Plucky Clipstone give title chasers a brief fright

Leading at half-time, The Cobras even threatened to end Pickering’s long unbeaten run, which stretches back to November 1, as they frustrated the home side with a hard-working, stubborn display.

But the second-placed side turned things round for a win that keeps them two points behind leaders Cleethorpes Town and leaves Ian Cotton’s side, who had Jacob Lowe sent off late on, 16th in the 22-team division, although well in touch with mid-table.

Cotton gave starts to recent signings Luke Walker and Ryan Hawley as he was forced into three changes for the daunting trip to Malton Road. But his team created plenty of chances in the opening half and were rewarded with a goal in the 29th minute. A poor clearance went straight to Gareth Curtis, who calmly controlled the ball before stroking it past ‘keeper Toby Wells for his third goal in as many games.

Pickering responded immediately when Niall Tilsley got on the end of a free-kick with a powerful header that crashed off the bar. And the second period was only three minutes old when they equalised as a slide-rule pass into the box set up full-back Joe Danby, who ran in and placed the ball past Gary Doncaster.

The strike triggered a spell of pressure from the hosts, although it was a really soft goal that handed them the lead in the 65th minute when Nathan Kamara was allowed time and space to head home from close range after a corner.

Clipstone struggled to create many clearcut chances in the second half, and it was game over on 72 when Pickering grabbed their third goal. This time Luke Thomas was adjudged to have fouled substitute Ged Dalton in the area, leading to a penalty that Lewis Taylor converted.

The tiring visitors’ frustration was capped seven minutes from the end when Lowe was dismissed for a second bookable offence, and only an excellent save by Doncaster prevented more misery.

CLIPSTONE LINE-UP -- Doncaster/ Walker, Randle, Thomas, Lowe, Rogers, Curtis, Williams, Hawley, Leeds, Gregory.