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Sat 28/04/07 - Clitheroe 5 Shepshed
Dynamo 0 (UniBond League) Att 250 |
Danny
Woodhead replaced James Mann in goal and John
Osborne replaced Ally Brown in defence.
Clitheroe won their final league game of the
season with ease and the 60 points total equalled
last seasons 16th position finish (achieved with
only 53 points). They were given a great start
when Chris Ward lobbed high over
the advancing keeper in the 5th minute to open
the scoring. This was doubled after 10 minutes
when a Joel Byrom corner was
deflected home in a crowded goal mouth. The Blues
were well on top and the third goal arrived after
28 minutes through Ryan Fisher
before Joel Byrom fired home
from the edge of the box on 40 minutes to seal a
comprehensive 4-0 interval lead. The second half
again saw Clitheroe dominating but the fifth goal
didn't arrive until the 76th minute when Ryan
Fisher headed home from close range. The
Shepshed keeper made some smart saves to deny the
Blues further goals while other goal attempts
were just off target as the season ended with
Clitheroe securing a positive goal difference.
Team : Woodhead, J.Osborne,
McKenna, Matthews, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson (Reynolds),
P.Osborne (Heap), Ward, Byrom, Reid (Smith). Subs
- Heap, Smith, Reynolds.
|
Sat 21/04/07 - Stocksbridge Park
Steels 4 Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League)
Att 155 |
Ally
Brown replaced the injured Anthony Daniels at right
back and Paul Osborne came into midfield with
Chris Ward replacing suspended Will Exton up
front.
Once again the Blues played as well as their high-riding
hosts but came away with nothing. A couple of
uncharacteristic defensive errors after just 5
minutes and 11 minutes soon saw Clitheroe 0-2
down and having to chase the game. This they did
and they were given a lifeline in the 44th minute
when Chris Ward was felled in
the box and he calmly slotted home the resultant
penalty kick. Unfortunately Stocksbridge notched
a 3rd goal just before half time to restore their
two goal advantage. The second half saw Clitheroe
on top for much of the half but again failing in
the final third of the pitch. Lennie Reid had a
freekick palmed away for a corner and soon after
Stocksbridge broke clear and lobbed keeper James
Mann in the 63rd minute. Chris Ward
had another surge into the box in the 70th minute
and this time fired home low past the keeper. The
Blues created plenty of chances against a tiring
home back four with Joel Byrom's burst down the
left and into the box providing a simple knock-in
at the far post for Ally Brown but somehow he
managed to knock it over the bar. Stocksbridge
had very few chances on goal but converted most
of them and in the end that was the only real
difference between the two sides.
Team : Mann, Brown, McKenna,
Matthews, Anderson, Fisher (J.Osborne), Sargeson,
P.Osborne, Ward, Byrom, Reid (Heslop). Subs - J.Osborne,
Heslop, Heap. Not used - Heap.
|
Tue 17/04/07 - Clitheroe 1 Ossett
Albion 0 (UniBond League) Att 180 |
Clitheroe
named an unchanged starting 11 and subs bench
from Saturday's win against Brigg Town.
The Blues met a quicker and more aggressive
Ossett Albion side than they'd comprehensively
beaten 3-1 away six weeks ago. The visitors were
quick to close Clitheroe down and had their
goalkeeper sent off midway through the first half
when he charged out of his area and brought down
Will Exton. The Blues created chances but it was
a 30 yard drive from Lennie Reid on the stroke of
halftime that actually forced the replacement to
make a save. The second half continued with
Clitheroe trying to break down a strong Ossett
back four who were helped by some very late
offside decisions. The visitors broke quickly
when they had the ball but the final touch was
missing and the Blues defence held firm. Joel
Byrom forced a save from a free kick and a
succession of corners put Ossett under pressure.
A right wing cross was picked up outside the far
post by Lennie Reid and he knocked the ball back
in to Joel Byrom to open the
scoring in the 81st minute. Ryan Fisher finished
a run into the box with a left foot shot that
struck the bar and then cleared to safety and 3
tense minutes of added time passed before the ref
blew the final whistle.
Team : Mann, Daniels, McKenna,
Matthews (P.Osborne), Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson
(Brown), Ward, Exton (Smith), Byrom, Reid. Subs -
Brown, P.Osborne, Smith.
|
Sat 14/04/07 - Clitheroe 3 Brigg Town
1 (UniBond League) Att 204 |
Anthony
Daniels returned at rightback in place of Ally
Brown who moved to the subs bench.
Clitheroe won this game at ease against a
disappointing visiting Brigg side whose only
attempt on target in the whole game came with a
minute to go. The Blues started brightly and a
free kick on the edge of the box after 16 minutes
saw Joel Byrom open the scoring.
Lennie Reid and Russ McKenna were combining well
down the left flank and on 21 minutes Lennie
Reid cut inside and fired home from the
edge of the box. A third goal came after 25
minutes when a Craig Sargeson corner found Chris
Ward free at the far post and he stroked
the ball home almost in slow motion. A big score
looked likely as Clitheroe continued to create
chances but the interval arrived with no further
goals. Brigg made a couple of changes for the
second half but they still struggled to pose a
threat and keeper James Mann was a virtual
spectator as the majority of action took place in
the Brigg half. Some wild Clitheroe finishing
helped to keep the score respectable and just as
a clean sheet looked inevitable the visitors
somehow managed an 89th minute shot on goal from
the edge of the box that sailed past James Mann.
Team : Mann, Daniels, McKenna,
Matthews, Anderson, Fisher (Brown), Sargeson,
Ward, Exton (P.Osborne), Byrom, Reid (Smith).
Subs - Brown, P.Osborne, Smith.
|
Mon 09/04/07 - Shepshed Dynamo 1
Clitheroe 3 (UniBond League) Att 148 |
Chris
Ward returned to the side and took Anthony Daniels
place in midfield.
The Blues dominated this game from the start and
created plenty of chances before Gregg
Anderson opened the scoring in the 42nd
minute with a header in a crowded goalmouth
following a right wing corner. Will Exton
doubled the lead in the 45th minute when he raced
onto a through ball and shot home through the
diving keepers hands from a tight angle. The
second half continued to see Clitheroe bossing
the game and the third goal after 52 minutes also
came from a corner when Kris Matthews
met the ball sweetly to volley home at the near
post. Further chances were created before
Shepshed pulled a goal back in the 69th minute
and the Blues were pegged back for spells in the
final 10 minutes but poor finishing by the home
side didn't look like bothering the scoreline
again.
Team : Mann, Brown, McKenna, Matthews, Anderson,
Fisher, Sargeson, Ward (Reynolds), Exton, Byrom,
Reid (Heap). Subs - Heap, Reynolds.
|
Fri 06/04/07 - Clitheroe 2 Buxton 2 (UniBond
League) Att 443 |
League
leaders and champions-elect Buxton were more than
matched by the Blues and were fortunate to leave
Shawbridge with a point. Clitheroe made the early
running and a series of fouls by the visitor's
centre back stopped the Blues in their tracks but
only until the 20th minute. Joel Byrom whipped in
a great freekick that was met by the head of Kris
Matthews and he fired his header home.
The lead was short lived though as Buxton
equalised in the 25th minute when a long throw
was headed on and diverted home at the near post.
Lenny Reid then saw a well struck header cannon
back off the bar and Will Exton was just unable
to connect with the rebound. Both sides were
reduced to 10 men as Will Exton reacted to one
foul too many and Ryan Fisher had a good run and
shot saved as the Blues finished the first half
strongly. The second half again saw Clitheroe
dominate with the league leaders surprisingly
bypassing their midfield and launching high balls
down the pitch. Despite the Blues being on top,
it was Buxton who took the lead in the 60th
minute with an own goal as a low right wing
corner was sliced home in an attempted clearance.
Buxton now resorted to time wasting tactics but
Clitheroe kept the tempo up and Craig Sargeson
had a couple of mazy runs that ended with shots
saved by the keeper. With the game deep into
injury time a Clitheroe corner was cleared by a
Buxton defender's hand and the ref pointed to the
penalty spot. Antnee Daniels calmly waited for
the keeper to eventually take up his position on
the line and the centre back to finish "gardening"
the penalty spot before placing the ball and
firmly firing it into the net. A well deserved
draw then but it could so easily have been all
three points and would have been equally deserved.
Team : Mann, Brown, McKenna (J.Osborne),
Matthews, Anderson, Fisher, Daniels, Sargeson (Smith),
Exton, Byrom, Reid (Heap). Subs - Heap, J.Osborne,
Smith
|
Tue 03/04/07 - Rossendale United 0
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 160 |
Russ
McKenna returned after a lengthy absence to
replace John Osborne at left back, Paul Osborne
continued at centre-back in place of the delayed
Kris Matthews who started on the subs bench and
Ryan Fisher returned to a five-man midfield at
the expense of injured striker Chris Ward.
Rossendale provided a much better pitch and less
windy conditions than last Saturday's game at
Harrogate and a great all round team performance
was rewarded with a welcome victory. Clitheroe
keeper James Mann made a good blocking save early
on and the home side struck the bar with a long
rangy shot but the Blues were on top for long
spells of the first half and were again creating
many chances. The second half saw another
competent display by the Clitheroe defence and
the Blues took the lead in the 68th minute when
Will Exton was released on a run to the bye line
and his low cross across the face of goal was
struck home by Craig Sargeson.
James Mann made another good blocking save and
Joel Byrom fired in a rasping shot that found the
side netting shortly before the full time whistle.
Team : Mann, Brown, McKenna, P.Osborne, Anderson,
Fisher, Daniels, Exton, Sargeson, Byrom, Reid.
Subs - Heap, Matthews, Smith. Not used - Smith
|
Sat 31/03/07 - Harrogate Railway 2
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 124 |
James
Mann replaced Danny Woodhead in goal, new signing
Ally Brown started at right back allowing Anthony
Daniels to replace Neil Reynolds in midfield,
Paul Osborne replaced Kris Matthews at centre
back allowing Lenny Reid to return to midfield,
John Osborne replaced Simon Garner at left back
and Craig Sargeson returned in place of Ryan
Fisher. The other new signing Tristan Hendricks-Hamilton
started on the subs bench.
A gusty swirling wind and a really bobbly pitch
did nothing to make this game enjoyable and
Clitheroe again finished on the wrong end of a
narrow scoreline. The ball was difficult to
control when it was in the air and it seemed no
easier when it was on the ground. The game was
littered with mis-controlled passes and tackles
by both sides and it was no surprise that the
first half ended goalless, with an Antnee Daniels
effort that grazed the top of the bar being the
closest either team came to a goal. The second
half saw the Blues have the "advantage"
of the wind and a couple of long range efforts
flew the wrong side of the posts. It was
increasingly looking like a game where the first
goal was vital and would probably win the game
and unfortunately it was Harrogate who scored it
in the 55th minute just as they started to take
hold of the game. Clitheroe battled the wind,
pitch and Harrogate - we even ran out of
available balls at one point! - and the equaliser
was to come from the most unlikely source after
63 minutes. Paul Osborne fired in a wind-assisted
freekick from 40 yards out wide on the right and
captain Gregg Anderson rose
majestically to skilfully divert the ball past
the keeper for a magnificent, long awaited first
goal for the club. Lenny Reid fired in a
ferocious shot that whistled over the bar as they
went in search of a winner but the Blues were
caught out at in the 90th minute when the home
side scored their second and winning goal with a
low driven shot past keeper James Mann. This was
yet another match where Clitheroe matched higher-placed
opponents on their own ground but ultimately
failed where it mattered most - putting the ball
in the back of the net.
Team : Mann, Brown, J.Osborne, P.Osborne,
Anderson, Daniels, Sargeson (Smith), Exton (Hendricks-Hamilton),
Ward, Byrom, Reid. Subs - Hendricks-Hamilton,
Smith, Reynolds. Not used - Reynolds
|
Tue 27/03/07 - Colwyn Bay 2 Clitheroe
1 (UniBond League) Att 279 |
Neil
Reynolds started in place of Craig Sargeson who
took a place on the subs bench.
Clitheroe failed to capitalise on a great
opportunity to sneak the 3 points and start to
move up the table. Bay's keeper reacted badly to Joel
Garner's quickly taken freekick to
levels scores on the stroke of halftime and was
only stopped by his teammates from confronting
the referee on the pitch. However, he threw his
water bottle at the official on the walk down the
tunnel and was promptly sent off. Bay subbed a
dangerous winger for the start of the second half
and if the Blues could repeat their first half
showing then a win was definitely on the cards.
Colwyn Bay took a 10th minute lead from a free
header at a corner and Joel Garner
equalised with his central 20 yard freekick on 45
minutes. A disappointing second half display
failed to create a single direct shot on the
makeshift keeper and the deep crosses into the
box were repeatedly cleared by the home defence
back to where they came from. The home side
scored in the 82nd minute when another corner
dropped at the feet of one of their players and
he spun to smash the ball home.
Team : Woodhead, Daniels, Garner (J.Osborne),
Matthews, Anderson, Fisher, Reynolds, P.Osborne (Heslop),
Ward, Byrom, Exton (Sargeson). Subs - Heslop,
Sargeson, J.Osborne.
|
Sat 24/03/07 - Clitheroe 3 Belper
Town 2 (UniBond League) Att 240 |
Danny
Woodhead replaced James Mann in goals and Chris
Ward returned in place of Darwen-bound Jason
Jones.
Clitheroe made a dream start when a left wing
free kick was deftly helped home from close range
by Chris Ward after just 2
minutes. The joy was shortlived as in the 3rd
minute Belper equalised when keeper Danny
Woodhead was lobbed from the edge of the box and
although Gregg Anderson rushed back to head the
ball clear it struck the bar and the rebound was
forced home. The visitors then took the lead in
the 13th minute with a hard driven shot through a
crowded goal mouth. Will Exton was hauled down as
he sped past his marker in the penalty area and Chris
Ward fired home the 21st minute spot
kick to level the scores again. Joel Byrom struck
the bar with a free kick but the Blues had to
settle for a 2-2 halftime scoreline. Clitheroe
took the game to Belper after the interval and
Joel Byrom had a good effort from a Craig
Sargeson cross well saved by the visiting keeper.
Will Exton worked hard again and played his part
in Clitheroe taking the lead in the 63rd minute.
His challenge for a ball led to Ryan
Fisher running clear on goal with just
the keeper to beat and he coolly slotted the ball
home. A tense final few minutes saw Belper waste
a central freekick but they had time for one
final effort which saw the ball squirm across the
packed goal area and luckily it was a Blues boot
that connected to clear the danger and give
Clitheroe a valuable 3 points which closes the
gap on Belper to 2 points with 2 games in hand on
them.
Team : Woodhead, Daniels, Garner,
Matthews, Anderson (Reynolds), Fisher, Sargeson,
P.Osborne, Ward (Heslop), Byrom, Exton. Subs -
Heslop, Reynolds, J.Osborne (not used).
|
Tue 20/03/07 - Cammell Laird 2
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 118 |
Simon
Garner returned to defence in place of Chris
Heslop, Will Exton replaced the injured Chris
Ward up front and Paul Osborne replaced his
brother John in midfield. Lennie Reid started on
the subs bench.
Clitheroe were once again more than a match for
much higher placed rivals but once again came
away with nothing to show for it. The Blues had
plenty of the ball and created many openings but
it was the swift attacking home side who opened
the scoring with a penalty in the 10th minute.
Craig Sargeson saw a fine header tipped over by
the keeper and Will Exton was inches away from
connecting with a low right wing cross from Craig
Sargeson. The second half again saw Clitheroe
create chances without putting them away and
Cammell Laird doubled their lead in the 80th
minute with another penalty. They also had a
header that struck the bar but a 2-0 scoreline
was not reflective of the play on the night and
it was only 2 penalties that put Cammell Laird on
top at the final whistle.
Team : Mann, Daniels, Garner, Matthews, Anderson,
Fisher, Sargeson (Heslop), Jones, Exton, Byrom, P.Osborne
(Reid). Subs - Reid, Heslop, Reynolds (not used).
|
Sat 17/03/07 - Eastwood Town 2
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 169 |
Simon
Garner was injured before kickoff and was
replaced by Chris Heslop. Will Exton and new
signing Paul Osborne started on the subs bench.
A swirling wind throughout the game made things
difficult for both sides. The Blues created some
early chances with Joel Byrom forcing a save from
the Eastwood keeper with a right foot shot from
15 yards. The home side took the lead in the 28th
minute with a low shot from the edge of the box
in a rare foray forward. Clitheroe continued to
create chances but without finishing them and the
first half ended 1-0 to Eastwood. Blues keeper
James Mann made a smart save very early in the
second half but from then on it was Clitheroe who
again started to dictate play. Striker Will Exton
replaced fullback Chris Heslop and eventually the
equaliser came in the 82nd minute when Ryan
Fisher's deceptive strike from 10 yards
found its way home. A draw was the least the
Blues deserved and they went looking for winner
right till the end. Unfortunately it was Eastwood
who nicked the points when a deep freekick in the
88th minute was missed by James Mann as he came
to punch the ball and as the swirling ball came
down it was an Eastwood player who got his head
to the ball to nod home into an empty net. The
Blues didn't give up and almost grabbed another
equaliser right on the final whistle when new
player Paul Osborne's blistering drive from 25
yards flew through a crowded penalty area before
crashing against the post and bouncing clear to
safety.
Team : Mann, Daniels, Heslop (Exton), Matthews,
Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson, Jones, Ward, Byrom, J.Osborne
(P.Osborne). Subs - Exton, P.Osborne, Reynolds (not
used).
|
Tue 13/03/07 - Warrington Town 1
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 104 |
Chris
Ward and John Osborne replaced the injured Will
Exton and Lennie Reid in the starting line up and
Chris Heslop started on the subs bench.
While Clitheroe controlled much of this game,
actual ball control on a poor surface was
difficult and attractive passing football from
either side was at a premium. The Blues created
the better chances in the first half and went in
at halftime leading thanks to a Craig
Sargeson header from a Simon Garner free
kick in the 44th minute. The second half saw much
of the same - the ball fired quickly forward and
Clitheroe had many decent chances to make the
game safe before Warrington equalised in the 90th
minute. Ant Daniels was subsituted following an
early calf injury and later went to hospital with
a blood clot - accompanied by Peter Smith who was
himself subbed after receiving a deep gash down
to the bone in a "tackle" and Kris
Matthews who had a suspected broken jaw after an
off-the-ball incident that saw both players
booked.
Team : Mann, Daniels (Smith (Reynolds)),
Garner, Matthews, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson,
Jones, Ward (Heslop), Byrom, Osborne. Subs -
Reynolds, Smith, Heslop.
|
Sat 10/03/07 - Clitheroe 5 Kidsgrove
Athletic 1 (UniBond League) Att 268 |
Craig
Sargeson returned to midfield to replace Peter
Smith and Chris Ward started on the subs bench on
his return from injury.
The Blues continued to play decent football and
took a 15th minute lead when Joel Byrom brilliantly
returned a clearance back over the stranded
Kidsgove keeper. The visitors equalised in the 42nd
minute when the league's leading scorer Michael
Lennon flashed home a header for his 39th goal of
the season. The Blues took a slender half time
advantage when Chris Ward drove
home a loose ball from close range following a
corner in the 43rd minute. The second half was
totally dominated by Clitheroe the third goal
came in the 58th minute when the ball was squared
to Ryan Fisher and he fired home
a piledriver from 20 yards. A superb through ball
in the 75th minute released Joel Byrom free
on goal and he stroked the ball home from just
inside the penalty box. A misunderstanding in the
Kidsgrove defence saw a defender head the ball
over the outcoming keeper and Joel Byrom was
presented with an easy knock-in to complete a
deserved hat-trick in the 80th minute. Clitheroe
were dominant in all areas and created many other
chances that could have seen them adding to the
goals tally.
Team : Mann, Daniels, Garner,
Matthews, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson (Reynolds),
Jones, Exton (Ward), Byrom, Reid (Smith). Subs -
Reynolds, Smith, Ward.
|
Sat 03/03/07 - Ossett Albion 1
Clitheroe 3 (UniBond League) Att 122 |
Anthony
Daniels replaced John Osborne at right back, Kris
Matthews returned from injury at centre back with
Simon Garner reverted to left back replacing John
Kennedy, Peter Smith started in place of Craig
Sargeson, Jason Jones came back into midfield and
new striker Sam Heap was on the subs bench.
The Blues were soon on top in this game and took
a 17th minute lead when Lennie Reid squared the
ball in the 6 yard box for Ryan Fisher
to slot home. Clitheroe continued to dominate and
increased the lead in the 35th minute when Lennie
Reid ran on to a fine through ball and
lobbed the advancing keeper from the edge of the
box. The home side rarely threatened in the first
half and the Blues took a comfortable 2-0
interval lead. The second half again saw the
Blues dominating and creating chances almost at
ease - even Gregg Anderson had an 80yard box to
box run as he looked to get on the scoresheet. A
third goal always looked likely and it came in
the 79th minute when Will Exton caused panic in
the Ossett defence and Joel Byrom
tapped home from close range in a crowded
goalmouth. Further chances fell to Will Exton,
Jason Jones, Ryan Fisher and Dave Dempsey as
Clitheroe ended the match well on top. A clean
sheet also looked likely until Ossett scored with
practically the last kick of the game, the ref
blowing for fulltime as the Blues restarted the
game.
Team : Mann, Daniels, Garner,
Matthews, Anderson, Fisher, Smith (Dempsey),
Jones, Exton (Heap), Byrom, Reid. Subs - Reynolds,
Dempsey, Heap.
|
Tue 27/02/07 - Clitheroe 1 Colwyn Bay
2 (UniBond League) Att 163 |
Injured
Kris Matthews was replaced at centre back by
Simon Garner with John Kennedy returning at left
back. Anthony Daniels replaced Jason Jones in
midfield while Neil Reynolds started on the subs
bench.
Clitheroe opened brightly but were matched by
their visitors who looked especially dangerous on
the break and Harrogate took the lead in the 22nd
minute following a swift counter-attack. They
doubled the lead in the 23rd minute with another
clinical finish and for the second successive
game the Blues were two goals down despite
arguably being on top. Neil Reynolds replaced the
out of sorts John Kennedy and a defensive
reshuffle tightened up things at the back.
Clitheroe fought their way back and reduced the
arrears in the 45th minute when Ryan
Fisher volleyed home from close range.
The second half saw the Blues laying seige to the
Harrogate goal and the visitors were reduced to
10 men after Will Exton was hauled down as he
raced clear. Lennie Reid fired the resulting
freekick just wide of the post before making way
for Peter Smith who was soon causing problems
down the right wing. Gregg Anderson had a shot
from the edge of the box well saved and some
crowded defending from the 10 men thwarted many
Blues attacks. Dave Dempsey fired in a terrific
20 yard shot that was heading for the top corner
before another fine save by the keeper tipped it
over the bar as Harrogate hung on for their
slender victory.
Team : Mann, Osborne (Dempsey),
Kennedy (Reynolds), Garner, Anderson, Fisher,
Sargeson, Daniels, Exton, Byrom, Reid (Smith).
Subs - Reynolds, Dempsey, Smith.
|
Sat 24/02/07 - Clitheroe 1 Colwyn Bay
3 (UniBond League) Att 295 |
Clitheroe
named an unchanged lineup and bench from the 5-1
victory over Warrington Town.
The Blues played some superb football in the
opening half hour and were ahead thanks to a 15th
minute goal from Joel Byrom who
flicked a cross up and acrobatically fired home
from 15 yards, a real Goal of the Season
contender. However, within 10 minutes they
somehow found themselves 1-3 down as Colwyn Bay's
clinical finishing gave them the interval lead.
The visitors equalised in the 30th minute when a
deep freekick into the box was volleyed home and
they took the lead in the 39th minute from the
penalty spot, increasing the lead just a minute
later with another smart finish. Clitheroe
dominated the second half and Joel Byrom forced a
point-blank save from the Bay keeper before Will
Exton's glancing header was palmed over by the
keeper at full stretch. This was a very
entertaining match and co-managers Neil Reynolds
and Peter Smith are moulding together a team to
be reckoned with.
Team : Mann, Osborne, Garner,
Matthews (Daniels), Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson,
Jones (Smith), Exton , Byrom, Reid (Dempsey).
Subs - Daniels, Dempsey, Smith.
|
Sat 10/02/07 - Clitheroe 5 Warrington
Town 1 (UniBond League) Att 229 |
Will
Exton returned as striker in place of the
suspended Chris Ward and Lennie Reid started in
midfield in place of John Kennedy. Dave Dempsey
and Peter Smith started alongside Ant Daniels on
the subs bench.
The Blues took a 32nd minute lead when Lennie
Reid's fierce shot from the edge of the box
struck the post and deflected off the keeper into
the path of Joel Byrom who
followed up to slam the ball home. Warrington
equalised in the 37th minute from the penalty
spot and halftime arrived with the scores 1-1.
Clitheroe stepped up a gear in the second half
and regained the lead in the 60th minute. Will
Exton was put through the middle only to be
foiled on the edge of the box by the keeper but Joel
Byrom was on hand again to make space
and coolly roll the ball home from 18 yards.
Three goals in the last ten minutes sealed a very
good performance and Craig Sargeson crossed low
from the right for David Dempsey
to knock home from close range in the 80th minute.
The fourth goal came after 82 minutes when Jason
Jones deftly headed backwards over the
keeper from a right wing Ant Daniels cross. A
superb through ball by Joel Byrom in injury time
released Craig Sargeson and he
composed himself before slotting home to give the
game an emphatic and deserved scoreline.
Team : Mann, Osborne (Daniels),
Garner, Matthews, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson,
Jones, Exton (Dempsey), Byrom, Reid (Smith). Subs
- Daniels, Dempsey, Smith.
|
Sat 03/02/07 - Clitheroe 1 Alsager
Town 0 (UniBond League) Att 233 |
Kris
Matthews returned to the centre of defence
alongside Gregg Anderson and Simon Garner started
on the left of midfield in place of Lennie Reid
who started on the bench.
The match was played in foggy conditions and
Clitheroe lost striker Chris Ward midway through
the first half following a collision with the
Alsager goalkeeper. Substitute Will Exton gave
the visitors' defence plenty to think about but
the first half ended goalless. The Blues took the
lead in the 53rd minute when Gregg Anderson's
header finally looked to be giving him his first
goal for the club but Ryan Fisher made
sure the ball crossed the line. Joel Byrom fired
in a few stinging shots before Antney Daniels
forced a low save after a great surge forward.
The Blues defence held firm to record a welcome
clean sheet and with it a second successive home
win for Clitheroe.
Team : Mann, Osborne, Garner,
Matthews, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson (Daniels),
Jones, Ward (Exton), Byrom, Kennedy (Reid). Subs
- Daniels, Reid, Exton.
|
Sat 27/01/07 - Skelmersdale United 2
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 285 |
On
loan keeper James Mann started in place of Danny
Woodhead, John Osborne replaced Jason Jones at
right back who replaced Russ McKenna in midfield.
John Kennedy replaced Owen Roberts at left back
and Craig Sargeson came into midfield. Chris Ward
came back up front and Will Exton started on the
bench alongside Kris Matthews and Ant Daniels.
The Blues started strongly and dominated the
early stages. Joel Byrom had a tricky 40 yard
freekick well saved and several other chances
were created but not converted. Clitheroe were
awarded a penalty but Chris Ward's fierce shot
struck the bar and bounced to safety and the
first half ended goalless. The Blues started the
second half well enough but fell behind after 55
minutes when a low freekick was diverted home
inside the near post. Skem doubled their lead
after 63 minutes but Clitheroe fought back and
substitute Will Exton followed
up his saved first attempt to prod the ball home
in the 74th minute. The equaliser came in the 84th
minute when Will Exton again got
the better of the home defence and lobbed the
oncoming keeper. John Osborne saw a superb 30
yard strike over a crowded penalty area hit the
crossbar and Joel Byrom saw his follow-up effort
well saved. This was another good display from a
side with many positional changes and a point was
just reward for their efforts.
Team : Mann, Osborne, Jones (Matthews),
Garner, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson, Byrom, Ward,
Reid (Daniels), Kennedy (Exton). Subs - Daniels,
Matthews, Exton.
|
Sat 20/01/07 - Brigg Town 1 Clitheroe
0 (UniBond League) Att 160 |
Jason
Jones started in an unfamiliar rightback position,
Owen Roberts returned at leftback and new
signings Lennie Reid and Joel Byrom started on
the right wing and centre midfield respectively.
John Kennedy started in attack in place of a flu-stricken
Chris Ward. Ant Daniels returned from suspension
but suffered a pre-match injury.
The game was played in a swirling wind which
restricted the goalscoring chances of both teams.
Brigg had a couple of close range headers that
went straight into keeper Danny Woodhead's hands
while the Blues struggled to make use of the wind
to force the home keeper into any saves of note
before the interval. The second half saw
Clitheroe playing into the wind and when the ball
was brought under control then they put Brigg
under quite a bit of pressure and looked the more
likely team to score. However, when possession
was lost then the defence was tested and they
coped well, assisted by the wind running many
passes out of play. Lennie Reid had a great run
inside and struck the ball well from just outside
the penalty area but his dipping shot struck the
top of the bar and went over. A 0-0 draw was
looking a likely result but in the 88th minute a
long clearance found it's way through to the
Brigg sub who ran on and made no mistake from 15
yards to give the home team a fortunate win.
Team : Woodhead, Jones, Roberts, Garner, Anderson,
Fisher, Reid, McKenna (Sargeson), Byrom, Exton (Smith),
Kennedy. Subs - J.Osborne, Smith, Sargeson. (not
used - J.Osborne)
|
Sat 13/01/07 - Clitheroe 3 Woodley
Sports1 (UniBond League) Att 169 |
Danny
Woodhead replaced Martin Fearon in goal, John
Kennedy made his debut in defence in place of the
suspended Ant Daniels, Neil Reynolds returned to
midfield and Craig Sargeson returned from holiday
to a seat on the bench.
The Blues took a 15th minute lead when Ryan
Fisher glanced home a close range header
following a corner. Woodley Sports equalised
after 20 minutes with a stunning strike from
outside the box that gave keeper Danny Woodhead
no chance at all. Sub Craig Sargeson
started the second half in place of Neil Reynolds
and when an Owen Roberts centre found him free
inside the area on 54 minutes he calmly slotted
home to give Clitheroe the lead again. Woodley
had a good spell on top but the Blues defended
resolutely and were rewarded when Ryan
Fisher drove home from just outside the
box in time added on to give the new management
duo their first win.
Team : Woodhead, Osborne, McKenna (Smith), Garner,
Anderson, Fisher, Jones, Reynolds (Sargeson),
Ward, Exton, Kennedy (Roberts). Subs - Roberts,
Smith, Sargeson.
|
Sat 06/01/07 - Clitheroe 1 Bradford
PA 3 (UniBond League) Att 307 |
Martin
Fearon replaced Paul Horridge in goal, Russ
McKenna made his debut in defence, Ryan Fisher
made his debut in midfield and Chris Ward made
his debut in attack partnering a returning Will
Exton after injury.
The scoreline flattered the visitors who had to
weather plenty of pressure from the Blues and
took their chances when it mattered. Clitheroe
started strongly but fell behind to a superb
opening goal after 30 minutes for the visitors.
They doubled the lead in the 32nd minute to give
a very distorted halftime scoreline. The Blues
dominated the second half even more but when they
found a way past the competent Bradford back line
they were thwarted by a keeper who made a string
of fine saves. Bradford made the game safe after
85 minutes with a superb 25 yard free kick from
Neil Redfern before debutant striker Chris
Ward notched a consolation from the
penalty spot after 87 minutes.
Team : Fearon, Daniels, McKenna,
Garner, Anderson, Fisher, Osborne, Avery (Smith),
Ward, Exton, Heslop (Roberts). Subs - Roberts,
Smith, Reynolds.
|
Sat 26/12/06 - Clitheroe 0 Rossendale
United 2 (UniBond League) Att 262 |
Jamie
Nay returned after suspension, Chris Heslop was
given his first start, Tom Benfield returned
alongside Gregg Anderson and John Osborne was
pushed up front as a striker.
Another much changed starting lineup matched the
opposition apart from where it mattered most - in
the final third of the pitch. The visitors
started brightly and took a 7th minute minute
when an outstretched leg poked the ball past
keeper Paul Horridge as he left his line to
collect the ball. Neil Reynolds hit a speculative
lob that hit the top of the bar but apart from
that the Rossendale keeper wasn't troubled in a
dour first half. The Blues spent plenty of time
in the second half in the visitors half of the
pitch but struggled to find a way past a
confident Rossendale back line. Their keeper was
again given too little to do and a series of
frustrating bookings and niggling fouls ended
with the visitors superbly firing home a 25 yard
free kick in the 85th minute to seal the points.
Team : Horridge, Nay, Heslop (Avery),
Benfield, Anderson, C.Howarth (Smith), Daniels,
Reynolds, Osborne, M.Howarth (Bowker), Roberts.
Subs - Smith, Bowker, Avery.
|
Sat 23/12/06 - Wakefield 2 Clitheroe
0 (UniBond League) Att 83 |
New
faces John Osborne, Chris Howarth and Mick
Howarth started the game along with a returning
Ryan Parr and first start for new boss Neil
Reynolds.
A much changed lineup to cover for suspensions
put in a workmanlike display and with a bit of
luck could have nicked the points. The opening
goal always looked likely to decide this match
and both goalkeepers made vital saves to keep the
interval scoreline goalless, with Neil Reynold's
25 yard drive being the pick of the Blues first
half chances. Clitheroe started the second half
stronger and Gregg Anderson almost opened his
goalscoring account but his stretched leg pushed
the ball agonisingly over the bar. Wakefield then
had a good spell on top and took the lead in the
65th minute with a 15 yard low drive to the left
of keeper Paul Horridge. Substitute Chris Heslop
had a great chance to equalise when he got his
head to a wicked Neil Reynolds freekick but his
header flashed back across the face of goal and
out for a goalkick at the far post. The game was
made safe for Wakefield when they scored their
second goal after 82 minutes, forcing the ball
home at the near post following a corner. Paul
Horridge made a smart save just on the final
whistle to deny them a third goal which would
have given a completely wrong indication of the
closeness of this game. The difference was that
the home side put away a couple of their chances
while the Blues luck in front of goal again
failed to make an appearance.
Team : Horridge, Osborne, Roberts, Parr, Anderson,
C.Howarth (Benfield), Daniels, Reynolds, Bowker (Heslop),
M.Howarth (Smith), Johnson. Subs - Smith, Heslop,
Benfield.
|
Sat 16/12/06 - Clitheroe 1 Goole 2 (UniBond
League) Att 172 |
Ross
Bain started as part of a back three, Darrell
Avery started in midfield and new signing Gary
Bowker started alongside James Dean up front.
This was another home match that could have gone
either way but unfortunately went the way of the
visitors. A quiet first half was livened up in
the 31st minute when Ross Bain
headed home from a corner, something the Blues
fans have not seen for close on 2 seasons!
Clitheroe missed a great opportunity to double
the lead when James Dean twisted to follow up a
blocked shot but his effort went over the bar.
Goole made the most of this and equalised with a
good run and shot after 40 minutes. The second
half was an improvement but still too many final
balls were not reaching their target and the
visitors capitalised on this by taking the lead
in the 79th minute. A corner was played beyond
the back post, was headed back in and a further 2
headers saw it in the back of the Clitheroe net.
The Blues continued to attack though and James
Dean fired an acrobatic shot from 6 yards over
the bar as the Goole defence appealed for offside.
The Blues chased a late equaliser and the
visitors struck the post with a low drive just
before ref blew the final whistle.
Team : Horridge, Nay, Roberts, Benfield, Anderson,
Bain (Smith), Avery, Daniels, Dean, Bowker (Luisi),
Garner. Subs - Luisi, Smith. Not used : Johnson.
|
Sat 09/12/06 - Clitheroe 1 Bamber
Bridge 2 (UniBond League) Att 236 |
Owen
Roberts missed the game through suspension and
Steve Hussey has moved on to Marine. Ex-reserves
Tom Benfield and Tom Bartlett made the starting
line-up.
The Blues first half display was generally poor
with too many passes going astray and no serious
threat created in front of goal. Bamber Bridge
were little better but did score after 31 minutes
to take the half time lead. Clitheroe were much
improved in the second half and James Dean should
have scored but powered his shot over from close
range. The equaliser came after 60 minutes when
Jason Jones picked up a loose ball on the edge of
the visitors penalty area and turned to lay the
ball back for Darrell Avery to
drive home low from 25 yards though a crowded box,
the ball going in off the far post. The Blues
were well on top and looked the more likely to
score again but some desperate and crude tackling
kept them at bay. Striker James Dean received a
second yellow card to be sent off and Bamber
Bridge worked their way back into the game. They
were gifted the winning goal on 80 minutes when a
sloppy back pass was picked up and slotted under
the advancing Paul Horridge.
Team : Horridge, Nay, Garner, Benfield, Anderson,
Jones, Sargeson, Daniels, Dean, Bartlett (Johnson),
Dempsey (Avery). Subs - Johnson, Avery. Not used
: Bain.
|
Tue 05/12/06 - Marine 2 Clitheroe 0 (Lancs
Cup) Att 97 |
Jamie
Nay returned at rightback and Anthony Daniels
moved into midfield. Darrell Avery made way for
Ian Johnson to return.
Clitheroe gave a good performance against a
strong Marine team and defeat now leaves the
Blues free to concentrate on improving the league
position. A strong headwind in the first half
caused both sides problems with many final balls
running away from the Clitheroe forwards. James
Dean created an opening that he drove wide while
keeper Paul Horridge made a fine instinctive save
to keep the half time score goalless. The
breakthrough came after 55 minutes when a free
header at the back post from a corner gave Marine
the lead. The Blues continued to move forward in
search of goals but fell further behind on 73
minutes when a good run and shot beat Paul
Horridge. Gregg Anderson headed over from a
Clitheroe corner while at the back Simon Garner
sniffed out any chance of ex-Blue Tony Evans
getting on the scoresheet.
Team : Horridge, Nay, Roberts, Jones, Anderson,
Garner, Daniels, Hussey, Dean, Johnson (Dempsey),
Sargeson. Subs - Dempsey. Not used : Avery,
Reynolds.
|
Sat 02/12/06 - Bridlington Town 2
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League Cup) Att
135 |
Anthony
Daniels replaced Jamie Nay at rightback, Simon
Garner replaced Ross Bain at centreback while
Jason Jones and Darrell Avery started in midfield.
New signing Neil Reynolds started on the subs
bench.
The Blues returned to league action and were
given a dream start when David Dempsey
opened the scoring after just 4 minutes with a
looping shot from the edge of the box. The
defence coped easily with anything Bridlington
could muster and the lead was doubled after 30
minutes when Owen Roberts fired
a 22yard free kick through the wall and into the
net. The home side fired a rare shot against the
Clitheroe cross bar but the Blues held a
comfortable 2-0 interval lead. Bridlington
threatened more after the break but the Blues
continued to control the game and looked on
course for a welcome victory. However, the
referee awarded a penalty for an infringement
only he saw and the home side slotted home the
spotkick after 82 minutes. He then awarded
Bridlington an 88th minute freekick in another
strange decision and they fired it home with a
deflection to level the final scores at 2-2.
Team : Horridge, Daniels, Roberts, Jones,
Anderson, Garner, Avery, Hussey, Dean, Sargeson (Nay),
Dempsey (Bain). Subs - Bain, Nay. Not used :
Reynolds.
|
Tue 27/11/06 - Witton Albion 8
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League Cup) Att
135 |
Jeff
Underwood has left Shawbridge following Chris
Stammers' shock resignation. Jamie Nay returned
at right back while Steve Hussey and Dave Dempsey
replaced Jason Jones and Darrell Avery in
midfield.
The Blues were again given a lesson in swift
approach play followed by clinical finishing by a
decent team from a higher division. Clitheroe had
as much of the ball as their hosts and spent
plenty of time in Witton's half but its goals
that win and lose matches. Witton only really had
3 chances in the first half but put them away
smartly after 3, 18 and 26 minutes before a
penalty on 32 minutes gave a similar 4-0 interval
scoreline to last Saturday at Kettering. Witton
were not as good as them but further goals after
47, 53 and 56 minutes made it 7-0 and double
figures again looked on the horizon. By now the
Blues were actually having a good spell of
continued pressure but fell further behind on 73
minutes before grabbing their consolation in the
78th minute. Simon Garner played a superb pass
through the middle for James Dean
to run on to and fire home past the keeper.
Confidence will be low after these two heavy
defeats and a return to UniBond League action at
Bridlington on Saturday will be welcomed by the
team.
Team : Horridge, Nay (Jones), Garner, Daniels,
Anderson, Bain, Roberts, Hussey, Dean, Sargeson,
Dempsey (Avery). Subs - Jones, Avery.
|
Sat 25/11/06 - Kettering Town 10
Clitheroe 1 (FA Trophy) Att 761 |
Jeff
Underwood, Owen Roberts and Jason Jones returned
to the starting eleven after being rested midweek,
James Dean returned after suspension while Steve
Hussey was cup-tied.
Clitheroe were soundly thrashed in this encounter
with the favourites for promotion from Conference
North but any visiting side would have struggled
against a young Kettering side who returned to
form in scintillating style. Their approach play
had both pace and precision and the Blues just
weren't allowed near the ball. The first goal
arrived after just 7 minutes when a sprint down
the left saw the ball crossed and poked home at
the far post. The 2nd was volleyed home superbly
after 15 minutes and further strikes after 25 and
39 minutes gave an interval scoreline that
reflected their dominance. The second half saw
them continue on top and goals after 57, 61, and
65 minutes gave them a convincing 7-0 lead before
Owen Roberts was sent off in the 75th minute for
committing a last-man foul in the penalty area.
The resultant penalty was duly fired home and the
9th was coolly slotted home in the 80th minute.
The Blues never stopped trying throughout and
scored a consolation goal in the 88th minute. The
home defence had been immaculate all afternoon
but two defenders clashed when going for the same
ball and this allowed James Dean
to run on to the loose ball and fire home a
blistering shot from 16 yards. There was just
enough time for a superb individual goal to take
Kettering into double figures before the ref blew
for full time. Clitheroe were unlucky to have
been the team to visit Rockingham Road on
Saturday 25th November and were dealt a thrashing
that many a team would surely have been handed.
Team : Horridge, Underwood (Nay), Roberts,
Daniels, Anderson, Bain, Jones (Johnson), Avery (Fulton),
Dean, Sargeson, Garner. Subs - Nay, Fulton,
Johnson. Not used : Dempsey, Fearon.
|
Tue 21/11/06 - Clitheroe 4 Chorley (Lancs
Cup) Att 117 |
Will
Exton was missing following the car accident and
Kris Matthews and Sean Nightingale were injured.
Gregg Anderson, Ross Bain and Jamie Nay returned
to the defence. Owen Roberts, Jeff Underwood and
Jason Jones were rested on the bench and Ian
Johnson, Darrell Avery and Dave Dempsey were
given starts.
Clitheroe were simply too good for a poor Chorley
side and a goal after 23 minutes from Craig
Sargeson gave the Blues the lead. Simon
Garner crossed superbly and for the second game
running Sarge scored with his head. The second
half continued with Clitheroe on top and the lead
was increased after 50 minutes when Dave
Dempsey drove in a low shot as he cut in
from the right wing. After 60 minutes Craig
Sargeson released Anthony Daniels on
a sprint into the box and he finished with a
blistering drive that gave the keeper no chance
at the near post. The scoring was rounded off in
the 89th minute when a one-two between Craig
Sargeson and Steve Hussey saw
the latter drive the ball home across the Chorley
keeper to seal a very good team performance and a
visit to UniBond Premier League side Marine in
the next round.
Team : Horridge, Nay, Garner (Roberts), Daniels (Underwood),
Anderson, Bain, Avery (Jones), Hussey, Sargeson,
Johnson, Dempsey. Subs - Roberts, Underwood,
Jones.
|
Sat 18/11/06 - Belper Town 0
Clitheroe 3 (UniBond League) Att 146 |
Gregg
Anderson was involved in an accident on the way
and missed the team coach and Jamie Nay still has
a slight injury. Ross Bain felt unwell
immediately before kickoff and so Sean
Nightingale was promoted from the bench to make
his full debut.
Clitheroe had to make some early positional
changes as Kris Matthews was lost to injury and
were forced into more when Sean Nightingale was
also lost to injury. Belper were not able to take
advantage of the changes and soon it was the
Blues who were dictating play. The opening goal
came after 30 minutes when Darrell Avery
ran on to a through ball and moved into the area
before driving home low across the keeper from an
angle. Jason Jones forced the home keeper into a
fine save before Clitheroe doubled the lead on 45
minutes. Will Exton raced clear
of the offside trap and slotted the ball past the
onrushing keeper to cap a fine first half display.
Blues keeper Paul Horridge was rarely troubled
throughout the game and Clitheroe continue to
look for a third goal. It came after 73 minutes
when Will Exton was unlucky to see his header
come back off the bar but Craig Sargeson
was in the right place and he followed in to head
the ball home from 6 yards unchallenged. Belper
had a couple of late chances that went wide or
easily dealt with by the defence to record a
welcome clean sheet along with the three points.
Team : Horridge, Underwood, Roberts, Daniels,
Nightingale (Johnson), Matthews (Avery), Jones,
Hussey, Sargeson, Exton, Garner. Subs - Avery,
Johnson. Not used - Bain.
|
Sat 11/11/06 - Gresley Rovers 1
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 203 |
Steve
Hussey returned to midfield in place of the
suspended Jason Jones while Ian Johnson came in
for Simon Garner who rested a slight injury on
the bench. New signing Sean Nightingale also
started on the bench.
This was another game where Clitheroe failed to
convert dominance into goals and were made to
suffer in the second half. The Blues started
brightly and were on top of the struggling hosts
for much of the first half but again faltered in
the final third against as tall a centre back
pairing as you'll see. The swirling wind didn't
help and it was Gresley who managed to get more
goal attempts in but they were well wide of
target. Gresley were a diferent team after the
break and were on top right from the second half
kick off. They coped with the wind better and
continued to create chances without putting them
away but they took the lead in the 59th minute
when a freekick was glanced in over the
despairing Paul Horridge as he came to collect
the ball. Will Exton then chested down a superb
pass from Simon Garner but shot weakly at the
keeper as the Blues created their best chance of
the game. Gresley resorted to timewasting tactics
in a cup-final-winning effort to get the 3 points,
with the keeper more than taking his time with
goalkicks and balls being lauched well out of the
ground when a simple tap in to touch would do.
New balls were not brought in to play as quickly
as the Clitheroe bench would have liked and after
frustration spilled into scuffles, assistant Ash
Berry was sent to the dressing room by the ref. A
couple of very late corners gave the Blues some
hope but sub Sean Nightingale was unlucky to see
his headers saved and go just over the bar.
Team : Horridge, Underwood, Roberts, Daniels (Nightingale),
Anderson, Matthews, Hussey, Avery (Garner),
Sargeson, Exton, Johnson. Subs - Garner,
Nightingale. Not used - Nay.
|
Tue 07/11/06 - Clitheroe 1 Halesowen
Town 0 (FA Trophy replay) Att 229 |
Paul
Horridge continued in goals, Ant Daniels came in
for the injured Simon Garner in midfield and
Craig Sargeson replaced the suspended James Dean
in attack.
The visitors hadn't lost in 5 previous FA Trophy
replays away from home and the Southern Premier
League side made the Blues battle in an end to
end first half that had plenty of action but few
clear cut goal chances. Halesowen continually
played the ball long to their tall striker and
the Clitheroe defence were alert to the danger
and coped well. A blocked Halesowen shot that was
destined to beat keeper Paul Horridge was the
closest either side came to breaking the deadlock
before halftime. The second half followed a
similar pattern with Halesowen punting the high
ball forward at every opportunity and the Blues
failing with the final attempt on goal after some
neat approach work. Ian Johnson flashed a corner
across the face of goal but the connecting Blues
body was just out of reach as they piled on the
pressure. Clitheroe continued to drive forward
and a loose ball outside the visitor's penalty
area was pounced on by Darrell Avery and
lashed home from 25 yards to give the Blues an 80th
minute lead. Halesowen then started to pass the
ball more and gave Clitheroe a nervy final 10
minutes but they defended well to get the victory
and now face Kettering Town away in the next
round.
Team : Horridge, Underwood, Roberts, Daniels,
Anderson, Matthews, Nay (Johnson), Avery,
Sargeson, Exton (Dempsey), Jones. Subs - Johnson,
Dempsey. Not used - Fearon.
|
Sat 04/11/06 - Halesowen Town 1
Clitheroe 1 (FA Trophy) Att 324 |
Ray
Francis was replaced by Paul Horridge in goals
and Kris Matthews replaced the cup-tied Ross Bain
at centre back.
The Blues were worthy of a draw at their Southern
Premier League hosts and earned a replay at
Shawbridge on Tuesday 7th November. Halesowen had
some early pressure before Clitheroe took hold of
the game and Owen Roberts flashed a 30yard
freekick against the crossbar. The home keeper
made some fine saves to deny the Blues the
breakthrough and halftime arrived goalless. A
double substitution by Halesowen at the start of
the second half gave them a spell on top and they
opened the scoring after 54 minutes when
Clitheroe keeper Paul Horridge was lobbed as he
came off his line towards the edge of the box.
Gradually the Blues came back into the game and
some sustained pressure led to the equaliser
after 79 minutes. James Dean was
beaten to a cross but he was first to react when
the ball landed and he twisted to stroke the ball
home from 12 yards out. Halesowen pressed forward
in the final few minutes but the defence held
firm and were rewarded with the replay on Tuesday.
Team : Horridge, Underwood, Roberts, Avery (Daniels),
Anderson, Matthews, Nay (Sargeson), Jones, Dean,
Exton, Garner (Johnson). Subs - Johnson, Sargeson,
Daniels. Not used - Dempsey.
|
Tue 31/10/06 - Clitheroe 5 Chorley 0 (UniBond
League Cup) Att 122 |
Paul
Lamb, Ant Daniels, Kris Matthews and Steve Hussey
were missing for a variety of reasons and were
replaced by Will Exton, Darrell Avery, Owen Roberts
and Jamie Nay. Craig Sargeson returned to the
subs bench with Dave Dempsey alongside Ant
Daniels.
Clitheroe bounced back from the 0-5 drubbing to
new league leaders Stockbridge by completely
dominating this game from start to finish. They
created plenty of early chances before the first
goal arrived on 19 minutes when James Dean
crossed from the right of the penalty area and Jamie
Nay glanced a header home from in front
of the keeper. Further chances were created but
the Blues had to settle for the slenderest of
halftime leads. Chorley had a brief period of
pressure at the start of the second half before
Clitheroe increased the lead on 58 minutes. Jamie
Nay played a long ball forward and in one
movement James Dean chested the
ball down and flashed a terrific shot in from 15
yards. The third goal came after 72 minutes when
a headed clearance found Owen Roberts
just outside the penalty area and he fired home a
crisp left-footed bullet shot. The Blues were
awarded a penalty after 85 minutes when a fine
flowing move saw Will Exton impeded as he
connected with a cross from James Dean. James
Dean collected the ball, placed it on
the spot and fired home the penalty to take the
score to 4-0. The emphatic victory was completed
in the 90th minute when James Dean
latched on to a through ball, took it around the
keeper and slotted home to complete a superb
hattrick.
Team : Francis, Underwood, Roberts, Avery,
Anderson, Bain (Sargeson), Nay, Jones (Daniels),
Dean, Exton, Garner (Dempsey). Subs - Dempsey,
Sargeson, Daniels.
|
Sat 28/10/06 - Clitheroe 0
Stocksbridge Park Steels 5 (UniBond
League) Att 202 |
New
signings Steve Hussey and Ross Bain made their
debuts, Gregg Anderson returned to the defence
and Anthony Daniels returned to midfield.
This really was a game of 2 halves with Clitheroe
once again having the pressure and territorial
advantage but nothing to show for it. A long
range shot from Jason Jones that was easily saved
and an instinctive block by Blues keeper Ray
Francis were the pick of an entertaining but
goalless first half. How things changed after the
break! Stocksbridge took a 46th minute lead after
a goalmouth scramble and the ball going in off
the post. James Dean had a strong run and
terrific shot saved before Stocksbridge doubled
their lead on 70 minutes with a Ross Bain own-goal
and a superb third was then whipped past Ray
Francis after 73 minutes. Fellow debutant Steve
Hussey was dispossesed close to goal on 83
minutes and led to a fourth being conceded before
sub Stefan Zoll came off the bench to fire home a
90th minute fifth. A very even first half where
it was difficult to tell the sides apart was
followed by a second half where the Blues were
left with no doubt who were the division's form
team and why.
Team : Francis, Underwood, Bain, Daniels (Avery),
Anderson (Exton), Matthews, Hussey, Jones, Dean,
Lamb, Garner. Subs - Avery, Exton, Nay. Non-playing
sub - Nay.
|
Tue 24/10/06 - Bamber Bridge 3
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 231 |
Manager
Chris Stammers named an unchanged team with
Anthony Daniels, Ian Johnson and Owen Roberts on
the bench.
A sizeable following from Clitheroe saw a bright
opening spell with the Blues seeing plenty of
action in front of the Bamber Bridge goal.
Unfortunately Brig then took the lead on 11
minutes and were able to match anything the Blues
produced and kept the slim interval lead. They
doubled the lead from a close range header after
51 minutes and a third was rifled home after 60
minutes. Clitheroe introduced their substitutes
and fought their way back into the game and Paul
Lamb fired home from 6 yards after 73
minutes to give a glimmer of hope. The Blues had
a good spell on top but were again restricted to
long range efforts that missed the target and a
disappointing night ended with striker James Dean
being sent off after getting involved in a melee
between Jason Jones and a Brig player - who both
received yellow cards.
Team : Francis, Nay (Roberts), Garner, Avery,
Underwood, Matthews, Sargeson (Daniels), Jones,
Dean, Lamb, Dempsey (Johnson). Subs - Daniels,
Johnson, Roberts.
|
Sat 21/10/06 - Warrington Town 0
Clitheroe 1 (FA Trophy) Att 132 |
New
keeper Ray Francis replaced Peter Collinge who
has signed for Leek Town and with Alan
Fitzpatrick injured young keeper Martin Fearon
came in from Accrington Stanley to sit on the
bench. Simon Garner dropped to left back in place
of Owen Roberts allowing Dave Dempsey a start in
midfield. Jason Jones came in for Ian Johnson and
Paul Lamb partnered James Dean up front.
The Blues started brightly and took a 5th minute
lead when a dangerous Craig Sargeson cross from
the right was knocked into his own goal
by a Warrington defender under pressure from
James Dean. New Clitheroe keeper Ray Francis made
an instinctive save low to his right to deny the
home side an equaliser and the Blues were
marginally on top going into the interval. The
second half started in a prolonged sudden
downpour and Jamie Nay had a low show that fizzed
across goal and out of play past the far post.
Warrington gradually worked their way to a spell
on top but the Clitheroe defence were standing
firm and denying them the chance to get any clear
shots in. Keeper Ray Francis knew nothing though
about a snatch shot late on that struck the bar
and was cleared to safety. Paul Lamb set up Jason
Jones to fire in a low shot that was saved and
Jamie Nay fired the rebound wide of the goal from
the edge of the box. Clitheroe did enough to win
this lacklustre match with a clean sheet to
progress into the next round of the FA Trophy.
Francis, Nay, Garner, Avery (Daniels), Underwood,
Matthews, Sargeson (Exton), Jones, Dean, Lamb,
Dempsey (Johnson). Subs - Daniels, Johnson, Exton.
Not used - Fearon, Roberts.
|
Tue 17/10/06 - Chorley 2 Clitheroe 2 (UniBond
League) Att 206 |
Peter
Collinge replaced Alan Fitzpatrick in goal, Jeff
Underwood came in for the injured Gregg Anderson,
Craig Sargeson returned to midfield with Ian
Johnson moving inside to replace Jason Jones.
Simon Garner returned after suspension so Paul
Lamb was on the bench again.
Clitheroe were soon on top against a struggling
Chorley side and Will Exton was unlucky not to
open the scoring when his shot across the keeper
just went the wrong side of the far post. Despite
being so much on top it was the home side who
took the lead after 34 minutes. A Blues corner
was easily gathered by the Chorley keeper and the
resulting break down the wing led to a low cross
being converted at the back post. Their lead
lasted just 8 minutes when Simon Garner fed the
ball in to James Dean who turned
his marker and fired home from 12 yards to level
the halftime score. The Blues again had most of
the pressure and territorial advantage in the
second half but determined Chorley defending kept
them out. Paul Lamb replaced Will Exton and Craig
Sargeson also started to have more of an effect.
After 88 minutes Paul Lamb chased a ball down the
right, made his way towards the box and centred
the ball which found sub Dave Dempsey
at the back post and he fired the ball home to
give Clitheroe the lead. Unfortunately a last
ditch long ball out of the Chorley defence led to
a mixup between keeper and defender and saw the
ball squeezed home from a narrow angle to give
the hosts a 90th minute equaliser.
Team : Collinge, Nay, Roberts (Dempsey), Avery (Jones),
Underwood, Matthews, Sargeson, Johnson, Exton (Lamb),
Dean, Garner. Subs Dempsey, Jones, Lamb.
|
Sat 14/10/06 - Bradford PA 7
Clitheroe 3 (UniBond League) Att 232 |
Simon
Garner was suspended for this game and manager
Chris Stammers brought a third striker - Paul
Lamb - into the starting line up. Darrell Avery
replaced Anthony Daniels in midfield.
Bradford made a dream start and were 3 goals up
within 17 minutes. A free header into the top
corner after 8 minutes that gave Alan Fitzgerald
no chance, a huge deflection from the edge of the
box after 16 minutes and a defensive mixup 5
yards from goal a minute later left the Blues
with a huge task to recover. A good flowing move
after 30 minutes saw Will Exton
finish off from close range to reduce the deficit
but Bradford notched another after 38 minutes to
secure a halftime scoreline of 4-1. The second
half was still evens but this time the goals were
not going in. Jason Jones pulled
another goal back when firing home a loose ball
in the area after 64 minutes and an unlikely
fightback looked possible. There then followed
three goals in as many miutes with the hosts
scoring another two goals in the 77th and 78
minutes and then scoring an own goal
to make it 6-3. A seventh goal right on the final
whistle flattered Bradford.
Team : Fitzpatrick, Nay, Roberts (Dempsey), Avery,
Anderson, Matthews, Johnson, Jones (Sargeson),
Exton (Underwood), Dean, Lamb. Subs Dempsey,
Underwood, Sargeson.
|
Tue 10/10/06 - Clitheroe 1 Wakefield
1 (UniBond League) Att 181 |
Chris
Stammers named an unchanged team for the first
time this season following last Saturday's
fightback from 2 goals down to win 3-2.
Wakefield are rooted to the bottom of the table
having scored only 3 goals and their woeful first
half performance showed why. They were wasteful
in front of goal and often resorted to last-ditch
tactics to keep the Blues attack out. Another
sorry performance by officials did not help and
again Clitheroe had a player sent off -
admittedly the second yellow card for a foul by
Will Exton was probably justified but his first
yellow just moments earlier was awarded for...well,
no-one knows. The visitors committed identical (and
at times worse) offences but were treated
leniently instead as the first half ended without
goalscoring incident. Despite being a man down,
the Blues were soon on top in the second half and
took the lead after 52 minutes. A superb through
ball by Tex Avery released Paul Lamb on a clean
run on goal but his shot was parried by the
Wakefield keeper only to be fired home by the
supporting James Dean. Clitheroe
continued to force the issue but after losing
James Dean to a facial injury had to juggle the
formation with Owen Roberts moving to right back
as they looked to protect the lead in the last
few minutes. Wakefield were themselves starting
to increase the pressure and got their reward
after 86 minutes by scoring the equaliser from
close range.
Team : Fitzpatrick, Nay (Lamb), Roberts, Daniels
(Avery), Anderson, Matthews, Johnson, Jones,
Exton , Dean (Sargeson), Garner. Subs Avery, Lamb,
Sargeson.
|
Sat 07/10/06 - Clitheroe 3 Bamber
Bridge 2 (FA Trophy QR) Att 244 |
Alan
Fitpatrick returned in goal after his suspension,
Jamie Nay replaced Jeff Underwood at right back,
Ian Johnson came into midfield instead of Craig
Sargeson and James Dean returned after his
suspension to partner Will Exton up front. Paul
Lamb started on the bench after pulling out of
Tuesday's game though injury.
Neil Reynolds received a warm welcome back to
Shawbridge and it was his punt forward that led
to Brig's first goal after 11 minutes, keeper
Alan Fitzpatrick being beaten by a low drilled
shot. Clitheroe were equal to anything the
visitors could muster but fell further behind on
38 minutes when a swift move down the left was
finished from close range by Brickell. Peter
Collinge replaced an injured Alan Fitzpatrick in
the Clitheroe goal and the Blues pulled a goal
back on 42 minutes when James Dean's shot could
only be parried and Simon Garner
followed in to fire home the loose ball.
Clitheroe dominated the second half and drew
level on 55 minutes when Simon Garner fired in a
low cross and Will Exton was on
hand to force the ball home from close range.
Bamber Bridge had a couple of chances to retake
the lead as the Blues pushed forward for the
winner themselves. James Dean had a close shot
blocked and in the ensuing goal mouth scramble Jason
Jones drilled the ball home from 10
yards to send the Blues into the next round and a
tie away at Warrington Town.
Team : Fitzpatrick (Collinge), Nay, Roberts,
Daniels (Avery), Anderson, Matthews, Johnson,
Jones, Exton (Lamb), Dean, Garner. Subs Collinge,
Avery, Lamb. Not used - Sargeson, Oates.
|
Tue 03/10/06 - Woodley Sports 2
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 113 |
Paul
Lamb pulled up in the pre-match warm up and took
no part in the game with Michael Oates starting
in his place. Anthony Daniels returned with a
place on the bench.
The match was never in doubt as the artificial
surface coped well enough with the frequent rain
spells and Woodley reverted to pumping the ball
forward as often and as hard as they could hoping
for their speedy forwards to find themselves in
the clear. They won a corner in the 8th minutes
and a short pass then low driven shot gave them
an early lead. The Blues came more into the game
and an angled drive from Will Exton brought a
smart save from the Woodley keeper. That was to
be the only noteworthy goal attempt in the first
half. Clitheroe continued to get on top in the
second half and had more possesion, pressure and
territorial advantage but again struggled in the
final third of the pitch to create clear
goalscoring opportunities. Woodley were reduced
to 10 men when Adam Morning was red-carded and
the Blues piled on even more pressure but still
couldn't breach the home defence. Sub Ryan Parr
was introduced alongside Will Exton up front but
Woodley pulled men back and handled the extra
threat before a rare second half venture forward
led to them doubling the lead in the 90th minute
with a deflected shot from just outside the
penalty box.
Team : Collinge, Underwood, Roberts, Jones,
Anderson, Matthews (Nay), Sargeson, Avery (Daniels),
Exton, Oates (Parr), Garner. Subs Parr, Daniels,
Nay.
|
Sat 30/09/06 - Clitheroe 0 Eastwood
Town 3 (UniBond League) Att 280 |
Peter
Collinge returned in goal for the suspended Alan
Fitzpatrick, Jeff Underwood started instead of
Jamie Nay at right back, Jason Jones replaced
Anthony Daniels, Simon Garner returned after
suspension and new striker Will Exton started
alongside Paul Lamb after signing from Bradford
City. Ryan Parr returned to the club and started
on the bench.
Clitheroe were given another opportunity on 4
minutes for an early lead when Simon Garner was
held back as he darted into the box but the
resultant penalty from Owen Roberts was saved by
the diving Eastwood keeper. The Blues were on top
and forced the visitors keeper into several saves
as well as flashing some long distance shots just
wide. It was Eastwood who took the lead though
after 38 minutes when some quick passing down the
left saw the ball laid back for their no.11 to
smash home superbly into the top right hand
corner. Clitheroe continued to drive forward and
new striker Bill Exton had a weak shot saved and
a header go over the bar as halftime arrived with
the Blues on top but a goal down. Eastwood did
enough to thwart Clitheroe after the break and
only an Owen Roberts goal-line clearance stopped
them doubling the lead on 52 minutes. They were
looking increasingly dangerous going forward
though and on 61 minutes they scored their second
goal with a follow-up tap in after Peter Collinge
had saved the initial shot. The Blues surged
forward but could not breach the Eastwood back
four and conceded a 90th minute third when the
visitors sub found himself in acres of space with
a free run in on goal and he slotted home past
the advancing Peter Collinge.
Team : Collinge, Underwood, Roberts, Jones,
Anderson, Matthews (Parr), Sargeson, Avery (Oates),
Exton, Lamb, Garner. Subs Parr, Oates, Nay (not
used - Nay).
|
Tue 26/09/06 - Clitheroe 0
Skelmersdale United 1 (UniBond League)
Att 245 |
Clitheroe
striker James Dean was missing through suspension
so Ian Johnson started alongside Paul Lamb with
Dave Dempsey making his first start on the left.
Defender Shaun Gray has returned to Morecambe
after his loan period so Owen Roberts came back
into the defence. Simon Garner sat out the second
game of his 2-match suspension.
Ex-manager Tommy Lawson and five former Blues
returned to Shawbridge and staged a well-played
smash and grab to return home with the three
points. Owen Roberts struck a long range shot
that struck the visitors bar and Gregg Anderson
was injured on the stroke of halftime. Clitheroe
started brightly after the interval and lay siege
to the Skem goal but fell behind in the 52nd
minute when a free header in front of goal was
firmly placed past keeper Alan Fitzpatrick. The
Blues continued to drive forward but were met
with stubborn resistance and were restricted to
long range efforts that either flew wide of the
target or high over the bar. Ben Stanford came on
for his first appearance since the opening week
of the season but it was not to be and Clitheroe
fell to a narrow home defeat.
Team : Fitzpatrick, Nay, Roberts, Daniels,
Anderson (Underwood), Matthews, Sargeson, Avery,
Johnson (Stanford), Lamb, Dempsey (Oates). Subs
Underwood, Oates, Stanford.
|
Sat 23/09/06 - Alsager Town 0
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 129 |
Clitheroe
striker and new British kick-boxing champion
James Dean returned to the starting lineup in
place of Michael Oates and alongside a much
fitter Paul Lamb up front. Kris Matthews kept his
place alongside Gregg Anderson at centre back and
Shaun Gray replaced Owen Roberts at left back.
Jason Jones was missing due to suspension while
Simon Garner sat out the first game of his 2-match
suspension.
Alsager started well and it was the Blues who
felt the early pressure for a change but the
defence was again equal to anything thrown at it.
Clitheroe were unable to capitalise on a flurry
of corners and Alsager had an effort cleared off
the line as the first half ended goalless.
Clitheroe were soon on top in the second half and
were on the attack time after time while Gregg
Anderson mopped up anything that the hosts
mustered going forward on the break. The
domination was finally turned into a goal after
61 minutes when Jamie Nay swung in a cross from
the right and James Dean sent a
controlled header over the keeper from the edge
of the box, a superb goal. Alsager went in search
of the equaliser but some shrewd substitutions by
new full-time manager Chris Stammers saw the
Blues hold the lead and look to increasing it.
This they did on 88 minutes when substitute Dave
Dempsey drove into the box before laying the ball
across for Paul Lamb to slot
home from close range to cap a return to fitness.
This was another fine team performance and
another clean sheet in the league.
Team : Fitzpatrick, Nay, Gray, Daniels (Underwood),
Anderson, Matthews, Sargeson (Dempsey), Avery,
Dean, Lamb, Johnson (Oates). Subs Underwood,
Oates, Dempsey.
|
Sat 16/09/06 - Clitheroe 0 Marine 2 (FA
Cup 1st Qualifying Round) Att 345 |
Clitheroe
striker James Dean was absent due to a kickboxing
British-title fight and Ben Stanford and Yakoob
Khan were not quite ready to return from injury
so Paul Lamb was forced to make a return to the
starting lineup when he himself was not quite 100%. Darrell Avery kept his place ahead of Jason Jones
while Kris Matthews returned in place of Shaun
Gray who parent-club Morecambe did not want cup-tied.
The Blues were again soon on the attack and put
their Premier Divison opponents under plenty of
early pressure, winning a succession of corners
and creating plenty of chances to take the lead.
However, that all changed after 20 minutes when
keeper Alan Fitzpatrick raced out of his area in
a race to the ball with a Marine player and the
forward's attempted lob struck the keeper on the
arm. The referee produced a straight red card and
Clitheroe were reduced to 10 men. Simon Garner
took over in goal and Jamie Nay was sacrificed in
favour of Jeff Underwood as the Blues went to
just three at the back. The momentum was now with
Marine and they peppered the Clitheroe box with
high balls but Simon Garner was well protected by
his defence and also made a superb double point-blank
save to keep the visitors out. The Blues
continued to threaten on the break and were still
very much in the game until the 42nd minute
Marine took the lead. A pinpoint right wing
centre found the head of the impressive Peter
Cumiskey and he clinically headed home into the
top corner giving Simon Garner no chance at all.
Clitheroe continued to match Marine after the
break but were often restricted to long range
efforts that were saved by the keeper. The
visitors scored again in the 73rd minute when a
defensive error allowed a run-in on goal and the
Marine player slipped the ball past stand-in
keeper Simon Garner. The Blues continued to press
in search of a goal right up to the final whistle
and were once again applauded of the pitch by a
healthy Shawbridge crowd of 345.
Team : Fitzpatrick, Nay (Underwood), Roberts,
Daniels, Anderson, Matthews, Sargeson, Avery (Jones),
Oates (Johnson), Lamb, Garner. Subs Underwood,
Johnson, Jones.
|
Tue 12/09/06 - Goole 0 Clitheroe 3 (UniBond
League) Att 179 |
Clitheroe
striker Paul Lamb pulled up in the pre-match warm
up and opted to sit this game out, James Dean
again starting alongside Michael Oates up front. Darrell Avery kept his place while Anthony Daniels
came in for Jason Jones in midfield. Kris
Matthews took his place on the bench after
returning from injury.
The Blues made a bright start to the game and
pumped plenty of early balls into the box. A foul
wide on the left before another one could be sent
in saw the resulting freekick cleared but a
follow up shot was cleared over the bar by a
Goole player's arm. He was sent off and Owen
Roberts fired home the resultant
spotkick after 15 minutes. The lead was doubled
soon after when a superb cross-field pass by Owen
Roberts was headed back by Michael Oates into the
path of James Dean. He took one
touch then slotted home from 10 yards. A high
clearance from keeper Alan Fitzpatrick seemed to
deceive the players and as James Dean caught
sight of the ball and jumped to head it he was
judged to have deliberately elbowed a Goole
player in the head and was dismissed. Clitheroe
continued to drive forward and some superb play
down the right by Simon Garner saw him make space
to pull the ball back for Darrel Avery
just outside the box. He rode one tackle, made
room to shoot and the ball sailed over the keeper
from the edge of the box to give the Blues a very
healthy 3-0 halftime lead. As was to be expected,
Goole were more determined in the second half and
forced Alan Fitzpatrick into some smart saves.
Clitheroe matched them and created their own
chances at the other end and at the final whistle
ran out comfortable winners.
Team : Fitzpatrick, Nay, Roberts (Matthews),
Avery, Anderson, Gray, Sargeson, Daniels, Oates (Johnson),
Dean, Garner. Subs Matthews, Johnson, Lamb.
|
Sat 09/09/06 - Clitheroe 2 Gresley
Rovers 0 (UniBond League) Att 246 |
Clitheroe
rested striker Paul Lamb and gave a start to
James Dean alongside Michael Oates up front while Darrell Avery replaced Anthony Daniels in midfield.
The visitors have had a poor start to the season
and didn't look like kick-starting their campaign
at Shawbridge. The Clitheroe defence was rarely
threatened and the Gresley keeper made some fine
saves to keep the Blues attack out and the scores
goalless at halftime. Clitheroe continued to
control the game after the break and again it was
the Gresley keeper that was keeping his team in
the game with more good saves. Acting-manager
Chris Stammers made a telling substitution when
replacing the hard-running Michael Oates with Ian
Johnson who played a supporting midfielder role
rather than an out-and-out striker. This
unsteadied the Gresley defence and The Blues
opened the scoring on 86 minutes when Simon
Garner played a superb ball deep into the goal
area where James Dean controlled
it before firing the ball home. The lead was
doubled after 89 minutes when Ian Johnson played
the ball forward into close to the keeper where James
Dean controlled it then swivelled a few
times before firing the ball home from close
range.
Team : Fitzpatrick, Nay, Roberts, Avery, Anderson,
Gray, Sargeson (Underwood), Jones (Dempsey),
Oates (Johnson), Dean, Garner. Subs Underwood,
Johnson, Dempsey.
|
Tue 05/09/06 - Clitheroe 2 Cammell
Laird 4 (UniBond League) Att 214 |
Clitheroe gave a home debut to new
keeper Alan Fitzpatrick and recalled Shaun Gray
at the back. Michael Oates started up front
alongside Paul Lamb.
The Blues again made a dream start with a goal
from the penalty spot after just 4 minutes.
Michael Oates headed on a kick from the keeper
into Paul Lamb's path, his superb cross into the
box was about to be slammed home by Simon Garner
when he was felled by the Laird's centre half.
The ref then made the first of a series of
mystifying decisions by taking no action other
than pointing to the spot. Owen Roberts
duly slotted home the spotkick and the visitors
restarted the game with 11 players still on the
pitch. Their equaliser came after 10 minutes when
a huge kick from the keeper was allowed to bounce
into space behind the Clitheroe defence and it
was expertly flicked over keeper Alan Fitzgerald.
The Blues were then denied retaking the lead by a
hugely controversial sequence of events. Shaun
Gray forced a goal-bound effort over the line
with his torso, the ref was close enough to see
what had happened but maybe didn't have a clear
view in a crowded area. He looked to the liner
for assistance and she signalled a goal and
joined the Clitheroe players and the ref making
their way back for the restart. The Laird players
then surrounded the liner en-masse and the ref
went over to see what the commotion was.
Bizarrely, the actions of the Laird players were
successful and the ref disallowed the goal!
Clitheroe did take the lead in the 42nd minute
when Simon Garner drove the ball
under the visitor's keeper from 10 yards to give
the Blues a well-earned 2-1 halftime lead.
Cammell Laird made a double substitution before
the start of the second half and after 52 minutes
were themselves awarded and converted a penalty
for a foul just inside the area. Both sides were
creating chances but the ref spoiled a great game
with his inconsistent decisions and led to a
tense final 10 minutes. Jason Jones received a
second yellow for foul play (while the visitors
were simply spoken to for repeated fouls by the
same players) and Lairds were awarded a freekick
on 83 minutes when Jamie Nay was harshly judged
to have fouled wide on the left. The resulting
freekick was powerfully headed home at the back
post to put the visitors ahead for the first time.
Simon Garner was also dismissed after 2 non-foul
bookings before Lairds made the game safe with a
well taken 4th goal after 90 minutes.
This was potentially a great game between two
very good sides but was ultimately spoiled by
weak and inconsistent officials. Mass
confrontation of an official was seen to have the
desired effect and a goal that the ref and liner
both deemed to be OK was ruled out after the
visitors successfully changed the liner's mind
for her. That should not be allowed to happen -
will we see it again this season?
Team : Fitzpatrick, Nay, Roberts, Daniels (Johnson),
Anderson, Gray, Sargeson (Underwood), Jones,
Oates (Dean), Lamb, Garner. Subs Underwood,
Johnson, Dean.
|
Sat 02/09/06 - Atherton LR 0
Clitheroe 3 (FA Cup Preliminary Round)
Att 94 |
Clitheroe were denied permission
by Morecambe to play on-loan Shaun Gray in the FA
Cup so Simon Garner played alongside Gregg
Anderson again and Michael Oates came into the
side.
The Blues made a dream start when Jamie Nay freed
Michael Oates down the right wing, his cross
found Craig Sargeson in the box and he was
bundled over as he shaped up to shoot. Owen
Roberts stepped up to fire home the
penalty to give Clitheroe a 1st minute lead. The
lead was doubled in the 17th minute when Jason
Jones prodded the ball home from close
range in a crowded goalmouth - the ball being
judged to have crossed the line by the liner.
Clitheroe dominated the half and should have had
a healthier lead come half time. Atherton LR were
a different team in the second half and took the
game to the Blues and for spells were on top.
Clitheroe created chances but the clinical
finishing was missing and eventually the home
side's pressure paid off when they were awarded a
late penalty. New keeper Alan Fitzpatrick capped
a fine debut display by saving the shot and the
Blues wrapped the game up moments later. A superb
through ball after 90 minutes by Anthony Daniels
released sub James Dean through
the middle and he clipped the ball over the
advancing keeper from the edge of the box.
Clitheroe started brightly and a big score seemed
on the cards. Credit to LR for coming back at
them but in the end a 3-0 scoreline was
comfortably achieved and the Blues now face
Marine at home in the next round.
Team : Fitzpatrick, Nay (Underwood), Roberts,
Daniels, Anderson, Garner, Sargeson, Jones (Avery),
Johnson (Dean), Lamb, Oates. Subs Underwood,
Avery, Dean.
|
Mon 28/08/06 - Buxton 1 Clitheroe 0 (UniBond
League) Att 468 |
Clitheroe
were able to name an unchanged team for the first
time this season as they visited 4th placed and
unbeaten Buxton.
Buxton started the stronger of the teams and
forced the Blues onto the back foot for the first
time this season as they struggled to control the
ball in the windy conditions. The home side took
the lead after 13 minutes when a free kick from
their left side found its way across the
Clitheroe box and was firmly slammed home from
close range at the far post. The Blues were
playing with the wind behind them and forced 14
corners in the first half but were not able to
capitalise on the pressure and went in at
halftime still one goal behind. Buxton struggled
playing with the wind in the second half and
Clitheroe were frustrated with several refereeing
decisions which were eventaully given in their
favour, but the indecisiveness caused a few
unnecessary bookings for the team. The Buxton
keeper made some fine saves and their number 5
gave Paul Lamb his toughest game yet and his one
clearcut chance was easily saved from close range
near the final whistle. This was a hard game that
was narrowly lost and the team will undoubtedly
learn from a setback to a team that was to take
their place at the top of the table with this win.
Team : Fearon, Nay (Dempsey), Roberts, Daniels,
Anderson, Gray, Sargeson, Jones (Avery), Johnson
(Oates), Lamb, Garner. Subs Dempsey, Avery, Oates.
|
Sat 26/08/06 - Clitheroe 3
Bridlington Town 0 (UniBond League)
Att 185 |
The
Blues recruited first year professional Shaun
Gray from Morecambe on a short-term loan and he
lined up alongside Gregg Anderson at the back,
releasing Simon Garner back to his left wing slot.
Ben Stanford was injured in the Chorley game and
his place up front was taken by Ian Johnson.
Clitheroe again made a glorious start when after
just 3 minutes Simon Garner drove in a long range
effort and Ian Johnson did
enough to ensure the ball ended up in the back of
the net, being credited with the goal. There was
no mistaking the scorer of the second goal after
26 minutes though, Owen Roberts floated in a
freekick from the right, Gregg Anderson rose to
head back across goal and Ian Johnson
was on hand at the far post to power the ball
home. The Blues didn't quite reach the dizzy
heights of the previous game but were still too
much for Bridlington and took a comfortable 2-0
interval lead. The visitors tried to get into the
game from the restart but eventually the Blues
took control again and could have increased the
lead before Paul Lamb notched
the third goal after 78 minutes, latching on to a
fine pass from Craig Sargeson that released him
in on goal and he made no mistake from the edge
of the box. This was another fine team
performance and gave Clitheroe a superb 9-point
table-topping total from the opening 3 games.
Team : Fearon, Nay, Roberts, Daniels, Anderson,
Gray, Sargeson, Jones (Dempsey), Johnson (Oates),
Lamb, Garner. Subs Dempsey, Priestley (not used),
Oates.
|
Tue 22/08/06 - Clitheroe 3 Chorley 0 (UniBond
League) Att 244 |
Clitheroe
lost big Kiwi defender Kris Matthews to a
dislocated shoulder before the match so Simon
Garner slotted in alongside Gregg Anderson at the
back and Michael Oates played on the wing.
The Blues made another dream start after Shaun
Teale conceeded a freekick just outside the area
on 6 minutes. Owen Roberts
stepped up and fired a stunning freekick firmly
past the young Chorley keeper. Clitheroe were
playing superbly and creating chance after chance
but somehow they only had the one goal to show
for it at halftime. The lead was doubled early in
the second half when battling midfielder Anthony
Daniels latched on to a ball played
inside and stroked it home from the edge of the
box. Chorley could not cope with the rampant
Blues and had their young keeper to thank for
keeping the score down with some fine saves. The
third goal came after 73 minutes when Jason Jones
played a great ball forward that released Craig
Sargeson and he made no mistake, running
on and slotting the ball home under the keeper.
This was a fantastic team performance with every
single player fully deserving of the rich
applause from the crowd at the final whistle.
Team : Fearon, Nay (Priestley), Roberts, Daniels
(Dempsey), Anderson, Garner, Sargeson, Jones,
Stanford (Johnson), Lamb, Oates. Subs Dempsey,
Priestley, Johnson
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Sat 19/08/06 - Kidsgrove Athletic 1
Clitheroe 3 (UniBond League) Att 175 |
Clitheroe
started the new season with only Owen Roberts,
Craig Sargeson and Simon Garner left from the
squad that faced Bamber Bridge in the final game
last season. Goalkeeper Peter Collinge signed a
short-term contract with Bury during the week and
Martin Fearon was quickly enrolled from
Accrington Stanley. Jamie Nay joined from
Fleetwood Town, Kiwi Kris Matthews lined up
alongside Gregg Anderson at the back and Jason
Jones returned to Shawbridge from Ramsbottom
United. Ben Stanford came in from Radcliffe
Borough, Michael Oates arrived from Stalybridge
Celtic, Paul Lamb from Marine and Anthony Daniels
and Ian Johnson from Burscough.
Kidsgrove were reputed to have spent quite a lot
of money during the close and were highly rated
by the bookies - a tough start to the season then.
The Blues (or oranges ashey are in the new away
kit) made a dream start when Paul Lamb controlled
and twisted on a ball pushed up to him and he
played Ben Stanford in to run on
and drive the ball low past the keeper after 8
minutes. The lead was doubled after 20 minutes
when Paul Lamb controlled a high
ball played up to him, turned and fired home from
the edge of the box. Clitheroe were playing some
neat football and fully deserved a shock 2-0
interval lead. As was to be expected, Kidsgrove
came out all guns blazing in the second half and
pulled a goal back on 57 minutes. Clitheroe
continued to play good football and soon restored
the 2 goal cushion when after 61 minutes Simon
Garner drove home a loose ball in the
box. Kidsgrove reverted to route-1 football and
while the giant striker Matt Rhead won almost
every header, his team-mates could not pick up
the flick ons. The Blues continued to press and
ran out worthy 3-1 winners in a very difficult
opening fixture.
Team : Fearon, Nay, Roberts (Johnson), Daniels,
Matthews, Anderson, Sargeson (Dempsey), Jones,
Stanford, (Oates) Lamb, Garner. Subs Dempsey,
Oates, Johnson.
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