Clitheroe 4-2 Wythenshawe
Clitheroe hauled themselves back from the brink of defeat to take all three points in a turbulent game where they had dominated possession.
Much of the action in the first half was spent in the Wythenshawe half courtesy of the returning Jake Connelly, who caused mayhem on the left flank, with a series of crosses and runs. Hakan Burton in Clitheroe’s goal had to be alive to the occasional Wythenshawe attack and on 15 minutes produced a tremendous save from a goal bound shot as a crowded box left him totally unsighted. Against the run of play, the visitors took the lead on 24 minutes when a floated free kick was missed by both centre backs, but still Burton should have safely gathered the ball, instead presenting the visiting forward with the easiest of chances. This knocked Clitheroe out of their stride and despite a couple of half chances, there was an inevitability about Wythenshawe doubling their lead, when an inswinging corner was not cleared and Burton saved well only to see the rebound driven home. Minutes later, Connolly ended one of his runs by thumping his shot against the post, but the Blues were still two goals in deficit come half time. Jimmy Bell brought on Javaun Splatt to replaced Louis Potts as centre forward and he started to make inroads. On 52 minutes, Veron Parny twisted on the edge of the box and forced two good point blank saves. On 60 minutes Splatt bulldozed his way through the defence and Connolly was hacked down as he surged towards goal minutes later, but still the visitors’ defence held firm. On 74 minutes, Parny forced a finger tip save from a dangerous free kick, but then became provider as his lofted cross picked out Splatt at the back post to pull a goal back. On 82 minutes, Connolly nonchalantly lofted the ball over the defence and Splatt settled himself well and finished clinically over the keeper. Minutes later, Clitheroe took the lead as Parny surged down the left and pulled the ball across for Splatt to earn a deserved hat trick. The game was far from over and hearts were in Clitheroe mouths as a defensive mix up almost saw a striker walk the ball into the net, with only the long arm of Burton saving matters. As injury time ticked down, the result was secured as Splatt turned provider as his headed touch released Parny and his jinking run and finish were just reward for his excellent performance.
TEAM: 1 Hakan Burton, 2 Jacob Hanson, 3 Cameron Bradbury-Allen, 4 Sam Olawumi, 5 Charlie Hayes-Green, 6 Richard Baker, 7 Danny Wilkins, 8 Connor High, 9 Louis Potts, 10 Veron Parny, 11 Jake Connelly. SUBS USED: 14 Javaun Splatt, 15 Ross Dent, 17 Domaine Rouse. Not Used: 12 Sean McConville, 16 Matthew Clarke.