HT: 0-2
FT: 1-2 L
Both Cliffe FC’s fixture were in jeopardy at the beginning of the week with the second team’s fixture having to be switched to Market Weighton’s ground and the first team’s game away to Hedon uncertain. By Saturday, the first team’s fixture was called off because of water-logging at Hedon, however, the seconds travelled to Market Weighton for their first competitive match.
Malcolm Bryce writes…
With all eyes on the second team the players may have been out to impress. They fell very short of this in the first half with the home side taking the lead with Cliffe defenders not following their runners for an easy finish. This deficit was double when a freekick, given away by Matt Birch, hit the wall and once again the runners were not followed and meant another easy tap-in with at least two Market Weighton players ready to put the ball into the net. Cliffe did have some chances, with Marcus Ford and Darren Batey having their shots blocked. Cliffe went in at half-time 2-nil down.
Cliffe were given instructions at the interval and came out the better team second half with midfield pairing Rich Taylor and Jake Barnes-Gott having more of the possession. The home side were firmly on the back foot for most of this half with them having to resort to counter-attacks from clearances which, Birch and, captain, Mark Buck swept up well. Cliffe forward, Nathan Horner, looked like he wanted to take the game by the scruff of the neck and did so when he charged through one-on-one with the ‘keeper, had his first shot saved, but was then felled by the ‘keeper on the rebound and a penalty was given. Horner scored the penalty and Cliffe had to go for the equaliser. Wingers Ford and Tom Lonsdale had the beating of the home side full backs but were unable to supply the killer ball or cross. After numerous Cliffe corners and last-ditch challenges from Weighton players the final whistle blew. 2-1 Weighton at full-time.
This coming Saturday, both Cliffe sides are scheduled to play. The first team entertain Patrington Stanley at Cliffe Park and the second XI travel to Skirlaugh.
Cliffe Team:
Wilson, Park, N. Summers (Hullah), M. Birch, Buck (C), R. Taylor, Barnes-Gott, Lonsdale (Brown), Ford, Batey (Lees), Horner
Cliffe Scorers:
Horner (pen)
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