Rolston the super saver keeps Foxhall on glory trail

FOXHALL edged out the champions to book their place at Bloomfield Road on a day when both under-16s semi-finals were decided by penalty shoot-outs at Stanley Park. Foxhall won through to face Wyre Juniors in the final after a gripping clash with Clifton which finished 1-1 after extra-time. However, it’s hard the believe that neither side managed more than a solitary goal in an all-action attacking contest which produced plenty of chances.

Clifton hit the woodwork four times in the first half alone and Foxhall did so twice in extra-time. After two close league games between the clubs – Clifton edged one 4-3 and the other ended 1-1 – it was no surprise that this was another tight tussle. But both managers agreed that Clifton had the better of the first half and should perhaps have led by more than one at the break.

It was Jazz Davis who scored the opener after 20 minutes, when he headed home a corner by Michael Booth. It was a deserved reward for both players as Booth struck the woodwork twice in the first half and Davis also did so once.
Striker Liam Smith also went close from another pinpoint Booth cross. Foxhall improved after the break but manager Brian Wealthall was still tempted to make changes.

He was planning to give Sean Mulhall a breather but was glad his didn’t as the midfielder equalised midway through the second half. The left-sided Mulhall beat two men by the byeline before cutting inside and firing Foxhall level from a narrow angle. Both teams had chances in extra-time, when Craig Robinson and Danny McGovern hit the woodwork for Foxhall.
Clifton also had their opportunities to spare both sides a shoot-out as Booth had an effort cleared off the line and drilled a shot just wide of the post.

And Clifton would regret not taking their chances as Foxhall have an excellent shot-stopper in keeper Stuart Rolston, who relishes penalty shootouts. He duly saved three spot-kicks and came very close to keeping out a fourth before Jason Campbell sealed Foxhall’s 4-2 victory with their final kick. Clifton keeper Nathan Thompson also deserves praise for battling on bravely throughout to defy Foxhall and the pain barrier.

Nathan was injured falling awkwardly in training on Thursday but was determined to play with his ankle strapped.
Other outstanding players in Clifton colours were captain Ben Roxby, Ryan Burke, scorer Davis and the influential Booth.
Foxhall central defender David Jakes, man of the match in our recent Match of the Week against FC Rangers, was again outstanding alongside Danny McGovern.

Wealthall said: “We have two league games left and could finish in the top four, but none of the top teams have done the double over us.” Of course Clifton don’t need much consoling – they only have to look at the league table. Beaten only twice in 18 league games, they have been crowned champions with two matches still to play after scoring 87 goals and conceding only 21. Manager Mark Longden said: “Winning the title is the biggest achievement because it shows your consistency over the season. “We were always confident after winning the under-15 league last season and it has been a great effort by everybody.”

After their final league games, Clifton will plan for the future. Boss Longden hopes the team will stick together and compete in an under-18 league next season, but it is still early days. As for Foxhall, their thoughts are still very much on this season and Bloomfield Road.

THE MANAGERS’ MATCH VERDICT

MARK LONGDEN (Clifton)
It was a great game and both teams really went for it. We were well on top in the first half. But Foxhall made a fight of it and had the better of the play in extra-time.

BRIAN WEALTHALL (Foxhall)
WE weren’t at the races for the first 20 minutes and they were the better team in the first half. In fact, we were relieved that it was only 1-0 at half-time but we improved after the break and had the better of the second half.

MEN OF THE MATCH

NATHAN THOMPSON (Clifton)
The keeper defied an ankle injury suffered on the training ground to play a full part in this thrilling contest.

DAVID JAKES (Foxhall)
The central defender was again in towering form, never putting a foot wrong throughout the game.

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