






|
Sat 26/04/08 - Clitheroe 2 Bamber
Bridge 2 (UniBond League) Att 320 |
Ian
Flannery replaced Russ Clarke at centre half,
Russ Clarke replaced Scott Redhead at left back
who moved forward to replace Craig Sargeson in
midfield.
The Blues took a 10th minute lead when Anthony
Johnson turned in the box to drill a
shot towards the far post and it was deflected
home by a Brig defender from a yard out. Carl
Lomax fired a freekick from outside the box
against the upright and Clitheroe reached half
time with the slender lead. Bamber Bridge
equalised in the 59th minute with a well struck
low free kick but Clitheroe regained the lead in
the 62nd minute when Jonathan Smith
forced the ball across the line after the keeper
spilled a low ball in. Carl Lomax had a couple of
good chances to increase the lead before Bamber
Bridge scored their second equaliser in th 82nd
minute to seal their play-off place.
Team
: Mann, Kozlowski, Clarke, Flannery, J.Smith, P.Osborne,
Hankin (Toronczak), Stopforth (Pilkington), Lomax,
Johnson (P.Smith), Redhead. Subs - Toronczak,
Pilkington, P.Smith.
|
Sat 19/04/08 - Curzon Ashton 2
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 148 |
Russ
Clarke replaced Ian Flannery at centre half in
the only change from the last match.
The Blues twice came from behind to earn a point
against title challengers Curzon in another wind
affected game. The home side had the advantage in
the first half and took a 17th minute lead when a
low cross from the right was firmly slotted home
from 15 yards. Clitheroe soon equalised in the 19th
minute when a Gary Stopforth freekick was met by
Jonathan Smith and his header down was lashed
home from close range by Anthony Johnson.
Curzon took the lead again in the 34th minute
when Scott Redhead was dispossessed of the ball
and prolific striker Norton was released on a run
on goal and he fired home past keeper James Mann.
The Blues made the most of the wind in the second
half and equalised again in the 71st minute when
a great pass forward by Craig Sargeson released
sub Danny Toronczak on an
identical run on goal and he too made no mistake
with a firm low shot into the corner. Both sides
had late chances to sneak a win but the final
whistle blew with the scores still level and
Clitheroe's improved end of season form saw them
taking another good point away from home.
Team
: Mann, Kozlowski, Redhead (Pilkington), Clarke,
J.Smith, P.Osborne, Hankin (Toronczak), Stopforth,
Lomax, Johnson, Sargeson. Subs - Toronczak,
Pilkington, Flannery (not used).
|
Sat 12/04/08 - Clitheroe 2 Newcastle
Blue Star 3 (UniBond League) Att 207 |
Jonathon
Smith replaced Russ Clarke at centre half on his
return from suspension.
The Blues missed out on a share of the spoils
from an entertaining game when a late freekick
found its way in at the far post. Clitheroe
created some excellent early chances on goal
before the visitors took the lead in the 23rd
minute with a good run and shot under keeper
James Mann, who then denied them another with a
superb save soon after. Further chances fell to
the Blues and they equalised in the 44th minute
when Dave Hankin fed the ball to Carl Lomax just
inside the box and he turned before crossing for Anthony
Johnson to flash home a diving header
from 6 yards. The Blues opened the second half
brightly and had a couple of close efforts on
goal but it was Newcastle next to score again
when some fine individual skill controlled a
cross and slotting home from close range in the
55th minute. Dave Hankin had a good run to the
byeline before firing the ball across the face of
goal but unfortunately there wasn't a Clitheroe
player close enough to prod it across the goal
line. The second equaliser finally came in the 86th
minute when Carl Lomax sent Anthony
Johnson racing in on a
ball played over the Newcastle back line and he
chipped the advancing keeper from just inside the
penalty area. Clitheroe continued to search for
the winner and Carl Lomax forced a smart save
with a 25yard shot before Danny Toronczak was
thwarted by the keeper's toes as he was put
through on a one-on-one. Newcastle were awarded a
freekick wide on the right on the stroke of full
time and the teasing cross found its way over
everyone and went in off the woodwork at the far
post to deny the Blues another hard earned point.
Team
: Mann, Kozlowski, Redhead, Flannery (Jones), J.Smith,
P.Osborne (Pilkington), Hankin, Stopforth, Lomax,
Johnson, Sargeson (Toronczak). Subs - Toronczak,
Pilkington, Jones.
|
Tue 08/04/08 - Chorley 2 Clitheroe 3 (UniBond
League) Att 202 |
Russ
Clarke replaced the suspended Jonathon Smith at
centre half and Paul Osborne replaced the injured
Ryan Fisher in midfield. Jason Jones made a
return on the subs bench.
The very bobbly pitch didn't help either side and
Chorley took a 10th minute lead when James Mann
made a decent save but the loose ball was fired
home from close range. Clitheroe equalised in the
14th minute when Carl Lomax
chased a ball that looped over the defence and he
lobbed the home keeper with confidence. The Blues
took the lead themselves in the 38th minute when
the ball found its way to an unmarked Carl
Lomax at the far post and he rifled a
shot into the opposite top corner. Chorley
equalised in the 43rd minute with an unstoppable
drive from 25 yards to level the scores at half
time. The second half wasn't as entertaining with
many stray passes on the unpredictable surface
and the home side wasted some good chances with
shots that sailed high behind the goal. A triple
substitution saw the Blues have some late
pressure and the winner came in the 90th minute
when Jason Jones laid the ball back for Gary
Stopforth to prod it forward to Anthony Johnson
inside the box and he laid it off superbly for Paul
Osborne to fire home from 15 yards to
steal the points and earn a 4th consecutive away
win.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski (Pilkington),
Redhead, Flannery, Clarke , P.Osborne, Hankin (Jones),
Stopforth, Lomax, Johnson, Sargeson (Toronczak).
Subs - Toronczak, Pilkington, Jones.
|
Sat 05/04/08 - Skelmersdale United 3
Clitheroe 5 (UniBond League) Att 258 |
Clitheroe
named an unchanged starting eleven for this game.
The Blues started brightly and unluckily fell
behind to a deflected shot in the 9th minute.
Skelmersdale doubled the lead with a header in
the 18th minute and they looked like
consolidating their position at the top of the
table. However, Clitheroe continued to press
forward and were awarded a 19th minute penalty
when Paul Osborne was fouled in the box and Craig
Sargeson stroked home the spot kick. In
the 25th minute some good approach work down the
left saw the ball played back to Craig
Sargeson and he twisted and turned to
make space before curling in a peach of a shot
for 25th minute equaliser. The home side almost
took a halftime lead when a lob over Blues keeper
James Mann saw him scampering back and he managed
to just hook it clear before it crossed the line.
Clitheroe were awarded a freekick on the right
and Scott Redhead's cross
somehow evaded everyone to sneak in at the far
post to give the Blues a 53rd minute lead. A
freekick awarded in a similar position after 77
minutes was this time headed home by Jonathon
Smith and the score became 2-5 in the 83rd
minute when Carl Lomax saw his great volley saved
at close range and Danny Toronczak
reacted quickest to head home the loose ball at
the back post. Skelmersdale had a good late spell
and pulled a goal back in the 87th minute but a
superb team peformance had already done enough to
secure the points for Clitheroe.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, Redhead,
Flannery, J.Smith , Fisher (P.Osborne), Hankin (Pilkington),
Stopforth, Lomax, Johnson (Toronczak), Sargeson.
Subs - Toronczak, Pilkington, P.Osborne.
|
Sat 29/03/08 - Clitheroe 1 Radcliffe
Borough 1 (UniBond League) Att 245 |
Adam
Kozlowski moved to replace Russ Clarke at right
back with Gary Stopforth returning in midfield.
The UniBond League sanctioned a postponement of
the morning under-19s game on Shawbridge to
enable this fixture to go ahead but the morning
bright sunshine gradually gave way to showers and
then heavy rain as kick off approached. The
sodden pitch conditions were poor to start with
and another mudbath was in prospect once the game
got underway. The ball was rolling sure enough
but before long the long ball game was the better
option to avoid the worsening centre of the pitch.
A long ball down the left wing found Craig
Sargeson who chested it down into space
and ran along the Radcliffe Borough back line
before firing home a low shot from 20 yards to
give the Blues a 22nd minute lead. The visitors
equalised after 28 minutes when another huge punt
from their keeper wasn't dealt with by the
Clitheroe defence and the ball was slotted home
with a crisp first time shot. The rain continued
during the interval and the inevitable mudbath
worsened as the second half went on. It wasn't
condusive to attractive football with both sides
opting to hit the ball long as best as they could
and hoping someone would be able to control and
run with it enough to get a shot away. Clitheroe
had most of the pressure but by now the ball was
stopping rolling and neither team was able to
convert chances before the defences were able to
clear the danger. Both sides did well to complete
the fixture in conditions even worse at fulltime
than against Curzon Ashton 3 weeks earlier.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, Redhead,
Flannery, J.Smith (Pilkington), Fisher, Hankin (Toronczak),
Stopforth, Lomax, Johnson, Sargeson (Heap). Subs
- Toronczak, Pilkington, Heap
|
Mon 24/03/08 - Clitheroe 0 Bradford
Park Avenue 1 (UniBond League) Att
447 |
Adam
Kozlowski moved into midfield to replace Gary
Stopforth with Russ Clarke coming in at right
back.
Clitheroe will rue a number of missed chances in
the first half as they more than matched the on-form
visitors in a generally entertaining game. Carl
Lomax and Anthony Johnson both spurned excellent
first half chances while Blues keeper James Mann
kept up his good form to keep out the Bradford
attack. The visitors took the lead in the 43rd
minute with a well placed low strike to gain the
interval advantage. The referee missed a handball
in the Bradford Park Avenue box as a dangerous
right wing cross was helped out illegally and a
goalkick was awarded instead. Soon after the
Blues were reduced to 10 men when Jonathan Smith
was sent off for what looked like an unfortunate
accidental block and then a series of
substitutions and positional changes kept up the
pressure to the end. It was Bradford though that
took the points from the single goal that they
then defended and ran the clock down for 47
minutes with James Mann having to be alert for
the odd occasion that they did break forward.
Team : Mann, Clarke, Redhead,
Flannery (P.Osborne), J.Smith, Fisher (Pilkington),
Hankin, Kozlowski, Lomax, Johnson, Sargeson (Toronczak).
Subs - Toronczak, Pilkington, P.Osborne
|
Fri 21/03/08 - Lancaster City 0
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 328 |
Ian
Flannery replaced Russ Clarke at centre back and
Scott Redhead switched to left back in place of
John Osborne with Craig Sargeson coming in in
midfield.
This group of players is gelling into a decent
side and another fine team performance earned a 4th
consecutive victory for the Blues. They started
brightly playing with a deceptive wind behind
them and an overhead centre-cum-shot from Scott
Redhead almost led to a bizarre opening goal.
Clitheroe took the lead in the 14th minute when a
great chip forward by Craig Sargeson was smartly
controlled on the edge of the box by Carl Lomax
and he set up a stunning strike from Anthony
Johnson that flew in just under the bar.
Lancaster's attacks were being thwarted by a
strong Clitheroe defence and keeper James Mann
made a fantastic reflex save to push a close
range effort over the bar before the attempt was
flagged for offside. Both sides created chances
in the second half without really troubling the
keepers but the Blues did enough all over the
park to keep hold of their lead until the final
whistle blew after 5 added-on minutes.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, Redhead,
Flannery, J.Smith, Fisher, Hankin, Stopforth (P.Osborne),
Lomax, Johnson (Toronczak), Sargeson (Pilkington).
Subs - Toronczak, Pilkington, P.Osborne
|
Sat 15/03/08 - Clitheroe 1
Bridlington Town 0 (UniBond League)
Att 247 |
Jonathon
Smith returned at centre back with John Osborne
reverting to left back and Scott Redhead to left
midfield.
Sterling work during the week made the pitch
playable but the heavy surface made for a dour
encounter against an ordinary Bridlington side
that played much of the game with 10 men.
Clitheroe put some good early flowing moves
together and Carl Lomax flashed a freekick from
the edge of the box narrowly over. A tussle with
Anthony Johnson saw their player receive a harsh
red card before half time. The second half saw
much of the midfield area bypassed and the
visitors rarely attacked with any numbers which
made it difficult for the Blues to break down the
10 men. Their were a couple of scrappy close
chances in front of the Bridlington goal before
another blocked goal attempt from Scott Redhead
saw the ball fired home by Craig Sargeson
near the far post in the 75th minute.
Dave Hankin had a strong 70 yard surge before
striking the ball across the keeper from just
inside the penalty area and unluckily saw it hit
the far post and bounce to safety. This wasn't
the best of recent games but the team did enough
to take the 3 points in another battle against a
team reduced by a sending off.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, J.Osborne
(Toronczak), Clarke, J.Smith, Fisher (Sargeson),
Hankin, Stopforth (Pilkington), Lomax, Johnson,
Redhead (Pilkington). Subs - Toronczak,
Pilkington, Sargeson
|
Wed 12/03/08 - Harrogate RA 1
Clitheroe 3 (UniBond League) Att 86 |
Jonathon
Smith was missing through illness so Craig
Sargeson came into the line up at left midfield
with Scott Redhead dropping to left back and John
Osborne moving across to centre back.
Both sides struggled with the windy conditions in
the opening period and struggled to complete
simple passes, a Clitheroe one went astray and
led to Harrogate taking the lead in the 16th
minute with a close range prod past James Mann.
The Blues equalised in the 27th minute when Ryan
Fisher had a goal bound shot saved and Russ
Clarke pounced to fire home the loose
ball as it parried off the home keeper. Clitheroe
took the lead in the 34th minute with a stunning
goal, Carl Lomax crossed from the right wing for Craig
Sargeson to nip in front of his marker,
juggle the ball a couple of times over the
defender and then volley home high into the net
from 10 yards. Harrogate forced Clitheroe to
defend for long spells and every one in the
ground expected an equaliser as their player
homed in on goal but he somehow fired wide from
about 6 yards with only James Mann to beat. They
forced the Clitheroe keeper to make some shot
blocking saves as he had another excellent game
in goal. A strong right wing run from Dave Hankin
forced an 83rd minute corner and Gary Stopforth's
cross was firmly headed home from 6 yards by Dave
Hankin for his first goal for the club
and ultimately seal the first back-to-back league
wins this season.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, Redhead, J.Osborne,
Clarke, Fisher, Hankin (Heap), Stopforth, Lomax,
Johnson (Toronczak), Sargeson (Pilkington). Subs
- Toronczak, Pilkington, Heap.
|
Sat 08/03/08 - Clitheroe 2 Curzon
Ashton 1 (UniBond League) Att 192 |
Russ
Clarke moved to centre back to replace the
injured Paul Osborne with Adam Kozlowski
returning at right back. New signing Anthony
Johnson replaced Mickey Saunders up front.
Clitheroe put in another tremendous, hardworking
team performance and a late goal sealed victory
on the heaviest Shawbridge pitch for a long, long
time. Driving rain and a strong wind into their
faces made things hard for the Blues defence and
a well worked goal in the 20th minute gave Curzon
the lead, the ball slipping from keeper James
Mann's grasp and apparently squirming over the
line. The visitors were defending well enough but
the equaliser came in the 40th minute when Carl
Lomax turned and drove a low left footed
shot in from the edge of the penalty area.
Although the rain eased for much of the second
half, the conditions under foot were trying for
everyone but Clitheroe were the more determined
and lay siege to the Curzon goal. The referee was
making some allowances for the conditions but
fullback John Osborne was unlucky when he was
adjudged to have deliberately brought down a
player and received a red card. The 10 men
continued to press forward and Carl Lomax pushed
a shot wide and a low Dave Hankin cross flashed
along the goalline without getting the slightest
touch that would have turned it in. The winner
came in the 90th winner when an attempted back
pass slowed in the muddy conditions and Danny
Toronczak rounded the keeper and slotted
home from a narrow angle to seal a great comeback
for the Blues.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, J.Osborne, Clarke, J.Smith,
Fisher, Hankin (Sargeson), Stopforth (Pilkington),
Lomax, Johnson (Toronczak), Redhead. Subs -
Toronczak, Pilkington, Sargeson.
|
Tue 04/03/08 - Clitheroe 0
Skelmersdale United 0 (UniBond League)
Att 195 |
John
Osborne replaced Joel Pilkington at leftback,
Dave Hankin replaced Adam Kozlowski in midfield
and Mickey Saunders replaced Danny Toronczak up
front.
The Blues gave table toppers Skem a difficult
match in an entertaining goalless draw with
keeper James Mann pulling off a string of superb
saves to deny the visitors. Clitheroe again had
plenty of the ball and the Skelmersdale defence
was put under much pressure but the final effort
on goal didn't make their keeper work as hard as
James Mann had to. Both sides were reduced to 10
men midway through the first half with Russ
Clarke receiving his marching orders for a second
yellow card. Jonathon Smith was superb at the
heart of the Blues defence in an excellent team
performance that had to withstand some late Skem
pressure to secure a valuable point.
Team : Mann, Clarke, J.Osborne, P.Osborne
(Pilkington), J.Smith, Fisher, Hankin, Stopforth,
Lomax (Sargeson), Saunders (Heap), Redhead. Subs
- Heap, Pilkington, Sargeson.
|
Wed 27/02/08 - FC United of
Manchester 3 Clitheroe 0 (UniBond
League) Att 1624 |
Gary
Jackson replaced Danny Toronczak in attack in the
only change from last Saturday's side.
Clitheroe played Paul Osborne, Jonathon Smith and
Russ Clarke as centrebacks in an attempt to
thwart the pacy FC United attack and it had some
effect as the home side were restricted to just
an early 8th minute goal in the first half. The
Blues had chances themselves with Gary Jackson,
Scott Redhead, Carl Lomax and Joel Pilkington
seeing efforts well saved or blocked on the line.
The second half was again even until FC United
doubled their lead in the 60th minute with a
blistering 20 yard freekick that was fired home
straight past the Blues wall into the net.
Clitheroe then pushed men forward and were caught
out a couple of times but smart saves from James
Mann kept them at bay until the 90th minute when
a loose ball was pushed home from 2 yards. The
scoreline flattered the home side and they didn't
win the game as easily as the winning margin may
suggest.
Team : Mann, Clarke, Pilkington (Hankin),
P.Osborne, J.Smith, Fisher (J.Osborne), Stopforth,
Kozlowski (Saunders), Lomax, Jackson (Toronczak),
Redhead. Subs - Toronczak, Hankin, J.Osborne.
|
Sat 23/02/08 - Rossendale United 2
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 170 |
Clitheroe
named an unchanged team for this match with new
signing Dave Hankin starting on the subs bench.
Slack defending early on allowed Rossendale to
take a very early 2nd minute lead with a low
strike past James Mann. The home side were
reduced to 10 men after 20 minutes when one of
their players received 2 yellow cards in quick
succession and the Blues equalised in the 24th
minute, a cross from the left wing by Gary
Stopforth being headed home by Scott
Redhead from 6 yards. A deflected
Rossendale shot struck the foot of the post
before being cleared to safety just before half
time. The second half saw Clitheroe dominate play
as Rossendale opted to punt the ball forward for
lone striker Mario Daniel to chase and a
defensive mix up in the 53rd minute saw him run
free to round James Mann and slot the ball home
to give them an unlikely lead. The Blues continue
to surge forward and Gary Jackson forced 2 very
good saves from the home keeper and Paul Osborne
saw a header cleared off the line. Some
borderline offside decisions were not helping but
the pressure again paid off in the 81st minute
when Ryan Fisher directed a
rebound from a blocked shot home though a crowded
area to rescue a point from a game that could
easily have been won.
Team : Mann, Clarke, Pilkington (Hankin),
P.Osborne, J.Smith, Fisher, Stopforth, Kozlowski
(Saunders), Lomax, Toronczak (Jackson), Redhead.
Subs - Jackson, Hankin, Saunders.
|
Mon 18/02/08 - Bradford Park Avenue 1
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 288 |
Joel
Pilkington replaced Scott Redhead at left back
who moved forward to replace Dave Dempsey in
midfield and Adam Kozlowski replaced Craig
Sargeson in midfield.
The Blues were good value for this point against
a strong team in tricky conditions where all
players and officials did superbly as the
temperature fell to -6 by full time. Bradford
almost took a 3rd minute lead but the ball struck
the woodwork before being scrambled clear. Danny
Toronczak outpaced his marker to latch onto a
ball over the top and his shot whistled narrowly
past the left post. Bradford then went straight
down the pitch and opened the scoring in the 21st
minute with a well worked goal and soon repeated
it but a great save by keeper James Mann kept the
interval deficit to just one goal. The ref
brought the teams out for the second half after a
very brief 5 minute break in an attempt to beat
the conditions and both sides continued to play
some good stuff on the hardening slippy pitch.
Clitheroe equalised in the 70th minute when a
good run down the right by Gary Stopforth saw his
low cross reach Ryan Fisher who laid the ball
back for Jonathon Smith to strike low, the keeper
parried the shot but Scott Redhead
was lurking near the far post and he latched on
to the loose ball before firing it into the roof
of the net. Carl Lomax, Adam Kozlowski and Gary
Jackson all tried shots from distance but they
didn't trouble the keeper. A great chance fell to
Danny Toronczak but he failed to connect properly
on an awkward bouncing ball and the keeper easily
saved. Bradford had a couple of late corners but
Clitheroe defended well and secured a well
deserved point.
Team : Mann, Clarke, Pilkington, P.Osborne,
J.Smith, Fisher, Stopforth, Kozlowski, Lomax,
Toronczak (Jackson), Redhead. Subs - Jackson,
Dempsey (not used). Only 2 subs.
|
Sat 16/02/08 - Clitheroe 1 Lancaster
City 2 (UniBond League) Att 325 |
Russ
Clarke moved back to right back in place of John
Osborne, Paul Osborne moved to centre back and
was replaced in midfield by Gary Stopforth while
David Dempsey returned in a wide midfield role
replacing Mickey Saunders.
Clitheroe once again suffered a narrow home
defeat but this time two early goals from a good
footballing side secured the points. The visitors
took a 5th minute lead when shot from a ball
played across the goal area was initially saved
by keeper James Mann but the rebound was tucked
away. Lancaster doubled their lead in the 11th
minute when the ball dropped loose from a corner
and sat up beautifully to be drilled home through
a packed penalty box into the top right hand
corner from 15 yards. The Blues tried to find a
way back into the game but the visitors defence
coped with everything thrown at it. Clitheroe
again dominated possession and territory (how
many times have I said that!) after the break
without really breaching the Lancaster back line
while James Mann made a couple of decisive saves
to keep Lancaster out. Some persistent late
pressure finally brought a goal in the 90th
minute when Scott Redhead's left wing cross
forced their keeper to back-pedal and reach to
keep the ball from sneaking under the bar but sub
Gary Jackson was on hand to
bundle the loose ball over the line as it dropped
down at the near post.
Team : Mann, Clarke, Redhead, P.Osborne, J.Smith,
Fisher (Pilkington), Sargeson (Saunders),
Stopforth, Lomax, Toronczak (Jackson), Dempsey.
Subs - Jackson, Pilkington, Saunders.
|
Sat 09/02/08 - Clitheroe 1 Garforth
Town 2 (UniBond League) Att 243 |
John
Osborne returned at right back in place of Russ
Clarke who moved to centre back in place of Ian
Flannery. Craig Sargeson started in midfield in
place of Scott Redhead who moved to left back in
place of Barry Shuttleworth. Mickey Saunders came
in to midfield in place of Gary Stopforth.
Clitheroe again dominated a game they lost and
Garforth Town showed none of the Brazilian flair
they reckon to emcompass with another foul and
booking ridden display. The Blues put themselves
under early pressure when a needless trip by Paul
Osborne just inside their own half saw the ball
launched into the area and the ball falling
nicely for Garforth to slot home for a 4th minute
opener. Carl Lomax had a couple of long range
efforts on goal before Jonathon Smith's goalbound
header from a corner was blocked on the line by
Mickey Saunders. The second half again saw
Clitheroe soon on top and the pressure told after
56 minutes when Ryan Fisher released Carl
Lomax on a one-v-one with the visiting
keeper and he tucked the ball away smartly.
Garforth came out of defence more now and had a
brief spell on top leading to them regaining the
lead in the 75th minute when a free run into the
box saw the ball pushed past keeper James Mann.
Again the Blues stormed over Garforth but some
more cynical foul tackles stopped them in their
tracks although Carl Lomax was unlucky with a
superb volley that went narrowly wide. Ryan
Fisher had a flicked header that was palmed away
from the top corner and Peter Smith had a wicked
cross pushed over as it looked to be sneaking in.
On a day when referees were starting their
Respect campaign then this particular one seemed
to condone everything they're supposed to be
wanting to cut out.
Team : Mann, J.Osborne, Redhead, Clarke, J.Smith,
Fisher, Sargeson, P.Osborne (Pilkington), Lomax,
Toronczak (P.Smith), Saunders (Reynolds). Subs -
Reynolds, Pilkington, P.Smith
|
Tue 05/02/08 - Bamber Bridge 2
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 206 |
Danny
Toronczak replaced Mickey Saunders up front in
the only change from the last match at Woodley.
Clitheroe more than matched high flying Brig on
their own ground and were unlucky not to come
away with all three points after going in 0-2 at
halftime. The Blues dominated the first half but
fell behind in the 39th minute to a good run and
shot and then fell further behind in the 43rd
minute when a shot that was going wide struck a
Clitheroe player and deflected onto the far post
before the rebound was scrambled home. Clitheroe
started the second half strongly and pulled a
goal back in the 60th minute when Gary Stopforth's
driven freekick was fumbled by the Brig keeper
and Carl Lomax was on hand to
stroke home the loose ball. The home side were
forced onto the back foot as Clitheroe searched
for the equaliser and it came in the 87th minute
when Scott Redhead jinked past a defender near
the touchline before pulling the ball back to Craig
Sargeson who twisted to make room before
firing home from 8 yards. The Blues were now all
over Brig and panic in the penalty area led to a
high boot catching Mickey Saunders on the jaw and
the ref pointed to the spot. The keeper delayed
the penalty and a Brig player blatantly lifted
the ball and damaged the spot while the ref's
back was turned but avoided any action despite
both linesmen seeing what had gone on. Danny
Toronczak's penalty kick was saved low to the
keeper's left and Clitheroe had to settle for a
share of the points.
Team : Mann, Clarke, Shuttleworth
(Sargeson), Flannery, J.Smith, Fisher, P.Osborne,
Stopforth (Saunders), Lomax, Toronczak, Redhead.
Subs - Sargeson, Saunders, Reynolds (not used)
|
Sat 02/02/08 - Woodley Sports 1
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League) Att 121 |
Scott
Redhead replaced Neil Reynolds in midfield and
new signing Danny Toronczak started on the bench.
Clitheroe took their time in creating good
chances on goal and then two near-identical shots
won them the points. The first half was littered
with too many high balls played forward and the
towering Woodley back four dealt with them easily
enough. The home side took the lead in the 25th
minute when a harshly awarded freekick was
smartly pumped into the area and a decent header
steered the ball home. The Blues were given a
helping hand when the usually impressive Woodley
keeper fell awkwardly over a couple of their tall
defenders while coming for a cross and had to
leave the field. Another Woodley injury led to
the player being stretchered off and 8 minutes
were added on but the stand-in keeper wasn't
tested before the halftime whistle went.
Clitheroe were having plenty of action in their
opponent's half after the break but the cutting
edge was just missing and keeper James Mann was
instead the busier of the keepers and made a
string of fine saves to keep the score down. New
signing Danny Toronczak was brought on and he
quickly made an impression, holding the ball up
to feed Carl Lomax who in turn played a great
pass for Ryan Fisher to run into
the area and drive home across the keeper to
equalise in the 69th minute. The Blues continued
to press in search of the winner and it came in
the 81st minute when a superb through ball from
Craig Sargeson released Danny Toronczak into
the area and he too drove the ball low across the
keeper and into the far corner to seal the points.
Team : Mann, Clarke, Shuttleworth,
Flannery, J.Smith, Fisher, P.Osborne, Stopforth,
Lomax, Saunders (Sargeson), Redhead (Toronczak).
Subs - Toronczak, Sargeson, J.Osborne (not used)
|
Tue 29/01/08 - Wakefield 2 Clitheroe
1 (UniBond League) Att 84 |
Russ
Clarke replaced John Osborne at right back, Neil
Reynolds replaced Scott Redhead in midfield and
Mickey Saunders replaced Neil Zarac up front.
The Blues took their improved form from Saturday's
win over Ossett Albion into this game and were in
control for much of the match before gifting
Wakefield an equaliser which then led to them
having a spell on top and sneaking the winner
themselves. Clitheroe took an early 6th minute
lead when Carl Lomax crossed the ball from the
right wing and as the ball bobbled loose on the 6
yard line Paul Osborne pounced
to fire it home. The home side wasted a few good
chances with wayward shots that didn't trouble
James Mann while at the other end a series of
headers from Jonathon Smith tested the Wakefield
keeper. Half time arrived with the Blues playing
confidently and looking good value for the
slender lead. They carried on the hard work after
the break and penned Wakefield back for long
periods but couldn't find the second goal that
would surely have sealed the points. Instead, the
home side equalised in the 74th minute when
hesitation with a through ball allowed an easy
goal and this led to a spell on top for Wakefield.
They took the lead in the 80th minute with a
header from a corner although keeper James Mann
felt he had been unfairly impeded but his
protests to the referee were dismissed. The Blues
looked for an equaliser of their own but failed
to convert as Wakefield again packed their box
with every player when they were under threat.
This was another very good performance and
confidence within the team looks to be returning
with each match.
Team : Mann, Clarke, Shuttleworth,
Flannery, J.Smith, Fisher, P.Osborne (Pilkington),
Stopforth, Lomax, Saunders, Reynolds (P.Smith).
Subs - Pilkington, P.Smith, J.Osborne (not used)
|
Sat 26/01/08 - Clitheroe 1 Ossett
Albion 0 (UniBond League) Att 220 |
James
Mann returned from injury to take over from the
suspended Paul Horridge in goal, John Osborne
replaced Chris Middleton at right back, Ian
Flannery replaced Russ Clarke at centre back,
Gary Stopforth and new signing Scott Redhead
replaced Craig Sargeson and Joel Pilkington in
midfield and new signing Carl Lomax replaced
Mickey Saunders up front.
Clitheroe returned to Shawbridge for the first
home game since New Years Day and put in a superb
performance to grab the three points with a late
goal. Both sides created plenty of chances in an
entertaining first half but both goalkeepers were
in outstanding form and so the interval scoreline
remained goalless. The second half was as good as
the first and the Ossett goalkeeper continued to
keep out everything thrown at him with James Mann
doing the same in the Clitheroe goal. The referee
signalled 4 minutes of added-on time and midway
through it impressive debutant Carl Lomax forced
yet another superb save from the visiting keeper
but this time Mickey Saunders
was quick to pounce and he steadied himself
before firing the loose ball home into the net
from 4 yards. Ossett failed to convert a very
late free kick and the final whistle blew to
bring an end to a great game of football, full of
impressive personal performances but once again
showing the Blues back on form as a team.
Brilliant!
Team : Mann, J.Osborne (Clarke),
Shuttleworth, Flannery, Smith, Fisher, P.Osborne
(Reynolds), Stopforth, Lomax, Zarac (Saunders),
Redhead. Subs - Saunders, Clarke, Reynolds
|
Sat 19/01/08 - Lancaster City 2
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 281 |
Chris
Middleton moved to right back in place John
Osborne and Jonathan Smith made his debut at
centreback. Barry Shuttleworth replaced Russ
Clarke at left back who moved to the centre of
defence. Ryan Fisher and Paul Osborne replaced
Neil Reynolds and Gary Stopforth in midfield
while Craig Sargeson started on the wing in place
of Matt Atherton. Another young winger Arrom
Hussain started on the subs bench.
Clitheroe started brightly but fell behind on 12
minutes when a low cross from the left was
finished from 6 yards in front of goal. The Blues
final ball was being dealt with too easily by the
home defence who hadn't conceded a goal in their
previous 6 games and Lancaster looked threatening
going forward although debutant Jonathan Smith
made more than one important clearance. The
Lancaster strike pairing combined well for their
second goal on 45 minutes which was drilled low
past keeper Paul Horridge. New winger Arrom
Hussain replaced injured Neil Zarac for the start
of the second half with Craig Sargeson moving
alongside Mickey Saunders up front. Adam
Kozlowski came on for Chris Middleton but was
soon sent off for a lunging tackle leaving the
Blues down to 10 men for the second consecutive
week. Ryan Fisher saw a good run and goal attempt
fly over the bar while Arrom Hussain had a weak
shot easily saved. At the other end Paul Horridge
made two superb saves to keep the home side out
and keep the scoreline respectable.
Team : Horridge, Middleton (Kozlowski),
Shuttleworth, Clarke, Smith, Fisher, Sargeson, P.Osborne,
Zarac (Hussain), Saunders, Pilkington (J.Osborne).
Subs - Kozlowski, Hussain, J.Osborne
|
Sat 12/01/08 - Ossett Albion 5
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 143 |
John
Osborne started at right back in place of Adam
Kozlowski, Neil Reynolds and new signing Joel
Pilkington replaced Paul Osborne and Ryan Fisher
in midfield, new signing Matt Atherton replaced
Jason Jones to start on the left wing. Craig
Sargeson returned from a long injury layoff to
take a seat on the subs bench.
The Blues fielded new signing Matt Atherton on
the left wing but were dealt the first piece of
bad luck in the 10th minute when keeper Paul
Horridge was sent off for handling the ball
outside the area and Matt Atherton found himself
taking over between the sticks instead of giving
the team some width down the left. Ossett were
knocking the ball about in their own half
confidently and looked to test untried keeper but
his handling was fine and their shooting was
often wayward. Clitheroe unexpectedly took the
lead in the 24th minute when a superb pass from
Gary Stopforth released Mickey Saunders down the
right and he took the ball to the byline before
crossing for the unmarked Joel Pilkington
to head home unchallenged from 6 yards. The Blues
were equal to anything Ossett could muster and
reached the interval still a goal ahead. The home
side pressed more in the second half and
equalised after 56 minutes when a shot took a
deflection and went past the wrongfooted stand-in
keeper. They took the lead in the 64th minute
from a penalty kick and headed a third at the
back post after 69 minutes. Will Exton received 2
yellow cards and was dismissed in his short spell
on the pitch before a twice taken penalty in the
79th minute put them 4-1 up and a 90th minute
multiple rebound goal finished the scoring. This
was an improved showing, especially by 10 men
with a stand-in keeper for 80 minutes and Ossett
moved up to 2nd place in the table with this
victory.
Team : Horridge, J.Osborne (Sargeson),
Clarke, Middleton, Flannery (Fisher), Reynolds,
Saunders, Stopforth, Zarac (Exton), Pilkington,
Atherton. Subs - Fisher, Exton, Sargeson.
|
Sat 05/01/08 - Bridlington Town 4
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 113 |
Paul
Horridge returned in goal to replace James Mann,
new signing Chris Middleton started alongside Ian
Flannery in defence with Paul Osborne moving into
midfield in place of Neil Reynolds and a
returning Jason Jones replaced Joel Byrom in
midfield.
Clitheroe's poor defending from set pieces was
again their downfall at managerless Bridlington
who then fired in another 2 very late goals to
give them a flattering scoreline. Jason Jones had
the only Clitheroe effort on goal in the first
half while new signing from Stalybridge Celtic
Chris Middleton made some timely interceptions at
the other end to keep the interval score at 0-0.
Once again the Blues enjoyed a greater share of
possesion and territorial advantage after the
break but still had few real attempts on goal.
They fell behind on 55 minutes when a freekick
led to the opening goal, well volleyed in at the
back post and then a free header from a 78th
minute corner was put past keeper Paul Horridge
without challenge. A third was added after 85
minutes before a goal with the last kick of the
game sealed a miserable visit to the East coast.
Team : Horridge, Kozlowski (Reynolds),
Clarke, Middleton, Flannery (Heap), P.Osborne,
Saunders, Stopforth, Zarac (Exton), Fisher, Jones.
Subs - Heap, Exton, Reynolds
|
Tue 01/01/08 - Clitheroe 3 Rossendale
United 3 (UniBond League) Att 319 |
James
Mann replaced Paul Horridge in goal, Russ Clarke
moved to left back in place of Russ McKenna and
was replaced at centre half by Paul Osborne, Ian
Flannery replaced Nigel Taylor alongside him,
Mickey Saunders replaced Chris Turner on the
right wing and Sam Heap replaced Will Exton up
front.
A much changed Clitheroe lineup almost gave Joel
Byrom a winning last game for the club but never-say-die
Rossendale again struck two very late goals to
snatch a point for the second consecutive match.
The Blues took a 15th minute lead when Mickey
Saunders was given two chances to tuck
the ball home from close range and a great
through ball from Sam Heap led to the second goal
after 25 minutes, Mickey Saunders
sprinting clear to slot home. The visitors pulled
a goal back a minute before half time but the
Blues looked in control of the game. They
continued to boss the game before Rossendale took
the initiative and they then had a good 15 minute
spell on top. It ended when a poor challenge
outside the box gave Joel Byrom the opportunity
to fire in a great free kick which Neil
Zarac pounced on to glance a header home
in the 84th minute. Rossendale were reduced to 10
men and just as it looked like a 3-1 victory was
in sight a ball was played through the Blues back
line on 89 minutes and poked past the oncoming
keeper James Mann. Three minutes of added time
were played and Rossendale snatched a draw with a
headed goal coming from another dead ball
situation. Clitheroe could and should have taken
3 valuable points from this game but instead had
to settle for a share of the spoils.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, Clarke,
Flannery, P.Osborne, Reynolds, Saunders,
Stopforth, Zarac, Byrom (Overson), Heap (Dempsey).
Subs - Dempsey, Overson, Taylor (not used)
|
Sat 29/12/07 - Radcliffe Borough 3
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 170 |
Nigel
Taylor replaced Ian Flannery in defence, new
signing Chris Turner started on the right wing in
place of Mickey Saunders and Will Exton replaced
Dave Dempsey to play alongside Neil Zarac up
front.
Clitheroe continued to dominate a game for
prolonged spells without putting the ball in the
net but this was the improved performance we
expected following the Rossendale show. Joel
Byrom peppered in some long range shots and Ryan
Fisher had some productive runs forward that
finished with a shot narrowly wide. After
dominating for much of the first half the Blues
fell behind in the 20th minute to a well placed
header and although they continued to press they
ended the opening period still that goal down.
Unfortunately it was Radcliffe who scored the
next goal with a scrambled effort in the 46th
minute and were well on the way to their first
league victory of the season when a third goal
was driven home in the 58th minute. Clitheroe
then dominated the final 20 minutes and some
resolute home defending restricted them to half-chances
that were kept out by the Radcliffe keeper. A
consolation goal arived in the 90th minute when a
superb pass from Gary Stopforth found Sam
Heap who finished clinically from 6
yards out.
Team : Horridge, Kozlowski,
McKenna (Heap), Taylor, Clarke, Fisher, Turner (Dempsey),
Stopforth, Zarac, Byrom, Exton (Overson). Subs -
Dempsey, Overson, Heap
|
Wed 26/12/07 - Rossendale United 2
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 228 |
Adam
Kozlowski, Russ Clarke and Russ McKenna replaced
Jack Overson, Barrie Shuttleworth and Nigel
Taylor in defence, Mickey Saunders started on the
right wing and Neil Zarac replaced Sam Heap up
front.
The Blues had plenty of pressure and possession
but still failed to impress and were beaten by
local rivals who converted a couple of their few
chances to take the points in this local derby.
Mickey Saunders' potential threat down the right
was restricted with a heavy early tackle and the
direct approach was too easily dealt with by the
Rossendale defence. The home side took a 19th
minute lead with a low finish under keeper Paul
Horridge and doubled it in the 86th minute with
another hard, low drive. Stern words were
apparently said behind closed doors in the
dressing room after the match and the fans will
look to an improved showing in the next game.
Team : Horridge, Kozlowski,
McKenna, Flannery, Clarke, Fisher (J.Osborne)),
Saunders (Exton), Stopforth, Zarac, Byrom,
Dempsey (Reynolds). Subs - Exton, J.Osborne,
Reynolds
|
Tue 11/12/07 - Clitheroe 3 Radcliffe
Borough 2 (UniBond League) Att 119 |
Jack
Overson and Nigel Taylor replaced Adam Kozlowski
and Russ Clarke in defence, Russ McKenna replaced
Neil Reynolds in midfield and Sam Heap and Mickey
Saunders replaced Neil Zarac and Paul Fildes up
front.
This was another of those proverbial games of two
halves only this time Clitheroe had to storm back
with 3 second half goals after going in at
halftime 0-2 down. Radcliffe were knocking the
ball about confidently and didn't look like a
team at the bottom of the table and caused a few
scares for the Blues before they opened the
scoring after 35 minutes. Clitheroe created a
couple of good chances before falling further
behind in the 44th minute when Ian Flannery
unluckily deflected the ball into his own net.
Some strong words during the interval saw a much
improved second half display and the arrears were
reduced after 51 minutes when Joel Byrom hit the
post from close range and Will Exton
picked up the loose ball to slot home at the
other post. Clitheroe were on top and the
equaliser came after 65 minutes when Will
Exton headed in at the far post from a
right wing cross. The visitors were not allowed
to play as they had in the first half and the
Blues gained reward for their superb effort in
the 80th minute when Dave Dempsey
drove forward in a central position and
sidestepped a tackle before firing the ball home
low from 20 yards. Radcliffe had a couple of late
corners but Clitheroe defended them well and took
the 3 points from this vital game.
Team : Horridge, Overson (Dempsey),
Shuttleworth (Kozlowski), Flannery, Taylor,
Fisher, McKenna, Stopforth, Heap (Exton), Byrom,
Saunders. Subs - Kozlowski, Dempsey, Exton
|
Sat 01/12/07 - Clitheroe 2
Skelmersdale United 3 (UniBond League)
Att 255 |
Russ
Clarke returned to centre half in place of John
Osborne in the only change from the last match.
This was the proverbial game of two halves with
Clitheroe good value for their 2-0 interval lead
and then a tremendous second half from the
visitors earning them the points with a 2-3 win.
The Blues were soon on top and their battling
play saw them take the lead on 30 minutes when Joel
Byrom finished at the far post with a
simple tap in. They doubled the lead after 43
minutes when Joel Byrom caught a ball through the
middle of the Skem defence and he nudged it
across for Neil Zarac to shoot
home from close range to give the interval
scoreline a realistic 2-0 difference. Skem
started much brighter after the break and some
prolonged pressure brought them their first goal
after 60 minutes and they equalised after 68
minutes as the Blues struggled to contain them.
Clitheroe had a couple of half chances to nick
the points themselves before the visitors scored
in the 88th minute and held on to the final
whistle.
Team : Horridge, Kozlowski (Heap),
Shuttleworth, Flannery, Clarke, Fisher, Reynolds
(McKenna), Stopforth, Zarac, Byrom, Fildes (Saunders).
Subs - Saunders, Heap, McKenna
|
Tue 27/11/07 - Clitheroe 1 Woodley
Sports 1 (UniBond League) Att 177 |
Barry
Shuttleworth replaced John Osborne at leftback
who started in place of Russ Clarke at centre
half. Paul Fildes started in place of Mickey
Saunders up front.
The Blues failed to turn their possession and
pressure into a victory over a dogged and
determined Woodley Sports side. Clitheroe had a
couple of chances before they took the lead in
the 24th minute when Neil Zarac
controlled a left wing cross before half-volleying
it home from 8 yards. The lead didn't last long
though as a loose ball was rifled home for a
Woodley equaliser just a minute later. Clitheroe
created further chances before halftime and
although they were on top they went in for the
interval still level. It was a similar story
after the break but the visitors did have more
chances themselves and could have sneaked an
unlikely winning goal but for a timely challenge
from Blues keeper Paul Horridge. His opposite
number made some good saves too and a packed
defence blocked many a shot and through ball as
the final whistle went with the scores stuck on 1-1
Team : Horridge, Kozlowski,
Shuttleworth (McKenna), Flannery, J.Osborne,
Fisher, Stopforth, Reynolds (Heap), Zarac, Byrom,
Fildes (Saunders). Subs - Saunders, Heap, McKenna.
|
Sat 24/11/07 - Chorley 1 Clitheroe 1 (UniBond
League) Att 223 |
Neil
Zarac replaced Paul Fildes up front in the only
change from the last match.
Clitheroe were made to fight for this point
against an improved Chorley side and had keeper
Paul Horridge to thank for a series of excellent
saves to deny the home side, his first vital save
coming from a very early freekick. A superb quick-passing
move down the right wing led to Mickey Saunders
laying the ball off to Joel Byrom as he sped into
the Chorley box but unfortunately his shot was
lifted over the bar. Paul Horridge then foiled a
one-on-one breakaway attempt before another fine
save gave Chorley a corner from which they opened
the scoring after 33 minutes. The Blues were soon
back on level terms when Mickey Saunders
fired home from close range after 45 minutes,
shooting home across ex-Clitheroe keeper Peter
Collinge. The second half saw the home side have
the better of the early chances with a couple of
well taken freekicks from just outside the
penalty area, Paul Horridge palmed the first one
away for a corner but the second one beat him and
fortunately struck the crossbar. Gary Stopforth
tested Peter Collinge with a well struck shot
from distance and the resulting corner saw Neil
Zarac narrowly head over the bar. Substitute Paul
Fildes had an excellent run and shot that forced
the keeper to save smartly just before the final
whistle as Clitheroe finished the game the
stronger of the two sides.
Team : Horridge, Kozlowski, J.Osborne,
Flannery, Clarke, Fisher (McKenna), Stopforth,
Reynolds, Zarac (Heap), Byrom, Saunders (Fildes).
Subs - Fildes, Heap, McKenna. |
Sat 17/11/07 - Mossley 1 Clitheroe 3 (UniBond
League) Att 216 |
Ian
Flannery replaced Kieran Fletcher at centre half,
Neil Reynolds and Joel Byrom replaced Jack
Overson and Dave Dempsey in midfield while Mickey
Saunders and Paul Fildes replaced Neil Zarac and
Gary Jackson up front.
Clitheroe can now concentrate on league matters
and returned from old rivals Mossley with a great
victory. The home side struck the post in the
opening minutes and Paul Horridge made a vital
early save as Mossley piled on the pressure.
Mickey Saunders had a couple of shots that were
easily saved by the Mossley keeper in a shot-shy
first half for the Blues. The second half was
just a minute old before Mossley took a 46th
minute leader with a firm header from a cross.
This stung Clitheroe into action and from then on
they had the upper hand and equalised in the 60th
minute when Russell Clarke
headed home a corner in a crowded goalmouth.
Mossley were not converting any chances they did
create and they fell behind in the 81st minute
when Neil Zarac pounced on a
loose ball to drive it home. Sam Heap had a
glorious chance to make the game safe but fired
it over the bar with just the keeper to beat.
Mossley went straight down the other end and were
unlucky not to equalise before a superb run by
Joel Byrom saw him lay the ball off for Neil
Zarac to flash home an angled drive from
15 yards in the 90th minute.
Team : Horridge, Kozlowski, J.Osborne,
Flannery, Clarke, Fisher, Stopforth, Reynolds,
Saunders (Heap), Byrom, Fildes (Zarac). Subs -
Zarac, Heap, McKenna (not used).
|
Tue 13/11/07 - Leigh RMI 4 Clitheroe
2 (Lancashire Cup) Att 77 |
Kieran
Fletcher and Russ Clarke returned from suspension
and replaced Ian Flannery and Paul Osborne at
centreback, Jack Overson and Dave Dempsey
replaced Joel Byrom and Neil Reynolds in midfield
and Neil Zarac and Gary Jacskon replaced Mickey
Saunders and Paul Fildes up front.
A much changed Clitheroe side created plenty of
chances but some unfortunate defending saw Leigh
going through to the quarter-finals of the Lancs
Cup. The home side dictated play early on and
took an 18th minute lead when a deflected shot
was headed home past the deceived Paul Horridge.
They doubled their lead on 25 minutes when Paul
Horridge saved a shot but ex-Blue Owen Roberts
was on hand to slot home the rebound. Clitheroe
pulled a goal back in the 35th minute when a Gary
Stopforth freekick looped into the air off the
keeper's foot and Kieran Fletcher
headed home in a crowded 6 yard box. The Blues
then enjoyed a spell on top but reached halftime
still 1-2 down. Leigh increased their lead after
55 minutes when a corner rebounded to a free
player who fired home. Clitheroe were looking
good going forward and in the 75th minute a cross
from the left was headed home by Sam Heap
to bring them right back into the game.
Unfortunately an 85th minute mixup left a Leigh
player with a clear run in on goal to put the
score beyond doubt at 4-2 and leaving the Blues
to now concentrate on league matters.
Team : Horridge, Kozlowski, J.Osborne,
Fletcher, Clarke, Fisher, Stopforth, Overson (Smith),
Zarac, Jackson (Heap), Dempsey (McKenna). Subs -
McKenna, Heap, Smith.
|
Sat 10/11/07 - Clitheroe 2 FC United
of Manchester 1 (UniBond League) Att
1245 |
Paul
Horridge replaced James Mann in goal, Ian
Flannery made his debut at centre back in place
of suspended Kieran Fletcher, Paul Osborne played
alongside him in place of suspended Russ Clarke
with Neil Reynolds starting in midfield and
Mickey Saunders made his debut up front in place
of Craig Sargeson.
Clitheroe put in a great performance to beat high-riding
FC United who could have gone top of the table
had results gone their way today. Blues keeper
Paul Horridge denied the dangerous Aaron Burns as
he raced in on goal on a 1v1 before Clitheroe had
a couple of chances of their own cleared off the
line. The breakthrough came on the stroke of
haltime when Joel Byrom was
felled in the box and although his 45th minute
spotkick was saved he followed up to slam home
the rebound. Early in the second half new signing
Ian Flannery made a superb vital tackle to deny
the league's top scorer Rory Patterson a clear
run on goal. Clitheroe doubled the lead in the 60th
minute when Joel Byrom's deep cross was headed
home by Paul Fildes at the back
post. The visitors were awarded a freekick just
outside the penalty area in the 65th minute and
keeper Paul Horridge was given no chance with the
well struck freekick as it flew into the top
corner to reduce the deficit. FC United pressed
for the equaliser and Clitheroe had further
chances to increase the lead but both sides saw
shots fly over the crossbar before the referee
blew for fulltime and a great 2-1 home victory.
Team : Horridge, Kozlowski, J.Osborne, Flannery,
P.Osborne (Overson), Fisher, Stopforth, Reynolds
(Dempsey), Saunders (Jackson), Byrom, Fildes.
Subs - Overson, Jackson, Dempsey.
|
Tue 06/11/07 - Clitheroe P-P Rushall
Olympic (FA Trophy replay) |
Match
postponed pending FA investigation. At a
subsequent hearing on Tuesday 13th November
Clitheroe admitted a breach of FA Rule E10 and
were removed from the competition.
|
Sat 03/11/07 - Rushall Olympic 1
Clitheroe 1 (FA Trophy) Att 102 |
James
Mann returned in goal in place of Paul Horridge,
Adam Kozlowski and John Osborne replaced Jack
Overson and Barry Shuttleworth at fullback, Gary
Stopforth replaced Adam Kozlowski in midfield and
Craig Sargeson started up front in place of Neil
Zarac.
Clitheroe gifted Rushall an 11th minute opener
when a weak shot bobbled over keeper James Mann
as he dropped to collect the ball. Paul Fildes
created a great chance to equalise soon after
when he lifted the ball over a defender before
volleying just wide of the goal but otherwise the
Blues were restricted by a strong home back line.
Clitheroe started the second half brightly and
had a good spell on top which led to a 63rd
minute equaliser when Gary Stopforth
fired in a bouncing shot from just outside the
penalty box and it found its way home through a
crowded area. More chances were being created
with Sam Heap having a well struck shot saved by
the home keeper after he was played in by a great
ball from Joel Byrom. Rushall had a series of
corners and freekicks towards the end but the
Blues held firm to secure the draw which will see
Rushall visiting Shawbridge for Tuesday's replay.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, J.Osborne,
Fletcher, Clarke, Fisher (Reynolds), Stopforth, P.Osborne,
Sargeson (Heap), Byrom, Fildes (Jackson). Subs -
Jackson, Reynolds, Heap.
|
Tue 30/10/07 - Rossendale United 3
Clitheroe 2 (UniBond League
Presidents Cup) Att 171 |
New
signing Barry Shuttleworth started at left back
in place of John Osborne and Adam Kozlowski
started in midfield in place of Gary Stopforth.
The Blues bowed out of the Presidents Cup at
rival Rossendale to the odd goal in five. The
match was evenly contested until the 27th minute
when Paul Fildes played the ball across goal for Joel
Byrom to tap over the line. Clitheroe
soon had a great chance to double the lead when
Neil Zarac struck the bar and the next goal was
an equaliser for the home side in the 30th minute.
Rossendale took the lead in the 37th minute and
held on until halftime. The Blues started the
second half well enough but fell further behind
in the 75th minute before creating a series of
chances as they tried to rescue the game. In the
87th minute Gary Jackson was impeded in the box
and Joel Byrom pulled a goal
back from the penalty spot. Paul Osborne received
a red card for a foul on their midfielder whose
own "tackles" had somehow gone
unpunished by the ref. There was still time for a
flurry of late chances but the final whistle went
without any further addition to the scoreline.
Team : Horridge, Overson,
Shuttleworth (Reynolds), Fletcher, Clarke, Fisher
(Jackson), Kozlowski, P.Osborne, Zarac, Byrom,
Fildes (Heap). Subs - Jackson, Reynolds, Heap.
|
Sat 27/10/07 - Clitheroe 5 Chorley 1 (UniBond
League) Att 294 |
Paul
Horridge took over from James Mann in goal, Gary
Stopforth returned to midfield in place of Craig
Sargeson and new signing Paul Fildes started
alongside Neil Zarac up front in place of Sam
Heap.
Clitheroe returned to form in style as they
completely overran Chorley and the final
scoreline could easily have had a wider margin.
Neil Zarac glanced an early header wide from just
4 yards before he made amends in the 24th minute
when his deep cross from the right found new
signing Paul Fildes at the back post and his
header across goal was forced home by Joel
Byrom. Further chances were created as
the Blues reached halftime well on top but with a
slender lead to show for it. The lead was doubled
early in the second half when a poor back pass
was pounced on by Neil Zarac and
he made no mistake in slotting past ex-Clitheroe
keeper Peter Collinge. The third goal followed
soon after when a great cross from Jack Overson
found an unmarked Paul Fildes
and he headed home. Both strikers were then
substituted but their replacements kept the
pressure on the visitors defence and Sam Heap
clipped the ball past Peter Collinge but saw it
pass agonisingly wide of the far post. Chorley
scored a headed consolation goal before Sam
Heap raced clear to notch his 6th goal
of the season. The scoring was completed in
injury time when Ryan Fisher jinked
into the box and fired home to round off a superb
team effort with a resounding 5-1 win.
Team : Horridge, Overson, J.Osborne,
Fletcher, Clarke (Kozlowski), Fisher, Stopforth,
P.Osborne, Zarac (Heap), Byrom, Fildes (Jackson).
Subs - Jackson, Kozlowski, Heap.
|
Tue 23/10/07 - Lancaster City 1
Clitheroe 2 (FA Trophy) Att 170 |
Jack
Overson came into the defence in place of Michael
Donnelly with John Osborne reverting to left back.
Sam Heap started up front alongside Neil Zarac
with Joel Byrom replacing Neil Reynolds in
midfield.
Clitheroe defended well in this replay and
notched a winning goal in injury time to go
through to meet Rushall Olympic in the next round
of the FA Trophy on November 3rd. The Blues made
a steady start and took a 12th minute lead when
Craig Sargeson released Ryan Fisher on a run down
the right and his low cross took a deflection off
a defender and back for Neil Zarac
to stroke home from 10 yards. Lancaster had a
good spell on top without getting past the
Clitheroe defence and Joel Byrom had a great turn
and shot that went narrowly wide. The Blues
controlled the second half and seemed to have
done enough when the home side had a defender
sent off for fouling Gary Jackson as he burst
through on goal. The resulting freekick was fired
just over the bar by Joel Byrom and then a series
of freekicks around the Clitheroe box led to an
equaliser in the 86th minute when James Mann
couldn't hold on to a firmly struck shot and the
rebound was forced in from close range. Extra
time looked likely but Gary Jackson was again
felled, this time close to the left touchline and
John Osborne's freekick was delivered beautifully
for Neil Zarac to glance home a
90th minute header into the net.
Team : Mann, Overson, J.Osborne,
Fletcher, Clarke, Fisher, Sargeson (Kozlowski), P.Osborne,
Zarac, Byrom, Heap(Jackson). Subs - Jackson,
Kozlowski, Reynolds. Not used - Reynolds.
|
Sat 20/10/07 - Clitheroe 0 Lancaster
City 0 (FA Trophy) Att 245 |
Michael
Donnelly replaced Adam Kozlowski at left back and
Neil Reynolds came into midfield with Joel Byrom
starting up front alongside Neil Zarac in place
of Gary Jackson.
The Blues will have to travel to Lancaster on
Tuesday for a replay after a goalless draw in
this FA Trophy match. Few chances were created by
either side in an even first half and the second
half continued in the same vein until Clitheroe
were reduced to 10 men late in the second half.
Kieran Fletcher was sent off for pulling down a
Lancaster player as he ran clear on goal and the
resulting free kick was easily saved by keeper
James Mann. A series of substitutions then
followed and the Blues stormed forward and had
plenty of goal mouth action but could not get the
ball in the net. The visitors had a couple of
good chances on the break to nick the game
themselves but a late drive flew narrowly over
the bar and the sides will have to meet again on
Tuesday evening.
Team : Mann, J.Osborne, Donnelly (Overson),
Fletcher, Clarke, Fisher, Sargeson (Heap), P.Osborne,
Zarac, Byrom, Reynolds (Smith). Subs - Overson,
Heap, Smith
|
Tue 16/10/07 - Clitheroe 0 FC United
of Manchester 3 (UniBond League) Att
834 |
Kieran
Fletcher returned at centreback in place of Gregg
Anderson who has moved on to Buxton and new
signing Neil Zarac started up front in place of
Sam Heap.
Clitheroe had as many first half chances as FC
United but the early goal for the visitors was
the only difference between the sides at half
time. The Blues started the second half brightly
but fell further behind to a penalty and then the
visitors dominated the game and added a third.
Team : Mann, J.Osborne, Kozlowski
(Heap), Fletcher, Clarke, Fisher, Sargeson, P.Osborne,
Jackson (Exton), Byrom, Zarac. Subs - Exton, Heap,
Reynolds. Not used - Reynolds
|
Sat 13/10/07 - Harrogate Town 2
Clitheroe 0 (FA Cup 3QR) Att 516 |
James
Mann replaced Paul Horridge in goal. Adam
Kozlowski, John Osborne and Russ Clarke replaced
Jack Overson, Mick Donnelly and Kieran Fletcher at
the back, Joel Byrom replaced Neil Reynolds in
midfield and Gary Jackson replaced Will Exton up
front.
Clitheroe gave a good account of themselves
against the unbeaten Conference North leaders on
their own ground. The Blues forwards got very
little out of the Harrogate defence and struggled
to make a clear chance on goal in the first half
but the Clitheroe defence were keeping the
prolific Town striker quiet too and the interval
arrived with the score still goalless. Harrogate
made a substitution at the start of the second
half and besides the threat down the right they
now also used the quick winger down the left. Sam
Heap created a great opening for himself when he
turned the right back before moving into box and
fired in a low shot that went narrowly wide. The
home side then scored with their next attack to
take a 55th minute lead with a superb swerving
shot from distance. They continued to create more
chances as they took hold of the game but their
attempts on goal went wide of the mark. In the 81st
minute the ref awarded Harrogate a penalty for a
push in the area and this time the prolific
striker Holland converted the spot kick.
Clitheroe moved Joel Byrom further forward and
his run into the box was ended with a foul and
the ref pointed to the spot. A late consolation
goal would have been fair reward for the Blues
efforts but Joel uncharacteristically pushed the
ball high over the bar. Five minutes of added
time were played before the final whistle went on
this season's FA Cup campaign.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, J.Osborne
(Fletcher), Clarke, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson, P.Osborne,
Jackson (Exton), Byrom, Heap (Smith). Subs -
Smith, Exton, Fletcher.
|
Wed 10/10/07 - Padiham 0 Clitheroe 3 (Lancashire
Cup) Att 230 |
Keeper
Paul Horridge replaced James Mann in goal. Jack
Overson, Mick Donnelly and Kieran Fletcher
replaced Adam Kozlowski, John Osborne and Russ
Clarke at the back. Ryan Fisher replaced Joel
Byrom in midfield and Will Exton replaced Gary
Jackson up front.
The Blues progressed to the next round of the
Lancashire Cup after a bruising encounter and two
late goals gave a comfortable scoreline to this
victory. Padiham had chances throughout the game
but failed to take them while Clitheroe made the
most of theirs. They took the lead in the 20th
minute when a strong run forward by Jack
Overson saw him pick up a final pass
into the box and he drove the ball home past the
keeper. The second half saw chances at both ends
but it wasn't until the 80th minute that the next
goal came when Kieran Fletcher headed a corner
goalwards and Gary Jackson
headed it firmly home from close range. In the 85th
minute a great pass from Craig Sargeson released Joel
Byrom on a run on goal and he rounded
the keeper and stroked the ball home.
Team : Horridge, Overson, Donnelly,
Fletcher, Anderson (Kozlowski), Dempsey (Byrom),
Sargeson, Reynolds, Exton (Jackson), Fisher, Heap.
Subs - Jackson, Kozlowski, Byrom.
|
Sat 05/10/07 - Clitheroe 2 Ossett
Albion 1 (FA Trophy) Att 197 |
Dave
Dempsey and Neil Reynolds replaced Ryan Fisher
and Paul Osborne in midfield. New signing Jack
Overson took a place on the subs bench.
Clitheroe beat the team currently sitting second
in the league to progress to the FA Trophy 1st
Round and a home tie against Lancaster City. The
Blues started brightly and took a 16th minute
lead when Craig Sargeson's superb right wing
cross was firmly headed home from 15 yards by Gary
Jackson. Just a minute later and Adam
Kozlowski's ball forward found Gary
Jackson free on a run on goal and he
placed his shot under the out-rushing keeper to
double the lead. Further chances were created as
the Blues dominated the first half but it was
Ossett who scored next just before halftime to
reduce the interval deficit to just a single goal.
The visitors stepped up their game in the second
half and forced Clitheroe keeper James Mann into
making many saves. Clitheroe didn't trouble the
Ossett goal as much but the team did enough to
earn a third successive victory and a place in
the next round of the Trophy.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, J.Osborne,
Clarke, Anderson, Dempsey (Fletcher), Sargeson,
Reynolds, Jackson (Exton), Byrom (Overson), Heap.
Subs - Overson, Exton, Fletcher.
|
Tue 02/10/07 - Clitheroe 3 Mossley 2 (UniBond
League) Att 186 |
Adam
Kozlowski started at rightback allowing Russ
Clarke to move to centreback in place of Nigel
Taylor.
Clitheroe picked up their first league victory of
the season against a decent Mossley side that
seemed to have done enough to take the points
themselves! The Blues were given a great start
when Joel Byrom played a ball in which Sam
Heap ran on to and lashed home from
close range after just 4 minutes. Both sides had
chances that either hit the woodwork or went
narrowly wide and Clitheroe hung in to their
slender lead at the interval. Mossley were soon
increasing the pressure after the break and
equalised in the 52nd minute with a cruel
deflection off Gregg Anderson's leg. Their
dominance led to them taking the lead in the 63rd
minute when a ball that bounced back off the
crossbar was headed home by one of their tall
centrebacks. The game took a bizarre twist soon
after when the ref stopped the game due a calf
injury and an appeal was made for a volunteer to
step in and run the line. A Mossley fan with the
necessary qualifications came forward but he was
not allowed to make any decisions other than
offsides and throw-ins and he was soon involved
in a controversy. A high boot connected with Will
Exton's head just inside the penalty area but ref
gave it outside the box. Had he been able to make
such decisions then I'm sure that the sub liner
would have signalled a penalty but no blame can
be laid on him as the decision making was taken
away from him by the ref. The resultant freekick
flew narrowly wide and Mossley were relieved
while the Blues felt hard done by. However, this
increased the tempo in Clitheroe's play and in
the 85th minute Joel Byrom squared the ball to an
unmarked Will Exton and after
his initial shot was well saved he followed up to
crash home the free ball. A series of late
corners saw Mossley pull every man back and in
the 90th minute Paul Osborne was
on hand to head home from close range to seal a
very welcome but at times unlikely 3 points.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, J.Osborne
(Reynolds), Clarke, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson (Dempsey),
P.Osborne, Jackson (Exton), Byrom, Heap. Subs -
Reynolds, Exton, Dempsey.
|
Sat 29/09/07 - Clitheroe 8 Spennymoor
Town 2 (FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round)
Att 330 |
John
Osborne replaced Mick Donnelly at left back and
his brother Paul replaced Russ McKenna in
midfield.
A flurry a late goals saw Clitheroe cruise
comfortably into the FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round
in this victory over their Northern League
opposition. The Blues were gifted the lead in the
5th minutes when Sam Heap's low cross was
cushioned by a defender for Gary Jackson
to fire home from just 2 yards. Further chances
fell to Clitheroe as they dominated the half but
Spennymoor also had their chances and equalised
after 45 minutes with a superb 30 yard strike
that fizzed into the top corner before Craig
Sargeson released Sam Heap on a
run on goal and he shot home from the edge of the
box to restore the Blues lead going into the
interval. Spennymoor were still shooting from
distance in the second half but fortunately they
were off target and Clitheroe started to get the
better of the visitors back line. They increased
the lead in the 59th minute when Gary
Jackson again outpaced the defence and
he lifted the ball over the keeper as he came off
his line. The game was made safe in the 75th
minute when Craig Sargeson
dinked his way to the angle of the penalty area
and superbly chipped the keeper at the far post.
In the 78th minute it was Will Exton's
turn to beat the defence and slot home before
fellow sub Dave Dempsey struck
home from the edge of the penalty area.
Spennymoor notched a second goal just a minute
later before Will Exton scored
his second of the game in the 88th minute with
another ball lifted over the advancing keeper. In
the 90th minute Joel Byrom played in a high right
wing centre that almost dropped in at the back
post and as the ball was cleared to the edge of
the box Ryan Fisher fired it
back through a crowd of players and into the net
to cap a fine goal scoring display from the Blues.
Team : Mann, Clarke, J.Osborne,
Taylor (Kozlowski), Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson, P.Osborne,
Jackson (Dempsey), Byrom, Heap (Exton). Subs -
Kozlowski, Exton, Dempsey.
|
Tue 25/09/07 - Clitheroe 4 Colwyn Bay
4* (UniBond League Cup) Att 165 (*Colwyn
Bay win 4-2 on pens) |
Russ
Clarke returned to the side at right back and new
signing Mick Donnelly started at left back in
place of John Osborne. Nigel Taylor replaced
Kieran Fletcher at centre back, Russ McKenna
moved to centre midfield and Sam Heap started up
front.
The Blues staged a superb comeback in an
entertaining game and were unlucky to go out on
penalties. The visitors took the lead in the 6th
minute with a clear volley in front of goal and
doubled it from the penalty spot after 36 minutes.
The 0-2 interval scoreline didn't give a true
reflection on play as Clitheroe were more than
equal to Colwyn Bay and were on top for long
spells but didn't get any luck in front of goal
after creating numerous chances. The action
continued in the second half after the visitors
scored again in the 50th minute but the Blues
refused to lie down and played some neat passing
football and continued to create chances. They
pulled a goal back in the 75th minute when Gregg
Anderson pounced on a loose ball in the
area to drive the ball home from 10 yards. Sam
Heap was having an excellent game and
got his rewards in the 84th minute when he
rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home. The
amazing comeback was completed on the stroke of
full time when Sam Heap again
got in behind the defence to score his second
goal of the game to take the tie into extra time.
The visitors were awarded a second penalty early
in the first period to take a 4-3 lead but in the
115th minute a great forward ball from Ant
Daniels was nudged past the keeper by Dave
Dempsey to take the game to penalties.
Ant Daniels scored the Blues first one to even
things up and then James Mann saved the second
Colwyn Bay penalty...only for the assistant
referee to order it be retaken for him coming off
his line and this time he was beaten for a second
time. Joel Byrom levelled the scores again before
Nigel Taylor and Russ McKenna saw their penalties
saved by a keeper that came forward as much as
James Mann had but this time the assistant
referee saw no infringement. Colwyn Bay scored
with their next spot kick to win the tie 4-2 on
penalties. This was a much improved performance
by Clitheroe and they deserved the appreciation
of the crowd at the end.
Team : Mann, Clarke, Donnelly (Dempsey),
Taylor, Anderson, Fisher (Daniels), Sargeson,
McKenna, Jackson (Exton), Byrom, Heap. Subs -
Daniels, Exton, Dempsey.
|
Sat 22/09/07 - Clitheroe 2 Harrogate
RA 3 (UniBond League) Att 223 |
Ant
Daniels started in midfield in place of Paul
Osborne, John Osborne switched to left back with
Russ McKenna playing left midfield and Craig
Sargeson on the right.
A poor first half display cost the Blues dearly
and they now enter the third month of the
campaign still looking for their first league win.
Harrogate took an easy 4th minute lead when a
weak cross somehow found its way across the box
to be poked home at the far post. Craig Sargeson
struck a 30yard freekick against the foot of the
post before the equaliser came in the 17th minute.
Joel Byrom's freekick released Craig
Sargeson on a run into the box and he
fired home from 12 yards. The visitors regained
the lead in the 30th minute with a free volley in
front of goal and were gifted a penalty soon
after when the referee deemed an innocuous
challenge as a foul. James Mann got a hand to the
powerful spotkick but couldn't keep it out. Joel
Byrom had a mazy run into the box but his deftly
placed shot just went wide of the far post.
Clitheroe were much more threatening after the
interval and lay almost constant siege on the
Harrogate goal. This paid dividends in the 52nd
minute when Ryan Fisher followed
up to force home the rebound after Joel Byrom's
shot had been parried. Harrogate cleared a corner
off the line and sub Sam Heap then broke clear
and rounded the keeper before firing his shot
wide of the target. Joel Byrom was impeded on the
edge of the box as he burst through on goal and
Craig Sargeson struck the bar from the freekick
before his final effort of the game from distance
sailed the wrong side of the post.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, J.Osborne
(Exton), Fletcher, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson,
Daniels (Smith), Jackson (Heap), Byrom, McKenna.
Subs - Smith, Heap, Exton.
|
Tue 18/09/07 - Clitheroe 1 Chorley 1*
(FA Cup 1QR replay) Att 300 (*Clitheroe
win 4-3 on pens) |
Ryan
Fisher returned to midfield after injury so Russ
McKenna reverted to left back and John Osborne
started on the right wing. Gary Jackson replaced
Chris Ward up front.
Craig Sargeson was hero and villain in a dour
match that was eventually settled on penalties.
He uncharacteristicly missed an open goal in the
second half of normal time in an opening 90
minutes of very few chances for either side, a
Chorley free kick from distance that was well
saved by James Mann being the pick of the efforts.
Chorley took the lead early in extra time when
another fierce long range free kick bounced off
the keeper's chest as he dropped to collect the
ball and the loose ball was flicked home from
close range. At last the game livened up and the
Blues piled on the pressure in search of an
equaliser. A good move between Sam Heap and Joel
Byrom saw the latter's close shot pushed out for
a corner and eventually those two had a hand in
the equaliser in the second period of extra time.
A superb Joel Byrom cross into the box was
glanced home by sub Sam Heap in
front of the visiting keeper. Clitheroe fired
some long range efforts over the bar and Chorley
spurned a great chance to win the tie just before
the final whistle. Anthony Daniels scored the
first of Clitheroe's penalties before James Mann
saved the second Chorley one. Joel Byrom scored
his penalty and then John Osborne saw his spot
kick saved to make it 2-2 from 3 each. Russ
McKenna slotted his penalty home before Chorley
fired their fifth one wide giving Craig Sargeson
the chance to score and win the tie for Clitheroe...which
he duly did. The Blues now face Spennymoor Town
on Saturday 29th September at home.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, McKenna,
Fletcher, Anderson, Fisher (Exton), J.Osborne, P.Osborne
(Daniels), Jackson (Heap), Byrom, Sargeson. Subs
- Daniels, Heap, Exton.
|
Sat 15/09/07 - Chorley 2 Clitheroe 2 (FA
Cup 1QR) Att 345 |
John
Osborne replaced Russ Clarke at left back for his
first start of the season in the only change to
the starting lineup.
Clitheroe twice had to come from behind to force
an FA Cup replay at Shawbridge on Tuesday 18th
September. Chorley opened the scoring in the 14th
minute when a long free kick from inside their
own half into the Blues box was headed backwards
by Keiron Fletcher and over his keeper for an
unfortunate own goal. Craig Sargeson had
Clitheroe's first real effort on goal when a
curling shot from the right edge of the box was
tipped over the bar. Shortly before half time he
was felled as he jinked his way into the penalty
area and Joel Byrom easily
slotted the spot kick home for the equaliser.
There was time for Chorley to regain the lead
before the interval when a swift move ended with
a close range header beating keeper James Mann.
The Blues improved after the break and scored
their second equaliser when a great ball from
Craig Sargeson found Peter Smith
in space down the right and he advanced on goal
before sliding the ball under the outrushing
keeper. Clitheroe were enjoying spells on top but
were also given a few anxious moments at the back
with a fierce free kick being well saved by James
Mann. A draw was a fair result and both sides go
again in Tuesday's replay, kick off at 7.45pm.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, J.Osborne
(Dempsey), Fletcher, Anderson, McKenna, Smith (Daniels),
P.Osborne, Ward (Jackson), Byrom, Sargeson. Subs
- Jackson, Daniels, Dempsey.
|
Tue 11/09/07 - Clitheroe 1 FC United
of Manchester 1 (UniBond League) Att
952 (Abandoned 57
mins) |
James
Mann took over in goal from the injured Peter
Collinge, Adam Kozlowski replaced Ant Daniels at
right back, Kieran Fletcher came in at centre-half
with Russ Clarke moving to left back and Russ
McKenna moving into midfield to replace Paul
Stansfield. Peter Smith started in place of Gary
Stopforth with Chris Ward replacing Will Exton up
front.
Clitheroe made five changes from the previous
match and they paid dividends with a much
improved and committed performance that looked
capable of springing a surprise until the game
was abandoned after 57 minutes due to floodlight
failure. The Blues enjoyed a good spell on top in
the first half but fell behind to a clinical
close range finish after 37 minutes. They
responded well and a good Joel Byrom surge
forward ended with his shot being parried and Craig
Sargeon followed up to fire home the
loose ball after 42 minutes for a deserved
equaliser. The second half was only 12 minutes
old when a partial floodlight failure led to a
delay before the game was abandoned. Clitheroe
were playing better against a cautious FC United
side and will be disappointed with the early
finish to the game. No new date has been decided
yet for the re-arranged fixture but the club have
issued an Official Statement indicating that a
significant donation has been made to the FCUM
Development Fund and there will be reduced
admission prices for that game.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, Clarke,
Fletcher, Anderson, McKenna, Smith, P.Osborne,
Ward, Byrom, Sargeson. Subs - Jackson, Daniels,
Stansfield.
|
Sat 08/09/07 - Newcastle Blue Star 3
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 220 |
Will
Exton returned up front with Adam Kozlowski
taking a place on the bench in the only change to
the starting 11 from the previous match.
The Blues didn't play particularly
well as a team but they had the chances that
would have perhaps changed the course of the game
had they gone in. Craig Sargeson was played in
very early by Joel Byrom but the keeper saved as
the ball was drilled low across him. Peter
Collinge made a superb reactive save to a ball
that went right across the goalmouth and was
prodded goalwards at the back post. Newcastle got
the all important breakthrough in the 20th minute
when the ball was played back from a narrow angle
and then driven home from the edge of the penalty
box. The hosts doubled the lead in the 33rd
minute with a placed shot past Peter Collinge
from a central position. Clitheroe finished the
half strongly and Will Exton was denied by
another fine save as he was put through on a one-v-one
with their keeper. Peter Collinge was taken to
hospital to have a hip injury looked at and was
replaced in goal for the second half by Russ
Clarke. Newcastle didn't test him as much as they
could have done and the Blues created another
great early chance when a superb Gary Stopforth
pass released Joel Byrom and he became the third
player to be thwarted by a fine one-v-one save
from the Newcastle keeper. The Blues did pull a
goal back on 55 minutes when Craig Sargeson was
played in down the left and his great cross
evaded the tall Blue Star centre back and was
headed home by Gary Jackson.
Newcastle scored a third goal in the 60th minute
and while Pete Smith made another 20 minute
substitute appearance and again provided a fresh
impetus going forward, ultimately Clitheroe didn't
really bother the home keeper too much for the
rest of the game.
Team : Collinge (Kozlowski), Daniels, McKenna (Smith),
Clarke, Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson, P.Osborne,
Exton (Jackson), Byrom, Stopforth. Subs - Jackson,
Smith, Kozlowski.
|
Sat 01/09/07 - Clitheroe 3 St Helens
Town 2 (FA Cup Prelim Round) Att 210 |
Will
Exton was out injured and Paul Osborne returned
to the starting lineup following his holiday.
Clitheroe made hard work of this
FA Cup game against their NWCFL opponents and
only an improved second half performance saw them
through to the next round. Without a recognised
out-and-out striker the Blues struggled to peg
the visitors back and were punished when St
Helens took the lead from a penalty after 42
minutes. The shocked Blues equalised almost
straight away though when a Craig Sargeson drive
was weakly saved and Joel Byrom
followed in to head the loose ball home from very
close range. Substitute Gary Jackson was brought
on for the start of the second half and the
Clitheroe attack was more threatening and put the
visitors under the expected pressure. A few
chances went agonisingly wide before Joel
Byrom outpaced the defence and finished
with a low drive under the keeper. Clitheroe took
a strong hold of the game and increased the lead
when a move down the left finished with a drive
across the box which Gary Jackson and Paul
Stansfield allowed to run through to the unmarked
Peter Smith and he fired the
ball home. There was just time for St Helens to
grab a late second goal before the ref blew the
whistle for full time. This was not a convincing
victory but the first win of the season has now
been obtained.
Team : Collinge, Daniels, McKenna,
Clarke, Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson (Smith), P.Osborne,
Stopforth (Dempsey), Byrom, Kozlowski (Jackson).
Subs - Jackson, Smith, Dempsey.
|
Mon 27/08/07 - Garforth Town 1
Clitheroe 1 (UniBond League) Att 205 |
Ant
Daniels moved to right back in place of Kieran
Fletcher allowing Craig Sargeson to return on the
right wing. Russ McKenna moved to left back in
place of Dave Dempsey with Adam Kozlowski taking
his midfield slot. Paul Stansfield replaced the
injured Ryan Fisher in midfield.
The Blues put in the performance
we know they are capable of and returned from an
impressive visit to Garforth with their first
point of the season. Clitheroe were at their
hosts from the start and completely dominated the
first half but just had a solitary 42nd minute
goal to show for it at half time. A wicked raking
ball diagonally across the box from Craig
Sargeson was forced home at the far post by Paul
Stansfield. Garforth obviously received
an ear-bashing during the interval and were a
much more competitive side for the second half.
This time it was the Blues who were under
constant pressure and the equaliser came after 55
minutes when a corner was headed home. Gradually
though Clitheroe weathered the storm and by the
end it was end to end stuff with both sides
having chances to take the three points.
Team : Collinge, Daniels, McKenna,
Clarke (Fletcher), Anderson, Stansfield, Sargeson,
Stopforth, Exton (Jackson (Dempsey)), Byrom,
Kozlowski. Subs - Jackson, Dempsey, Fletcher.
|
Sat 25/08/07 - Clitheroe 1 Wakefield
2 (UniBond League) Att 205 |
Peter
Collinge replaced James Mann in goal, Kieran
Fletcher made his Blues debut at right back
enabling Ant Daniels to move forward and replace
Craig Sargeson wide on the right of midfield,
Dave Dempsey and Russ McKenna switched their
defence / midfield starting positions from the
previous match, Gary Stopforth replaced Paul
Stansfield in midfield and Will Exton started in
place of Chris Ward up front.
Clitheroe improved on the midweek
performance against Bamber Bridge and created
several second half chances but still failed to
register the first win of the season against a
dogged but beatable Wakefield side. The visitors
took the lead on 18 minutes with a free header
from a corner and the Blues equalised when Gary
Stopforth's cross from a left wing corner was
headed goalwards by Ryan Fisher
and found its way home. The Blues second half
performance was much improved and the Wakefield
keeper pulled off several good saves to keep the
scores level. The visitors regained the lead when
a strong right wing run finished with a great
cross to the back post and the ball was looped
over Peter Collinge into the net. Clitheroe tried
to find a second equaliser but the Wakefield
defence held firm to register another win that
takes them to the top of the league.
Team : Collinge, Fletcher, Dempsey
(Kozlowski), Clarke, Anderson, Fisher, Daniels,
Stopforth, Exton, Byrom (Sargeson), McKenna. Subs
- Sargeson, Stansfield, Kozlowski.
|
Tue 21/08/07 - Clitheroe 0 Bamber
Bridge 2 (UniBond League) Att 265 |
Ant
Daniels replaced Adam Kozlowski at right back,
Ryan Fisher came in for Paul Osborne in midfield,
Chris Ward started in place of Gary Jackson up
front and Dave Dempsey took a place on the wing
instead of Gary Stopforth.
The Blues home campaign began in front of a
decent midweek crowd of 265 but stumbled to
defeat against a decent and lively Bamber Bridge
side. Ryan Fisher knocked a very early close
range header over the bar as Clitheroe signalled
their intent but after that too many balls into
the box were found wanting. Brig took the lead in
the 28th minute when a freekick from the right of
the penalty area found its way home. Clitheroe
had some fine approach play but the visitors
defence were coping easily enough in front of
goal. The second half was pretty much like the
first with the Brig keeper not being given much
to do while the visitors broke with pace and in
numbers to cause some confusion in the Blues
defence on a few occasions. Nigel Taylor and a
Brig player received late red cards and the match
was put beyond doubt when a stunning run and shot
after 85 minutes doubled Brig's advantage.
Clitheroe are capable of much more than this and
will have to match the desire of the opponents to
win every ball as well as the game.
Team : Mann, Daniels, McKenna (Taylor),
Clarke, Anderson, Fisher, Sargeson, Stansfield,
Ward (Jackson), Byrom (Stopforth), Dempsey. Subs
- Taylor, Jackson, Stopforth.
|
Sat 18/08/07 - Woodley Sports 1
Clitheroe 0 (UniBond League) Att 113 |
James
Mann started in goals ahead of the returning
Peter Collinge (Leek Town), Adam Kozlowski (Rossendale
United) and Gary Stopforth (ex-Blackburn Rovers)
made their debuts and the returning pair of
Russell Clarke (Rossendale United) and Paul
Stansfield (Ossett Town) restarted their Blues
careers. Gary Jackson made his first start since
November 1st 2005 following his lengthy lay off
through injury. Nigel Taylor (Kendal Town) made
his debut from the subs bench.
Clitheroe started the new campaign with a narrow
defeat on the artificial surface which was not
made any easier with almost constant drizzle.
Both sides struggled to control any passes made
with pace while anything short was soon closed
down. Woodley perhaps had the better chances of
an even first half though Gary Jackson will feel
he could have done better with a close range
effort that went high and wide. The Blues shaded
the second half on pressure in the opponents half
but again Woodley had the better chances as they
broke at speed. A long Nigel Taylor freekick into
the box deserved a firm header home but instead
it was cleared by the home defence. Woodley were
awarded a freekick in a similar position and this
time the ball fell loose for it to be drilled
home low across keeper James Mann to give them an
82nd minute lead. Clitheroe pushed for the
equaliser but time ran out without further
serious attempts on goal.
Team : Mann, Kozlowski, McKenna (Taylor),
Clarke, Anderson, P.Osborne, Sargeson (Dempsey),
Stansfield, Jackson (Ward), Byrom, Stopforth.
Subs - Taylor, Ward, Dempsey.
|
n |
|