Bridgford Bounce Back on Bank Holiday
26th August 2019
Clifton All Whites FC vs West Bridgford FC
East Midlands Counties League
Final Score Clifton All Whites FC 1 West Bridgford FC 2
West Bridgford made the short trip to Clifton on Bank Holiday Monday looking to bounce back from Saturday’s game against Gedling.
Manager Ryan Doherty made changes to both the shape and the starting line up ahead of the game.
Bridgford played in a more direct fashion than previous games and this brought rewards in a first half that was largely dominated by the visitors.
John Whitehurst created the games first chance, with his shot from the edge of the area being well saved by the home keeper.
On 20 minutes Bridgford took the lead, a corner from the left from Jack Oldham was flicked on by Tim Hopkinson, Jordan Wheatley got to the ball first, his first attempt was blocked but he reacted to the loose ball the quickest and smashed a left foot volley into the roof of the net.
Clifton responded to going behind and forced a string of corners which were defended well by Bridgford, they created an excellent chance to level the match when their forward burst through on goal, Fogg in the Bridgford goal was out from his line very quickly and saved well to maintain his sides lead.
On the half hour mark Fogg was involved again as his long clearance bounced in behind the home defence. There was hesitation between the defender and the keeper and this was pounced on by Ryan Whitehurst who nipped in first, neatly rounded the keeper and ran the ball into the empty net for his third goal in four games.
Bridgford nearly put themselves out of sight in the game when a moment of magic from Hopkinson saw him back heel the ball to Ryan Whitehurst who found himself clear on goal, his shot was well saved to deny Bridgford a third.
Half Time Clifton All Whites 0 West Bridgford 2
The second half saw the pace of the game drop as the sweltering conditions took their toll on both sides. Bridgford introduced Rae and Williamson from the bench to bring stability and energy to the game.
The game appeared to be fizzling out into a Bridgford win, but as the game reached the final 30 minutes Bridgford visibly tired. It is worth noting that this was the second game in 3 days in this heat for Bridgford, whereas Clifton did not have a game on Saturday and this started to have an impact.
Fogg saved well from a header from a right wing corner and the home side sensed the opportunity to get back into the game.
On 70 minutes a cross from the right was headed against the post with the rebound being crashed home by Ben Clark to bring Clifton back to a one goal deficit.
The anticipated bombardment of the goal didn’t really materialise though. Fogg made a smart save from a freekick, but Bridgford dug in, none moreso than Jordan Wheatley, who was outstanding in the middle of the pitch, and got their way to the final whistle to gain a valuable three points over their neighbours.
Final Score Clifton All Whites 1 West Bridgford 2
This was an important reaction to the first league defeat of the season. It also shows that the side are capable of playing in more than one style which bodes well for the season. This was a battling win, in tough conditions and showed great character and physicality. Next up for Bridgford is Borrowash Victoria on Saturday 31st August in the FA Vase.
