This was our most disappointing performance of the season by far. Clifton brought a physically strong, largely U6 side, and were a defending an unbeaten record going into their final game. They played with intensity and commitment, and we did not match them.

Playing with a stand-in goalkeeper due to injury, we had the worst possible of starts when miscommunication between central defence and keeper allowed Clifton to nip between the two and poach a goal. For a period we rallied, with Al P once again coming to the rescue and bringing us level with a half chance that he buried in the bottom left corner. However, we relaxed and Clifton retook the lead. Eddie H had a golden chance to restore parity but blazed over from five yards out with the goal at his mercy.

1-2 at half-time and we were still in the game, but Clifton scored early in the second half to gain a two goal cushion, before adding a fourth with 20 minutes still to play. Both were clean finishes and it was evident that they were taking their chances when we were not. In addition, some of their more streetwise players added a bit of verbal niggle which sucker-punched some of ours. In responding they played worse, which was job done from Clifton's perspective. Against Canford we had managed to rally having fallen behind, but in this game one sensed we could have played all afternoon without scoring again. Clifton were able to coast to the final whistle whilst we were left to rue what might have been.

Clearly Clifton were a decent team, but we made them look better and should have provided sterner opposition. No-one played their best match and a number played their worst. With one match remaining let us hope we can get back on track to avoid ending the season with a whimper rather than a bang.