23rd February 2008
HT: 1-0
FT: 2-1 W
Cliffe progressed to the semi-finals of the competition after a tough fought victory over well respected opponents. A combination of poor performances and unbeaten opponents lead to not only a change in the squad for this tie but also a change in formation with Cliffe starting with a loan striker, Tiplady, and an extra man in a defensive role in midfield, Fisher.
The game began at a cautious pace with the two sides playing conservative football before bizarelly, for a team who had kept more clean sheets than any other in the league, Cliffe were gifted a goal when Simpsons corner was fumbled into the goal by the keeper with the referee in a perfect position to judge it had crossed the line. A minute earlier Tiplady had the ball in the net but was adjudged offside. Further good work from Tiplady found Evans with the space to hit a terrific drive against the post from 25 yards. The remainder of the first half was one way traffic with the visitors pounding not on only Cliffes goal but Cliffes goalkeeper too! Twice Harris was caught and needed treatment, it was later discovered he had cracked a rib and will be sidelined for a period with the injury. Captain Scott Birch received his first booking of the season following an aerial challenge.
Despite the pressure they applied the visitors couldn’t get they equaliser they sought, twice defensive mix ups allowed one on one situations and both chances were blazed over the bar from close range.
In the second half the game continued in the same manner with Willerby throwing everything at Cliffe, Fisher, Evans and Moughan were stout and resolute in their duties and made some superb saving tackles. Corners, throw ins and free kicks continued to assault the Cliffe goal but it was not all one way traffic as Cliffes counter attacks saw Tiplady play in first Walker and then Taylor but both chances were wasted.
The introduction of Allen for his competitive senior debut for hard working Kirkham brought fresh legs and ideas to the hosts and he was able to take some pressure of the defence. Tiplady found just enough time to get booked before being replaced with the giant Norwegian, Eriksen. Instructed to be robust, Eriksen really put himself about and was rewarded very quickly when he was put through on goal and finished calmly into the bottom corner from 20 yards. Minutes later Matt Birch had the ball in the net at the second attempt after good work from Eriksen but this was also ruled out for offside.
A slightly over zealous Moughan challenge resulted in a free kick from which Willerby pulled a goal back leading to a nervous last five minutes but the tough attitude displayed at the back for Cliffe continued and they held on for a great win.
This result puts cliffe into a Semi-final with Eastrington on March 22nd. Next week Cliffe return to league action with a must win tie against table toppers Hedon Rangers.
Many thanks to our sponsors The Bread Bin and Pure Silk.