Clifford & Bramham 5

Addingham 3

ADDINGHAM'S unbeaten start in the league came to an abrupt end as they were severely punished by Clifford and Bramham's two new strikers.

The two strikers were signed on before kick-off and they terrorised Addingham all afternoon.

Addingham welcomed back Damian Smithson, Si Collins and Jamie Barrow and started with their strongest available line up.

Phil Smith, in his favoured midfield role, with Mills and Glynn Collins at centre-back.

Early exchanges were equal but it was Addingham who struck first.

Carl Kernick linked up with brother Michael and put through Smithson, who drew the 'keeper before unselfishly feeding Si Collins, who marked his return with a cracking finish.

Playing up the slight slope Clifford and Bramham were starting to find their rhythm and it took some fine goalkeeping by Andy Dobson to keep them out.

At the other end Smithson attacked down the right. He exploited the space and cut the ball back to Barrow who smashed the ball goalward, only to see the defender on the line make a terrific clearance.

This was to prove the catalyst and Clifford and Bramham took full advantage and hit two good goals in the space of ten minutes.

In the second-half Addingham knew they had to up a gear. Much of their play had been sloppy and their passing had been atrocious but Clifford and Bramham were on a roll and it was no surprise when they beat the off-side to increase their lead.

By now Addingham were all over the place and Clifford and Bramham broke again to make it 4-1.

Addingham brought off Paul Marriot and Sergio Galasso went on as third striker.

Going for broke they pulled one back as D Smithson hit a fantastic 20-yard volley that gave the 'keeper no chance.

Pushing forward Addingham were now in control and with 15 minutes left Smithson pulled it back to 4-3 after good work by T Marriot.

Addingham had to go for it and only some fine goalkeeping kept them in the game.

With time running out Galasso had a great chance but his shot went wide.

Smithson and Barrow both went close but Clifford and Bramham delivered the killer blow on the counter-attack.

With Addingham searching for an equaliser their striker completed his hat-trick on a classic counter-attack. Addingham's heads understandably dropped and the final moments were played out.

Good finishing had undone Addingham and from a lack-lustre display they had got what they deserved.

When faced with a deficit they had given everything to redeem the situation but to no avail. With 25 goals scored and 22 conceded in six games Addingham are certainly entertaining, but a manager's nightmare.

l This Saturday Addingham have a difficult Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup tie at home to Salts Old Boys. (Players meet at at 1.30pm).