Clipstone safely through in FA Cup

That was the view of boss Ian Cotton, after his men sealed a 3-1 win in the extra preliminary round on Saturday.

“Really happy with the result, we played alright,” said Cotton.

“It would have been an easy game if we’d taken our chances, we created a lot of opportunities in the 90 minutes.”

Clipstone progressed thanks to a Gareth Curtis brace and a first goal from youngster Joe Harris.

Opponents West Bridgford from the East Midlands Counties League struggled to deal with the Cobras lively attack and in truth the final margin of victory should have been greater.

Curtis missed an early chance after a great cross field ball from Olly Ashton but the Cobras’ striker opened his account for the season after 16 minutes when a cross from Tim Gregory was missed by a defender and Curtis converted from close range.

Clipstone increased their advantage four minutes into the second half when Curtis beat Sam Clark with a clever lob after the keeper had saved his initial effort.

The visitors pressed forward in search of a goal and hit the bar after 53 minutes.

They were eventually rewarded in the 73rd minute when a 20-yard shot from Ellis Read slipped through Gary Doncaster’s hands.

The Cobras secured the win in time added on when Harris smashed home after good work by Gregory.

Clipstone will travel to play Bottesford Town in the preliminary round.

Clipstone: Doncaster, Paling, Lowe, Taylor ©, Holmes, Rogers, Curtis, Lisgo, Hubbard, Ashton, Gregory. Subs: Williams, Harris (Rogers 66), Burbanks (Ashton 79), Jatau (Hubbard 90), Curzon.