Defending blamed after heavy defeat for Clipstone

Clipstone collapsed at home to Bridlington Town to suffer their 35th defeat from 36 starts in what has been a calamitous season. But Widdowson felt it might have been so different.

“We played very well in the first 20 minutes, hitting the bar and having three or four shots cleared off the line,” he said. “But then we fell behind because of basic defending, which is our Achilles heel at the moment.

“I felt we didn’t get the rub of the green. Bridlington are a very good side with big players who are on big money. They have been playing in this league for five or six seasons, whereas our young lads have been playing for three months.

“But all the lads stuck to their guns and all wanted to play. They did very well. We even got applauded off the field by the away supporters, which shows we are moving forward and will get there eventually.

“We will see the season out, doing the right things and playing football the way we want to play it.”

The main scourge of Clipstone was striker Jake Day, whom they failed to handle and scored five of Bridlington’s goals, including two penalties. Archie Brown also netted twice, while the hosts’ consolation came from Blessing Adeleye five minutes from time.