Sunday 15
March Clough 2 Norristhorpe 0

Although not at their best, Clough battled to victory over a spirited Norristhorpe side and gained a result that takes them to the top of the league for the first time this season. 
 The game started well as Clough scored within 30 seconds of the kick-off.  Toni Mallin took on the defence down the right wing before firing in a low shot which took a slight deflection before nestling in the bottom corner.  Clough continued to press forward with Heleena causing constant problems to Norristhorpe.  Mid-way through the first half saw Lauren Slater bravely put her head in where it hurts and the gamble paid off as her header ended in the far corner of the net.  Lauren took a boot in the process but I'm sure the pain was worth it!  Jenni Senior had to be alert just on the verge of half-time as she pushed a Norristhorpe shot round the post.  The second half was a proper battle with Norristhorpe looking the more likely to score.  Jenni had to be sharp a couple of times to keep the visitors out.  Lauren unfortunately missed a penalty for Clough which would have put the game beyond reach.  Ellie, Jess & Paola had to stay sharp at the back for all the second half as Norristhorpe pushed forward.  Olivia Hilton was unlucky to see her shot go wide and Holly Griffiths and Laura Costello had chances to extend the lead.  Clarissa again showed great enthusiasm and was willing to put the work in to help keep the lead.  Both Paul and Gareth were delighted with the spirit shown and with the games we have in hand gives us the opportunity to push on and make an attempt to win the title.  Winning the league will only be achieved through hard work and effort.
 Well done again girls. Player of the game - Lauren Slater
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Clough maintained their unbeaten run which now stretches out to 11 games with a tough 1-1 draw at 2nd placed Horsforth. 
Clough were definitely not at their best in this encounter but hard work and a never say die attitude helped to make up what seemed to be lacking in skill.  This was the 3rd game in a week for some of the girls and it certainly showed during the last third of the game.  Unusual mistakes kept creeping into our play and this was evident when we allowed Horsforth to hit an equaliser at the start of the 2nd half following poor defending.  Having said that, we did manage to create enough chances to win 2 games and with a bit more luck and composure in front of goal the 3 points would have come our way.  Clough did take the lead mid-way through the 1st half when good work down the left from Heleena Egan saw her slide the ball home.  Jenni Senior had to be quick and very brave to keep Clough in it when she dived at the feet of the on-rushing attacker and came out with the ball safely in her grasp.  Real commitment!  Mary buzzed around the midfield and Lauren worked tirelessly and created some good goal scoring chances for herself - ones which she'd usually bury!  A half fit Alice was used sparingly and she nearly came up with the goal of the season when running from her own area.  Her great skill and speed was only thwarted by a last ditch tackle.  Lucy hit a couple of half chances wide but was unable to get in behind the defence as much as we'd like as Horsforth sat deep at the back.  Jessica had a great second half chance but slipped a left foot shot wide and Holly fired just over from the edge of the box with a fine effort.  Paola looked her usual confident self when coming forward with the ball but made a few uncharacteristic mistakes which only happen once a season!  Ellie Kissane gave her usual solid, dependable, performance and not much made it past her.  Toni showed good skill at times down the right but was a little quieter than usual.  She did cause the fullback problems with her turning and crossing but the ball didn't find its way to her often enough.  A special mention must go to Vicky & Clarissa who came and ended up as unused subs.  I don't enjoy not being able to use all available players but thanks for not giving me a hard time and I'll ensure you play your part on the pitch during the vital run-in!All in all a decent point that keeps us in the driving seat for the title with 5 games to go.  We break from the league next weekend and take on Burly in the shield semi final at Batley with a 1pm kick off on Saturday.
Player of the game - Lauren Slater
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 Wrenthorpe 0 Clough 4
Clough stretched the unbeaten league run to 12 games with a straightforward win at Wrenthorpe.
  A fine squad performance with all players used and many adapting to unusual positions.  Conditions were tough in a strong breeze and a rock-hard pitch but Clough handled it the better and were 3-0 up by half-time.  A fine individual goal from Vicky gave Clough an early lead when she coolly slotted home after dribbling past 2 defenders.  Mary made it 2-0 with a shot from the edge of the area and it was soon 3 when Toni stroked home from close range. 
 A quiet 2nd half added one more goal for Clough with Laura heading a goal. 
 The most important run of games is now upon us starting with Churwell on Sunday.  If we win that one and then beat Crossley on Wednesday and Saturday then we'll be Champions.  That's got to be what we aim for now and I know you've got it in you.
Player of the game - Mary
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5 April Shield Semi Final 9 April Clough 7 Burley 4
The girls made it through to their first cup final since they've been together as a unit and a piece of silverware is now well within their grasp.  Clough started the game brighter than Burley and Toni gave Clough the lead early on.  Sloppiness at the back gifted Burley an equaliser but Clough put the foot on the gas and raced into a 4-1 half time lead with a 2nd from Toni and 2 from Lauren.  A crazy start to the 2nd half saw Burley pull it back to 4-3 with a couple of good goals and it took another burst of energy and 3 quick goals from Mary & Alice to seal a deserved victory.  We can now put the cup to the back of our minds and concentrate on our remaining important league games.  Win those and we're on for a double!  What was pleasing though in the game was the fact that I was able to utilise 14 players and play people out of position.  Being able to do this gives a manager great options and shows that we have a very skilful and adaptable squad.  The girls showed a good attitude throughout and if we take that attitude and couple it with a stronger desire to win every ball and every game then we should have no fears.
  Well done on reaching the final.
  No player of the game today - you all deserve it

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