HONOURS EVEN FOR CLIPPO AND TEVIE

CLIPSTONE 1 TEVERSAL 1
EMCFL @ THE LIDO
22 DECEMBER 2018 --- 3PM

DERBY TUSSLE FOR CLIPSTONE AND TEVERSAL

Clipstone received an early Christmas present when Santa Rob Paling whipped in a free kick equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time to secure a point for the home side,
the first one for 8 games and close on two months.  Teversal had led through a clinical finish from Luke Walker in the second half and this close derby game would end with a point apiece.
As ever a trip to Clipstone even though a revisit, see previous blogged game August 2017 for a full descriptor, is always a welcome prospect and with Teversal another one of my favourites what was not too like.
A break in the blog last week saw a rain affected weekend end with me taking in the FA Trophy tie between Chesterfield and Basford and all that entails re reporting so after a straight forward victory for the former Football League side we fast forward to this derby game.  With both sides in disappointing positions and a collection of former players the extra spice was added with Clipstone's new manager Dean Short taking charge of his first game against his previous club.

LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THEM HEADSTOCKS

Usual triple bus service was generally full with festive shoppers but upon arrival in the former mining village you just have to pay homage to the old pit headstocks and needless to say take a few pictures.  Upon building they were the largest in Europe and tower above the village visible from the surrounding area and along the main street.  Sadly the UK mining industry is no more and that discussion has been had before so a call at the Coop for provisions led to an arrival at the ground around 2pm.

OH GO ON THEN ANOTHER SHOT FROM THE MAIN STREET

It was good to catch up with a collection of both clubs officials and thanks to Malc, Clipstone secretary, for his prompt response to pitch inspection enquiries in the morning.  But it is very rare there are any problems with water here, the pitch drains well.

THE LIDO HOME OF CLIPSTONE FC

The ground has changed little with the business end by our entrance containing changing rooms, one for the referee with the largest 'REF' sign imaginable mind you I guess its in case he's struggling with his eyesight!  Also behind this goal is a single row of seats to the right side a terrace and the dugout, the opposite side is nicely raised with covered standing and seating for 3/4's of the pitches length.  The far goal has no access behind it, adjacent is the cricket ground and the former Lido has long gone of course.
As ever and I make no apologies for repeating last seasons blog an excellent programme is produced by Daniel and the team here with a wide contribution element the issue is also in full colour.  It puts to shame the clubs who haven't produced this season or cant be bothered to make the effort and remains a further asset for Clipstone FC to be proud of along with its warm welcome.

TEVERSAL MANAGEMENT TEAM GREAVES AND COOK WONDER WHERE ARE THE AWAY DRESSING ROOMS

Pre match Bovril and mini tour found both sides out warming up and by the time kick off approached the familiar greetings had been made between former players and current ones from these two clubs that straddle the east and west of Mansfield.
The first half was a game of possession for Teversal with Daniel O'Donnell singing all the right songs in prompting their moves he was certainly hitting the right notes, I know move on!  Seriously though a dour half that even though the visitors had the upper hand there was little to cheer about for the neutral and so we went into the break goal less and I couldn't see a change.

CLIPSTONE MANAGER DEAN SHORT DEBUTS AGAINST HIS FORMER CLUB

With half time tea and chip cob sampled the second period started with Clipstone coming out of their shell and for the first ten minutes the possession balance had changed.  The first half caution of the home side was understandable with their need to tighten up and try to secure something for the points column. 
However the early second half pressure waned and Teversal took the lead on 64 minutes an excellent cross off the right dropped to Walker who controlled well and converted past substitute keeper Charlie Dando who had replaced the injured Dale Sheppard at half time.

AN EARLY AERIAL CHALLENGE

Walker was looking the danger man know for the Tevie but after his substitution there was hope for Clisptone and it came in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Paling whipped in a curling free kick that evaded everybody in the defence, attack and crashed into the top right hand corner.
With that Teversal manager Lee Cook was off fearful for his manners as he believed the referee had played too long injury time and to add further insult the whistle was blown immediately for full time.
In fairness to referee Hunter there had been an awful lot of stoppage time in the second half and after a fussy display which you can only assume was somewhat related to an observer assessing he did appear to get this one spot on.

EARLY STRICTLY CONTESTANTS FOR 2020

Scenes of joy for Clipstone left Teversal with that big deflated feeling much akin to receiving a knitted jumper from your favourite Auntie on Christmas Day.
This game to continue the Christmas references was about as appetising for the neutral as a turkey sandwich on boxing day with little in the way of chances.
Return journey was competed with a changes at Mansfield and Sutton with base reached a couple of hours after the final whistle.  As ever an enjoyable visit to Clipstone FC and if your a programme fan get along and support this excellent issue or maybe contact the club and get one sent out to yourself editors putting in this time and effort need our support.