8th March 2008
HT: 1-1
FT: 4-1 W
Cliffe FC were on their travels to face Anlaby Park, who having played 6 more games than Cliffe, sat top of the division by 11 points. The conditions were gale-like and this made any sort of aerial play difficult.
Malcolm Bryce writes…
Cliffe, however, took the lead when good link up play between Rune Eriksen and Kevin Taylor lead to a cross for Dave Heron to somehow reach the ball at the far post to finish for 1-nil. Cliffe nearly made it 2 when Andy Kirkham hit the underside of the bar from two yards when it seemed easier to score, Anlaby soon equalised when the away side were unable to clear the ball and the ball was put in for 1-1. Eriksen squandered a one-on-one chance for the away side and Anlaby continued to win corner after corner whilst producing no clear chances. Cliffe defender, Andy Moughan, nearly felt the long arm of the law when two full-throttle tackles could of led to a 20 man brawl, fortunately, many of the players kept their heads and things were kept in hand. The half time whistle blew at 1-1.
The second half saw both team at a stalemate for 15 minutes, then something special kick-started Cliffe’s game, when Scott Birch rifled a 25 yard free-kick into the roof of the net for 2-1 Cliffe. Cliffe’s third came from Heron for his second with a nice slotted finish cutting in from the left flank after a great ball from Scott Birch. Anlaby still pushed for another by winning more corners but some 96mph headers from Moughan ensured that wasn’t going to happen, special mention for stand-in ‘keeper, Nathan Horner, for his competent performance whilst making some crucial saves. Cliffe then went 4-1 up when, substitute, Ryan Tiplady squared the ball for Taylor to score. The game still had enough time for Matt Birch to save Cliffe’s blushes with a last ditch tackle. The game finished 4-1 and Cliffe go home with all three points.
Cliffe next week are on their travels again next week as they face Shiptonthorpe in the league. Whilst it is now March, Cliffe are only half way through their league season. They will play a semi-final in a fortnight against Eastrington at Holme on the 22nd also.
Many Thanks goes to Cliffe FC sponsors The Bread Bin and Pure-Silk and The New Inn for their hospitality.
Cliffe Team:
N. Horner, M. Birch, D. Evans, A. Moughan, R. Wood (R.Tiplady), D. Fisher, S. Birch, A. Kirkham (Allen), K. Taylor, D. Heron, R. Eriksen (Walker)
Unused Sub; Hullah
Cliffe Scorers:
Heron (2), S. Birch, Taylor
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On the second picture any one noticed that termantor is heading for us with a angry look, as we celebrate!!! argg scary