Boss takes it on chin as Clipstone crash in derby at Sherwood Colliery

The Cobras crashed to a 4-0 defeat away to title-chasing Mansfield Woodhouse outfit Sherwood in the Premier Division of the East Midlands Counties League.

But Hoole felt it was all part of the learning curve for his young side against one of the best teams in the division.

“It’s a disappointing result, but we always knew it was going to be difficult against a big, strong side, and that was the telling factor.

“Sherwood deserved their win. They wanted it more, and we didn’t turn up. We play to a standard where we get the ball down and pass it, and we didn’t do that well enough.

“However, everyone knows we are a young development side. People are saying good things about us, and we have to start believing in our ability on stages like this.

“We need more consistency, and this is part of learning all about men’s football.”

Hoole also defended new centre-back Kieran Blades, who endured a nightmare debut after being signed in midweek from Selston. He conceded two penalties, both dispatched by Gareth Curtis against his former club, in the opening 26 minutes.

The first was controversial as Blades grappled with Sherwood striker Jordan Ingram, but the second was more clearcut as he dived in on the same player.

Hoole said: “Kieran is an exceptional footballer, but he had one of those days. I know the type of[player he is and how good he is, and he’ll be fine.”

In between the two spot-kicks, Clipstone missed an excellent chance to equalise when midfielder Josh Ing released Jack Siddall, who eluded his marker but fired straight at Josh Turton in the Sherwood goal.

However, it was 3-0 by half-time and 4-0 12 minutes into the second period. First, another ex-Cobra, Tim Gregory, fired home from a tight angle, and then skipper Joe Shaw headed home from a free-kick.

Clipstone did keep battling away but should have leaked a fifth late on when Sherwood were awarded a third penalty, only for Curtis's kick to be well saved by Sam Ogden.