Clipstone boss hails new steel in the side

Clipstone boss Dave Hoole praised the increased steel throughout his side after they kicked off the campaign with a 5-1 win at Graham St Prims.
Former Stags midfielder Chris Smith opens the scoring for the Cobras. Pic by Dan Walker.Former Stags midfielder Chris Smith opens the scoring for the Cobras. Pic by Dan Walker.
Former Stags midfielder Chris Smith opens the scoring for the Cobras. Pic by Dan Walker.

The Cobras lead 2-0 at the break before the hosts came back into it on 54 minutes.

But the visitors dug deep and took a firm charge during the final 35 minutes to earn an emphatic victory.

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“The second half turned a bit scrappy and when they pulled a goal back it looked like they could get something from the game,” he said.

“We dug deep and our experienced players just calmed things down. We got our shape and formation settled again and we finished the game very well.

“We have got footballers in the side, but we have also got a bit of steel.

“I am really happy with the result and the three points, but I'm not over the moon with the performances to be honest.

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“We were in second gear in the second half, but I can’t be too downbeat if we are not playing at top of our game and are still getting results.”

He was also quick to heap praise on the club’s coaching staff and strength and conditioning coach Ray Whitton for getting the team into such great shape.

Hoole added: “The coaching staff and Ray has done a lot of work in their sessions and we looked a lot more physical, fitter and sharper towards the end and we scored good goals when the opposition were tired.”

Chris Smith put the Cobras ahead on 18 minutes after stabbing home from a Jason Foster corner.

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Two minutes later the visitors when Johnny Watkin beat a defender before slotting home.

It was game on after 54 minutes when Liam Fell pulled a goal back with an excellent solo goal.

But Clipstone took charge on 68 minutes when Tom Weaver headed home from a Foster corner.

It was game over with ten minutes to go when sub Marcus Beddoe wrong-footed the keeper four minutes after entering the game.

And there was time for a fifth when Jack Warwick bagged a deserved goal on 88 minutes.

The Cobras’ next game is at home against Radford FC in the FA Vase on Saturday.

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