Clifton Reach National League Play-Offs
by Clifton1st Team Manager Martin MacBlain - photos Ray Chuss
Before the match started a minutes silence was held for Roger Sinton who passed away on Thursday 22nd March. Roger had supported the club for a number of years and will be sadly missed.
Clifton took one step closer today to reaching the promised land of the Premiership after a convincing 2-1 win over bottom of the table Horsham. The result never looked in doubt following a deflected goal on 3 minutes from Abi Welsford after good attacking play on the right wing by Dawn Mitchell and Carla Dunnett. Dunnett herself was on the score sheet after 27 minutes rounding the keeper and slotting home.
Horsham struggled to make an impact on the game and had to concentrate on keeping a rampant Clifton at bay. Some inspired goalkeeping from Horsham's GK kept the score line down, and it wasn't until the 65th minute that Horsham finally found a way past the Clifton defence with Phillipa Newton netting from open play.
However, with Poynton winning their match against Firebrands and therefore the National League Division One Championship, Clifton must now content themselves with second spot and a play-off double header against Sutton Coldfield on the 14th and 15th April in Wakefield. The winner of which will play in the England Hockey National Premier League in 2007/2008.
