WHEATLEY CUP SEMI-FINAL
CLOUGH v Overthorpe SC
Ossett Albion FC on Thurs April 10th.

Wheatley Cup Winners third year in a row!
Wheatley Cup Winners 2003/4 - 2004/5 - 2005/6
West Yorkshire Div 2 Champions
West Yorkshire Div 1 Champions
Pres Night-Managers Player of Year 2006 - Paul Smith
Players Player of Year 2006- Craig Smith

Open Age Player and Coach Development Policy
Continue the skills and technical coaching, demand good levels of fitness, understanding of the laws
of the game and positive attitude to playing football. The 1st team and reserves system (one squad)
to be fully enforced with high expectations of 1st tam success, Players to be prepared to play where chosen. Older players to help in the development of younger players coming into the squad and in setting examples on and off the field of play. Still promote the fun / enjoyment element of belonging
to Howden Clough. Older players to be encouraged to assist coaching and developing
 younger age groups with a view to becoming coaches at a later stage.

Match Reports 2007-8

(Please email reports soccer@hcjfc.co.uk)
Ossett Common Rovers 0-3 Howden Clough Sat 26 Jan 08
Clough produced a good all-round team performance and had the points in the bag by half time after building up a 3-0 lead through Kieran Corley and a brace from Michael Smith.
The second half saw a spirited hard working Clough performance that restricted Ossett to very few chances, while the lively Clough attack of Smith, Corley and Colin Wood caused problems at the other end.
It was a good result for Clough that should give confidence for the future.
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Halifax Irish 3-1 Howden Clough
Clough bowed out of the West Riding County Cup, despite producing a sterling effort in a tie that was only decided in the closing minutes.
The first half was keenly contested, both sides having chances to go in front. The dead-lock was broken five minutes before half time when Irish fired in front from 20yds.
Clough had the chance to equalise before the break when Keiran Corleys header hit a post and although the Irish goal keeper was the busier of the two the visitors trailed at half time.
The second half was played at a frantic pace but it was the Irish who doubled their lead with a fortuitous miss-kick that fell inside Cloughs far post.
Clough applied a lot of pressure in the final 20mins resulting in the goal of the game with a thunderous 25 yd strike from Michael Smith.
Throwing caution to the wind to get the equaliser Clough were unfortunate when a goalmouth scramble was cleared and Irish broke quickly forcing Clough to concede a free kick from which they added a third to seal victory.
It was a a game played in good spirit and the Clough players can be proud of their efforts.
Their performance bodes well for the season.
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Howden Clough 2-1 Gildersome Spurs.
Clough reached the Semi-Finals of the WHEATLEY CUP with a well earned victory.
Clough dominated the first half with a controlled midfield, with hard working displays from Kevin Blanchard, Thomas Grogan, Jimmy Machin and Dane Laycock.
The pace of Simon Moore and Michael smith caused problems and Cloughs first goal as Moore broke clear and fired a 20yd drive into the top corner.
Clough started the second half strongly and doubled their advantage as Machins pace down the right created space for a cross which Moore converted at the far post.
With 20mons to go Gildersomes substitutions caused Clough problems, resulting in a Spurs goal from Jackson. That lead to a frantic last 10mins and Gildersome had the chance to take the tie into extra time with a last minute penalty but Chris Simpson produced a fine save as Clough hung on. Cloughs defence worked hard and a sterling display from Neil Griffiths helped see them through.
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Borobridge 0-1 Howden Clough Sat 5 Apr 08.
Clough continued their battle to climb the West York's Premier Division with an hard fought win. The determination to succeed , after a Chris Moore header put Clough ahead in the first half, was apparent throughout as Clough turned in an hard working  display in difficult conditions.
The win leaves Clough fourth from bottom but sets them up nicely with eight games to go.
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