EARLY WINNER

SELSTON 0 CLIFTON ALL WHITES 1

UCL DIVISION ONE AT THE PARISH

26 OCTOBER 2024 --- 3PM

SELSTON V CLIFTON ALL WHITES WITH OSCAR HUGENHOLTZ ON THE BALL

An early goal from Calrick Dunkley was enough to send Clifton back home with all three pints in what was already a vital relegation clash this early in the season.  It was a game of minimum chances that was close until the end but with leave Selston with a feeling of disappointment at not securing at least a draw.

EARLY ACTION STAND SIDE

Early arrival would see a visit to the nearby Coop for pastries etc and then a slow walk to the ground with the usual friendly greeting from car park steward to gateman to the lady in the café.  There was the chance to catch up with the Selston Chairman and once again a friendly welcome was offered to all visitors here this really is the stand out selling point of this homely club.

A quick acknowledgement from Craig Weston the manager who time goes back a long way to his playing days at Alfreton and also going back a long way is Graham Taylor one of today's assistants who has been officiating for a long time now it was good to catch up with him pre match.

CALRICK DUNKELY RECEIVES THE CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE MATCH WINNER

Clifton played in their traditional kit and sparklingly bright it looked with very affective and visible sponsor on the shirts.  Selston would be in their normal home kit of blue and black stripes.

Today's referee Mohsin Arshid would be the first time the blog had seen him and he had a good game getting about the pitch well and looking immaculately turned out.

GEORGE LAYTON FORCES CLIFTON KEEPER BECKETT ONTO A SAVE

Selston were first out of the traps with Jack Cockram firing a cross goal shot just wide after 8 minutes but after a sharp start the home side would go behind to a lovely strike. Just inside the left hand side of the box Dunkley curled a lovely effort out of the reach of home keeper Branon Meehan for an opener that turned out be the winner.

REFEREE MOHSIN ARSHID HAS A WORD WITH JACK COCKRAM

Much effort and hard work ensued but there was little to write home about for the small crowd of 56.

That was about it for the first half save a caution for Corey Durose for a heavy challenge right in front of the Selston dug out.  Thankfully everything calmed quickly and was soon under control.

The half time break took us to about five past four after a slightly delayed start to the first half.

The second half found both sides full of effort but not producing to much to right home about and somewhat backing up their league positions in performance.  Selston could not get a head of steam up going down the slope and Clifton were dealing with their forays forward quite easily.

AN ATTENTIVE REFEREE ARSHID

Clifton went closest just past the hour mark when when they hit the post with a well worked shot before the follow up header from captain Tyreace Palmer struck the bar before falling to safety.

Selston were given a lifeline but in fairness still failed to break down the visitors defence and the game petered out rather to be settled by that early goal.

LATE CAUTION FOR SELSTON

This defeat leaves Selston second bottom of the Division One table while Clifton go eight points clear of the relegation zone.  For Selston its always a battle for survival and normally a spirited one at that this season looks like it may be one they may loose I hope not for such a nice set up it would be great to see them retain their UCL status.

NATHAN BECKETT STRETCHES TO PUNCH CLEAR