A bit of a revolution has taken place at Clipstone since the last time we paid a visit. The team now has former Forest Town boss Gary Castledine in charge, and he has managed to persuade half a dozen or so of his Foggo team to sign for him. Keeper Steve Boot, Mark Carter, Danny Tighe, James McCann, Mark Robinson and Mick Taylor were all in the squad for this game.
Former Pinxton full-back Ben Newman requested that we get to the Lido sometime during the season, and this game against Paul Rawdon's Ollerton Town seemed a fair choice. As it happens, it was one of the poorer games we have seen this season so far - much on a par with Saturday's Long Eaton/Retford effort.
Arrived at the ground with ten minutes to spare - no programmes left, so resorted to taking a picture of Clippo defender Lee Bowler's dad's copy......
Sat with Dave Bramwell for while, then changed position to allow "clicker" Kev to get some pics. .. we were then joined by James Robinson, a well known Assistant Referee in CML circles.
The game began at a frantic pace -- with the ball being treated like a "ot tater". Castledine and Tighe in the heart of the home midfield were guilty at times of failing to pick out passes and trying too much pretty-pretty football, but when they did manage to get the ball forward they did look dangerous.
Clipstone went in front on 20. The Ref awarded what appeared a soft free-kick 22 yards from goal and when Tighe curled the ball over the wall it was saved by the keeper at the foot of the post. MARK CARTER was quickest to react and slammed the loose ball into the net before the Town defenders could react.
Another free kick from more or less the same spot was converted superbly by DANNY TIGHE in the 40th minute, then in injury time it was Ollerton's turn to take advantage of a set-piece. When the free-kick was fired over the wall, Welfare keeper Steve Boot decided to make a save for the camera, but instead of palming the ball wide he laid it at the feet of LIAM BEST who gratefully blasted home. H-T 2-1
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One for the camera - but Best (in red) is ready to pounce!!! The second half was marginally better than the first, though highlights were few and far between. Ollerton never really troubled the home defence overmuch, and I think Rawds will find this a long, hard season. Mind you, he has spells at Radford and Kimberley on his resume, so he will be well used to fighting for victories! Another Tighe free-kick on the hour lead to the final goal of the contest ...this time the ball was swung in from the left and SAM BAILEY was left unmarked at the near post to head home. Poor defending, but another sweet set-piece from Tighe.    |
Admission £3
Programme £1 ( sold out)
H/C 42
