -
Hardwick)
|
Tue 13/12/05 - Clitheroe 3 Kendal
Town 4 (UniBond League Cup) Att 163 |
This
was a pulsating cup-tie that kept everyone on the
edge of their toes right until the final whistle.
Clitheroe raced into an uncustomary lead after
just 2 minutes when Paul Stansfield picked
up the ball in midfield, moved forward onto goal
and fired home a low shot from the edge of the
box. The joy was extremely shortlived as Kendal
equalised in the 3rd minute, practically straight
from the restart! Both sides looked dangerous
going forward and a neat move from the visitors
saw them take the lead in the 28th minute. The
Blues stormed back and an attempted shot from
Gary Williams turned into most fluked cross you're
likely to see and fell perfectly for Paul
Rogers to slam home the equaliser from
close range on 37 minutes. Play flowed from end
to end and it was Kendal who took a 2-3 halftime
lead, scoring their third in the 40th minute. The
second half was dominated by Clitheroe as they
went in search of another equaliser and their
cause was helped when Kendal were reduced to 10
men. Kendal were on the back foot for long spells
but continued to threaten on the break and some
last ditch tackles often saved the Blues. It was
the visitors who were next to score though and
they stretched their lead with a fine solo goal
in the 83rd minute. Clitheroe refused to give in
and scored an instant reply themselves as Gareth
Evans poked home from close range in a
goalmouth scramble to make the score 3-4. The
Blues poured players forward in search for goals
and keeper Peter Collinge even ventured into the
opposition box for a corner in the dying moments
but it was not to be and Kendal ran out winners
in a hugely entertaining match.
Team : Collinge, Holmes, Hardwick, B.Clegg,
Kearney, Stansfield, C.Clark, Reynolds, G. Evans,
Rogers, Williams. Subs : Sargeson. (not used -
Garner)
|
Thu 22/12/05 - Barrow 2 Clitheroe 1 (FA
Trophy) Att 897 |
Clitheroe
never gave up against their Conference North
hosts and very nearly earned a replay that their
commitment deserved. The Blues made a bright
start and took a shock 7th minute lead when Tony
Evans stabbed the ball home from close
range. They continued to have the upper hand and
Barrow looked nervy playing in front of their new
manager. Barrow took control of the game as the
half ended but the defence held firm while Tony
Evans flashed a 20 yarder just wide of the post.
The opening few minutes of the second half were
vital and Barrow equalised on 49 minutes when the
ball was knocked in at the far post. This settled
the home team and they soon increased the lead
after 52 minutes. A needless freekick was
conceded just outside the Clitheroe box and the
defensive wall was breached by a low shot that
keeper Peter Collinge did well to get down to but
he was only able to palm it onto the post and it
rebounded in. Peter Collinge made some timely
saves with his feet as the Blues continued to
press and created many chances without really
forcing the Barrow keeper to make a save. A
series of corners were whipped in by Craig
Sargeson but the all important flick came from a
Barrow head. Two good chances were met with 'air-shots'
and Barrow will count themselves lucky to have
withstood a hectic final 10 minutes without
conceding an equaliser.
Team : Collinge, Fagan, Hardwick, B.Clegg,
Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, T.Evans,
Rogers, Williams. Subs : C.Clark, G.Evans,
Reynolds (not used - Garner, Paxton)
|
Mon 26/12/05 - Bishop Auckland 1
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 138 |
Clitheroe
did enough to come away with the vital three
points but the margin of victory could easily
have been greater. An largely uneventful first
half was brought to life after 39 minutes when a
superb through ball into the box from Adam
Birchall was latched on to by Gary
Williams and his powerful shot from 15
yards rose past the home keeper into the top
corner. The second half followed a similar
pattern until the Blues doubled their lead on 55
minutes. Tony Evans was released into the box on
the right hand side and his shot across the
keeper was stopped on the line by a sliding
defender. The ball rolled agonisingly along the
goal line towards the other post and was bundled
home by Tony Evans who had
followed in his original shot. Bishop Auckland
had rarely threatened Clitheroe keeper Andy
Paxton and a rare clean sheet was looking very
likely. They then had a goal ruled out for
offside and a penalty claim turned down before
they scored from a spot kick in the 78th minute,
awarded by the ref as a Blues defender attempted
to clear the ball away from a prone player in the
penalty area. Paul Rogers then forced a fine save
from their keeper, a Craig Sargeson freekick beat
the wall but thundered against the far post and
Tony Evans slotted wide as the Blues played out a
tense final few minutes to record a long awaited
league victory.
Team : Paxton, Holmes, Hardwick, B.Clegg, Kearney,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, T.Evans, Rogers,
Williams. (Subs not used : Hughes, Tinker)
|
Mon 02/01/06 - Clitheroe 0 Chorley 1 (UniBond
League) Att 334 |
Clitheroe
dominated this match but a well marshalled
Chorley defence kept them out and a solitary goal
was enough to win the game. The Blues
increasingly took control of the game and in the
last 15 minutes of the first half created many
chances only to be denied by a string of timely
saves from the visting keeper, Paul Rogers being
especially unlucky with a superb low shot. The
second half brought more pressure on the Chorley
defence but it was the visitors who scored first
with a fine solo effort after 58 minutes.
Clitheroe continued to press forward but a
combination of poor final ball and continued
superb marshalling from Shaun Teale enabled the
Chorley defence to deny Clitheroe any further
clear goal scoring opportunites.
Team : Paxton, Holmes, Garner, B.Clegg, Kearney,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, T.Evans (McNally),
Rogers, Williams. Subs - McNally. Not used : C.Clark,
Hardwick)
|
Thu 05/01/06 - Burscough 2 Clitheroe
0 (UC Lancashire Cup) Att 120 |
Clitheroe
again dominated a match and created enough
chances to have earned the dream tie against
Conference leaders Accrington Stanley in the
Quarter Final. However, luck in front of goal has
deserted the Blues and Burscough converted their
rare chances to progress at Clitheroe's expense.
The home side were forced to defend for long
periods of the first half and there was plenty of
goalmouth action without a clear scoring
opportunity being presented. A series of superb
Simon Garner corners caused panic for the Premier
Division opposition but somehow the ball was
cleared away each time. Gary Williams flashed a
long range shot narrowly over the bar as the
Blues ended the first half well on top. Burscough
started the second half much stronger and finally
began to threaten the Clitheroe defence but
gradually the tide turned and it was the Blues
who started to dominate again, although the
incisive final ball or clinical shot on goal was
sadly lacking. After 72 minutes the Blues fell
behind when a slack pass 10 yards into the
Burscough half was intercepted. The home team
quickly pushed the ball forward and ended with a
low shot from the right that beat keeper Andy
Paxton. Clitheroe continued to press forward and
Paul Rogers was unlucky with a run and shot that
was well saved and then a header that he saw very
late went just the wrong side of the post.
Burscough were now happy to run the clock down
when they had possession and they were fortunate
to double their lead in the 89th minute when a
shot was deflected and looped up and over Andy
Paxton. This was another game the Blues could so
easily have won and a worrying lack of goals is
surely to be addressed by manager Tommy Lawson.
Team : Paxton, Holmes, Garner, B.Clegg, Kearney,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, McNally, Rogers,
Williams. Subs (not used) : T.Evans, Hardwick,
Fagan
|
Sat 07/01/06 - Colwyn Bay 4 Clitheroe
2 (UniBond Presidents Cup) Att 302 |
Clitheroe
played their part in an entertaining game and
will look to improve when they make a swift
return to Colwyn Bay for the league game next
Saturday. George Melling made a sooner than
expected return to the starting line up following
his brief spell at Lancaster City and Tom
Hardwick replaced Simon Garner at left back. The
first half was even until Colwyn Bay took the
lead after 30 minutes when the Blues offside
appeal failed and their striker homed in to tuck
the ball under keeper Andy Paxton and they
doubled the lead 2 minutes later when the ball
was lashed home from close range. Clitheroe
pulled a goal back after 38 minutes when Paul
Stansfield bundled the ball across the
line in a goalmouth scramble following a corner.
The Blues started the second half looking for the
equaliser and were still in the game until the 56th
minute when Colwyn Bay broke clear down the right
wing and a superb cross was met by an equally
fine header that was glanced past Andy Paxton.
The Blues fell further behind in the 62nd minute
when a poor Andy Paxton clearance was kicked
straight to a home striker and he slammed it home
to give Bay a 4-1 lead. The keeper later
sustained an injury clearing the ball and was
replaced in goal by Simon Garner. Defender
Ian Kearney forced home a loose ball
from a 90th minute corner to make the final
scoreline 4-2.
Team : Paxton (Garner), Holmes, Hardwick, Melling,
Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, McNally,
Rogers, Williams. Subs Garner. (not used :
Reynolds)
|
Sat 14/01/06 - Colwyn Bay 0 Clitheroe
0 (UniBond League) Att 426 |
Clitheroe
made a quick return to North Wales and again
featured in an exciting match but this time
without any goals. The Blues took the game to
their high flying hosts and forced them to defend
for long periods. Colwyn Bay were quick to break
when they did have the ball and the Blues defence
all played their part to keep them out with
recalled keeper Peter Collinge having a fine game.
John Paul Fagan headed a fierce shot away from
under the crossbar while at the other end Paul
Rogers had a shot cleared off the line. The home
side were awarded a 43rd minute penalty when
George Melling was harshly judged to have pulled
back a Bay striker close to goal but the
resultant spot kick struck the bar and bounced to
safety. The second half was a similar story with
both sides constantly attacking each other and
creating plenty of chances. Peter Collinge made
some superb blocks and Tom Hardwick made one
particularly impressive and timely last-ditch
tackle to thwart the Bay attack. Gary Williams
had a few long range strikes saved and Paul
Stansfield narrowly missed with an attempted 45
yard lob over their stranded keeper. A superb
last minute move saw Adam Birchall released into
the box and rather than shoot he chose to pass
inside to Paul McNally but his shot was deflected
away for a corner. This was an excellent hard
earned point for the team and a welcome clean
sheet for the defence.
Team : Collinge, Fagan, Hardwick, Melling,
Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, McNally,
Rogers, Williams (Garner). Subs Garner. (not used
: Reynolds)
|
Sat 21/01/06 - Clitheroe 0 Kendal
Town 3 (UniBond League) Att 303 |
Clitheroe
entered this game against the league's in-form
team without Paul Stansfield who was unavoidably
absent and captain Ian Kearney who was injured
just before the match so Neil Reynolds and Simon
Garner made earlier than expected returns to
midfield. The misfortune continued when the ref
awarded a very soft penalty that gifted the
visitors a very early 4th minute lead, and
continued even more when John Paul Fagan limped
off to be replaced by Tony Evans. This led to
more positional changes taking place and Kendal
took full advantage by doubling the lead after 32
minutes with a good finish. Paul Rogers forced a
great save from the visiting keeper when put
through one-one-one and Tony Evans was blatantly
pulled back in the penalty area only for the ref
to award a freekick several yards outside the box.
The Blues saw much of the ball in the second half
but either a decent final pass was sadly lacking
or the long balls into the box were easily dealt
with by the Kendal defenders. Clitheroe chased
the game but were caught at the back and went 0-3
behind in the 70th minute. George Melling was
sent off for retaliating after being kicked while
on the ground but the ref and his assistants
failed to spot that and the Kendal player escaped
without punishment. Kendal's victory continued
their recent good run and took them to the top of
the table while the Blues will be hoping that
their luck changes....and changes soon.
Team : Collinge, Fagan, Hardwick, Melling,
Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson, Birchall, McNally,
Rogers, Williams (Garner). Subs Garner. (not used
: Kearney)
|
Sat 04/02/06 - Clitheroe 3 Gresley
Rovers 3 (UniBond League) Att 224 |
Clitheroe
conceded two very late goals and will be
disappointed to have only taken a point from a
game they dominated. Tony Evans made his first
start in a month and new signing Mike Jones
became the latest player to fill the right back
slot. The Blues defence was keeping the league's
top scorer Aaron O'Connor quiet and this led to
them taking the lead after 23 minutes when Paul
Stansfield steadied himself to firmly
slot the ball home from close range. The lead was
doubled in the 33rd minute when a great strike
from Paul Rogers came back off the Gresley keeper
and Tony Evans drove it in from
15 yards. The visitors pulled a goal back in the
38th minutes following some ping-pong action in
the Clitheroe goalmouth to reduce the halftime
arrears. Clitheroe started the second half
brightly and Tony Evans scored
his second goal after 52 minutes when he placed
his shot superbly past the keeper from the edge
of the penalty area. The Blues seemed to be back
to winning ways but Gresley's danger man O'Connor
had other ideas and in the 88th minute he made
space in the area before firing home across
Clitheroe keeper Peter Collinge. He bettered that
goal in the 89th minute with a stunning volley to
rescue a point from a certain defeat and leave
the Blues shellshocked.
Team : Collinge, Jones, Hardwick, McNally,
Kearney, Stansfield, Sargeson (Reynolds),
Birchall (Taylor), T.Evans, Rogers (Girdlestone),
Garner. Subs Reynolds, Girdlestone, Taylor
|
Sat 11/02/06 - Shepshed Dynamo 5
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 139 |
The
Blues managed to put a makeshift team together
following a turbulent week at Shawbridge that saw
manager Tommy Lawson axed and several players
leave. Ian Kearney and Tony Evans were recalled
by Southport and placed at Radcliffe Borough
after Clitheroe agreed to their release, Paul
McNally left, while Michael Jones, Tom Hardwick,
Adam Birchall and Paul Rogers were late
withdrawals on Friday evening. Ryan Parr and Owen
Roberts returned to Shawbridge, Eric Whalley at
Accrington Stanley agreed to help the Blues in
their hour of need and along with some young
reserve lads enabled Clitheroe to fulfil the
fixture. They were doing well until a superb
strike after 20 minutes gave Shepshed the lead
and they soon doubled it after 22 minutes with
another good finish. Two more early second half
goals, after 47 and 51 minutes, put the game well
beyond Clitheroe but they continued to attack and
had a couple of close chances themselves.
Shepshed scored a fifth goal after 84 minutes to
complete a comprehensive victory but they will
know they will face a much stiffer challenge in
the return next Saturday.
Team : Collinge, Charlesworth, Roberts, Parr,
Priestley (Tomlinson), Stansfield, Green,
Reynolds, Sargeson, Hughes (Duxbury(Caton)),
Garner. Subs Tomlinson, Caton, Duxbury
|
Sat 18/02/06 - Clitheroe 1 Shepshed
Dynamo 1 (UniBond League) Att 324 |
Clitheroe
welcomed three more new faces to the starting
line up and their experience enabled the Blues to
gain a well earned point in this quick return
fixture. There was nothing between the sides in
the first half but Shepshed held the halftime
advantage thanks to a bizarre 9th minute goal. A
hopeful cross high into the box from wide on the
left hand side somehow evaded unchallenged
Clitheroe keeper Peter Collinge to nestle in the
net. Clitheroe dominated the second half for long
spells but didn't really bother the visitor's
keeper while Shepshed looked dangerous on the
break but were let down by some wayward finishing.
The Blues equalised in the 70th minute when left
back Owen Roberts played in a superb ball that
hung invitingly for new striker James
Featherstone to forcefully head home
from 10 yards. Clitheroe continued to press in
search for a second goal while the visitors
relied on quick counter-attacks and in the end a
point apiece was a fair result.
Team : Collinge, Charlesworth (D.Melling),
Roberts, Parr, Maddox (Coar), Stansfield,
Sargeson, Reynolds, Featherstone, Fowler, Garner.
Subs D.Melling, Coar. not used : Caton.
|
Sat 25/02/06 - Clitheroe 1 AFC Goole
0 (UniBond League) Att 258 |
Clitheroe
won 3 league points at home for the first time
since October 8th last year with this victory
over the side just below them in the league,
helped by the first clean sheet at home since
September 27th last year. Simon Garner almost
gave the Blues the half-time advantage from the
edge of the box but his well struck shot whistled
just wide to leave an even first half goalless.The
second half started with plenty of end to end
action and AFC Goole had a brief spell on top
before Clitheroe took a 77th minute lead through Craig
Sargeson. He received the ball just
inside the visitors penalty area and jinked
forward before firing home low off the inside of
the near post. It was just reward for his
improved performance and the whole team
celebrated with him. The team spirit is improving
week by week and the players joy at the final
whistle was there for all to see.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Roberts, Parr, Maddox,
Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Featherstone,
Coar (Sunley), Garner. Subs Sunley. not used :
Caton, Tomlinson.
|
Sat 04/03/06 - Woodley Sports 2
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 168 |
Clitheroe
played their part in an entertaining game on
Woodley's artificial pitch and made a dream start
when Alan Coar poked home from
close range after just 2 minutes. Woodley
capitalised on a mix up in defence after 37
minutes to level the score for half time. The
Blues went behind after 52 minutes when a huge
deflection found its way in near the post and
Woodley enjoyed a long spell on top but without
threatening keeper Peter Collinge. Clitheroe
gradually worked their way back into the game and
were rewarded when James Featherstone
stroked home a loose ball in the goalmouth for
the equaliser after 77 minutes. A superb last
minute burst by Paul Stansfield saw him lay the
ball back for James Featherstone but his first-time
shot sailed over the bar. This was a very good
point against a very quick and athletic Woodley
Sports side.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Roberts, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds,
Featherstone, Coar (Dicken), Garner. Subs Dicken.
not used : Sunley, Tomlinson.
|
Tue 07/03/06 - Eastwood Town 3
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 119 |
The
Blues fell behind to goals after 12 and 16
minutes but from then on were more than a match
for a resurgent Eastwood Town. No further goals
were added before the interval and for much of
the second half Clitheroe were the dominant side.
They couldn't make their pressure count though
and a quick breakaway and fine finish after 86
minutes saw the home side make the game safe.
Ryan Parr floated in a great cross for
Alan Coar to head firmly home after 90
minutes for a late consolation goal.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Roberts, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson (Sunley), Reynolds,
Featherstone (A.Taylor), C.Clark (Coar), Garner.
Subs Coar, Sunley, A.Taylor
|
Sat 11/03/06 - Clitheroe 2
Bridlington Town 0 (UniBond League)
Att 303 |
Clitheroe
kept a second successive clean sheet at home and
could have won much more convincingly against the
high-flying visitors. New signing Andy Taylor
almost gave the Blues another dream start but his
shot went narrowly wide and it wasn't until the
45th minute that Clitheroe made the breakthrough,
Paul Stansfield firing home sublimely
from the edge of the box to give the Blues a
deserved halftime lead. The lead was increased
after 61 minutes when a Craig Sargeson
freekick was glanced past his own keeper by a
Bridlington defender under pressure from Andy
Taylor. There were plenty of excellent
performances across the pitch that gave caretaker
boss Mark Smitheringale his second Shawbridge
victory.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Garner, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson (Dicken), Reynolds,
Featherstone (Sunley), A.Taylor (Coar), Roberts.
Subs Coar, Sunley, Dicken
|
Tue 14/03/06 - Clitheroe 2 Warrington
Town 3 (UniBond League) Att 236 |
Both
sides contibuted to an entertaining game played
on a very wet and heavy pitch. The play swung
from end to end throughout and the visitors
opened the scoring on 21 minutes. Blues striker Andy
Taylor notched his first goal for the
club when he finished off a good move from close
range after 40 minutes to level the half time
scoreline. Warrington regained the lead after 60
minutes and in the 62nd minutes they stretched it
when a very hard pass forward struck a Clitheroe
player to take the pace off it and left the
Warrington forward to run on and slot past Peter
Collinge. The Blues continued to drive forward
and gained an 88th minute goal when Chris
Clark fired home from a very narrow
angle. This was a very good game considering the
conditions and the result really could have gone
either way.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Garner, Coar (Sunley),
Anderson, C.Clark, Sargeson, Reynolds,
Featherstone, A.Taylor, Roberts. Subs Coar. Not
used : Tomlinson, Caton
|
Sat 18/03/06 - Ossett Albion 2
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 102 |
Clitheroe
struggled against the home side's offside trap
and were repeatedly caught offside. Clearcut
chances for either team were at a premium in a
dour match and Ossett took a 45th minute lead on
the stroke of half time through prolific striker
Toronczak. They increased the lead in the 62nd
minute before the Blues immediately pulled one
back a minute later when Craig Sargeson swung in
a right wing cross, Owen Roberts had a first time
shot blocked and Paul Stansfield fired
home a loose ball from close range. New signing Darrell Avery had little opportunity to shine in
an experimental 4-5-1 formation.
Team : Collinge, Priestley (Sunley), Garner, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, A.Taylor,
Avery, Roberts. Subs Sunley. Not used - Maddocks,
Duxbury.
|
Sat 25/03/06 - Rossendale United 2
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 257 |
Clitheroe
more than matched the home team and were unlucky
not to come away with a point. Rossendale took a
10th minute lead and the Blues equalised with a
quality goal after 33 minutes. Craig Sargeson fed
Scott Priestley on the overlap and his superb
cross was headed home firmly from 8 yards by Paul
Stansfield. Clitheroe enjoyed the
greater possession in the second half but fell
behind in the 79th minute when a Rossendale shot
came back off the post and rebounded back off
another home player into the net. Craig Sargeson
had a long range shot tipped around the post and
also fired over the bar from close range.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Roberts, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield (Coar), Sargeson, Avery,
Taylor, Dicken (Sunley), Garner. Subs Sunley,
Coar. Not used - Maddocks.
|
Sat 01/04/06 - Spalding United 1
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 92 |
Clitheroe
again had the lion's share of territorial
advantage and a storming second half display
earned the valuable 3 points. Spalding hadn't
scored for 6 matches but took a 13th minute lead
to shock even the home support. Craig Sargeson
had a long range effort saved by the keeper but
the Blues could not level the half time scores. A
much improved start to the second half saw
Clitheroe have 3 good chances saved by the home
keeper - who then needlessly barged into Paul
Stansfield in the 73rd minute as he chased a long
ball and the ref pointed to the spot. Stanno
coolly slotted home the resulting penalty kick
and the winner came in the 81st minute when Craig
Sargeson and Andy Taylor passed the ball through
to sub Danny Gorton who
sidestepped his marker and slammed the ball home
from 10 yards.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Roberts, Garner,
Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Taylor,
Coar (Gorton), Avery (Sunley), Garner. Subs
Sunley, Gorton. Not used - Caton.
|
Tue 04/04/06 - Clitheroe 1 Colwyn Bay
0 (UniBond League) Att 153 |
The
Blues gained an impressive result against a very
good footballing side thanks to a cracking goal
from Craig Sargeson. Colwyn Bay bossed much of
the first half and passed the ball quickly and
simply to feet but then failed to deliver in
front of goal as the first half ended goalless.
Clitheroe fought their way back into the match
with an improved second half performance and
gradually gained the upper hand. The winning goal
came in the 72nd minute when a punched clearance
found Craig Sargeson on the edge
of a packed penalty area. His first touch
controlled the ball and set it up nicely for him
to swivel and fire home left-footed into the top
left hand corner - a superb piece of finishing.
The Blues were confidently on top now and worked
for each other in the remaining minutes to secure
another clean sheet and the three points.
Team : Collinge, Priestley (Avery), Garner, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds, Taylor
(Sunley), Coupe (Gorton), Roberts. Subs Sunley,
Gorton, Avery.
|
Sat 08/04/06 - Clitheroe 0 Eastwood
Town 3 (UniBond League) Att 199 |
Clitheroe
were found sadly wanting in front of goal and
fell to a heavy home defeat. Owen Roberts flashed
an early freekick just wide of the goal and Paul
Stansfield had a double attempt blocked just
before half time but in between nothing of note
was created. The second half appeared to drifting
into a goalless affair until a bizarre couple of
minutes midway through. Firstly, on 72 minutes an
Eastwood corner was firmly kicked clear only for
the ball to bounce back off the referee and
promptly slotted home by the grateful Eastwood
player. Just a minute later and the ref strangely
awarded a freekick when an Eastwood player fell
to the ground. The resulting freekick was driven
low into the box and somehow found its way under
keeper Peter Collinge's body. The visitors third
goal came after 87 minutes when the ball was
clipped home from 10 yards. Subs Andy Sunley and
Alan Coar had late goal attempts that sailed high
over the bar to cap a disappointing display by
the Blues.
Team : Collinge, Priestley (Avery), Garner, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds (Sunley),
Taylor (Coar), Coupe, Roberts. Subs Sunley, Coar,
Avery.
|
Fri 14/04/06 - Clitheroe 0 Belper Town
2 (UniBond League) Att 173 |
Clitheroe
were again lacking the killer touch in front of
goal and despite having plenty of attacking
possession they fell to another home defeat
without scoring. Belper were gifted a goal in the
2nd minute when a defensive mix-up saw their
striker steal in and prod the ball home. Andy
Taylor had the Blues best chance when he was
played clear on a one-on-one with the visiting
keeper but his final shot was parried by the
advancing keeper just inside the box. The second
half again saw Clitheroe camped in Belper
territory but they could not find a way through
to test a limping keeper. Belper sealed the
points in the 80th minute when they worked the
ball across the Blues box and the free man on the
right fired home.
Team : Collinge, Priestley (Fagan), Roberts,
Garner, Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds
(Avery), Taylor (Coar), Featherstone, Sunley.
Subs Fagan, Coar, Avery.
|
Mon 17/04/06 - Mossley 1 Clitheroe 0 (UniBond
League) Att 268 |
Clitheroe
conceded an early goal again and had plenty of
possession but struggled in the final third going
forward. Mossley took the lead with a close range
effort in the 2nd minute and then had a few more
chances to increase the lead but the attempts
were all off target. Clitheroe lost Ryan Parr to
a head injury and Simon Garner moved to centre
back to cover. Alan Coar saw a header sail over
the bar shortly before half time. The Blues again
had the majority of territorial advantage in the
second half but it was Mossley who almost scored
next when Adam Morning's shot struck the bar. The
team matched the current league leaders and the
only difference was the goal scored.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Roberts, Parr (Avery),
Anderson, Stansfield, Sunley (A.Taylor), Reynolds,
Featherstone, Coar (Gorton), Garner. Subs A.Taylor,
Gorton, Avery.
|
Sat 22/04/06 - Clitheroe 2 Rossendale
United 0 (UniBond League) Att 214 |
The
Blues stormed into a shock 1st minute lead when James
Featherstone got a toe to a ball over
the top to steer the ball home. Clitheroe were
now in previously unchartered waters but they
held firm and the defence confidently dealt with
the Rossendale attack to take a slender lead at
half time. The tempo was increased in the second
half and Chris Coupe was unlucky to see a deft
chip cleared before it crossed the goal line. The
decisive second goal came in the 80th minute when
Paul Stansfield was released through towards the
visitors penalty area, he kept possession as he
rode a tackle as was pushed wide and lobbed the
ball back towards the goalmouth where Chris
Coupe got the final touch to head home.
James Featherstone and a Rossendale player were
sent off close to the final whistle. This was
another good team performance and the early goal
advantage spurred the team on to an important
victory on the UniBond run-in.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Roberts, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield, Gorton (Sunley), Reynolds,
Featherstone, Coupe, Garner. Subs Sunley, Coar,
Avery.
|
Tue 25/04/06 - Warrington Town 1
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 104 |
Clitheroe fell to another narrow
defeat but the solitary goal was worthy of
winning any match. The Blues made a bright start
but all players struggled to control the ball on
a very bobbly pitch and quick challenges led to
miskicks or losing possession. James Featherstone
was felled as he ran through on goal but nothing
came from the resulting freekick. Warrington took
the lead in the 18th minute when the dangerous
Phil Mitchell controlled the ball on his chest
and thundered in a stunning volley from the edge
of the box that gave keeper Peter Collinge no
chance. Another improved second half performance
led to the Blues having more of the ball but not
really threatening the home keeper. Danny Gorton
had the best chance to equalise as he met a cross
at the far post but his shot bounced back off the
ground and over the bar. Warrington looked
dangerous on the break but the defence stood firm
and but for that stupendous strike would have
kept another clean sheet.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Roberts, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield, Gorton (Sunley), Reynolds (Avery),
Featherstone, Coupe, Garner (Sargeson). Subs
Sargeson, Sunley, Avery.
|
Thu 27/04/06
- Stocksbridge Park Steels 4 Clitheroe 0 (UniBond
League) Att 189 |
The
Blues were a match for the play-offs chasing home
side in the first half but fell behind in the 15th
minute to a classic right wing cross / headed
home in front of goal. Stocksbridge stepped up a
gear in the second half and doubled the lead in
the 57th minute before increasing it further in
the 64th minute when they quickly broke forward
from a Clitheroe corner and scored themselves.
They sealed a play-off place with a 4th goal in
the 81st minute.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Roberts, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield (Sunley), Sargeson, Reynolds,
Featherstone (Taylor (Duxbury)), Coupe, Avery.
Subs Sunley, A.Taylor, Duxbury.
|
Sat 29/04/06
- Clitheroe 1 Bamber Bridge 0 (UniBond
League) Att 228 |
Clitheroe
ended the season with another clean sheet and a
late goal from Paul Stansfield to beat close
neighbours Bamber Bridge. The defence were a
solid unit and kept Brig at bay and the Blues
created openings but the final ball into the box
was often not quite right. The second half was
much the same and the defence kept Brig sub Greg
Brickell quiet while Craig Sargeson was showing
some great touches as Clitheroe searched for the
opening goal. The visitors were reduced to ten
men after 75 minutes and from the resulting
freekick the Blues had a couple of goal bound
efforts cleared. The winning goal came after 89
minutes when Andy Sunley was played through and
he selfishly played the ball square for Paul
Stansfield who seemed to take an age
before finally shooting home through a crowded
goal area.
Team : Collinge, Priestley, Garner, Parr,
Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson, Reynolds (Avery),
Featherstone (Gorton), Coupe, Roberts (Sunley).
Subs Gorton, Sunley, Avery.
|
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