Clay Cross's long unbeaten run bites the dust

An unbeaten run that stretches back to November 2017 bit the dust when Clay Cross Town sank to a 3-1 defeat at AFC Bentley on Saturday
Clay Cross goalscorer Lee Clay is challenged by AFC Bentley's Callum Smith.Clay Cross goalscorer Lee Clay is challenged by AFC Bentley's Callum Smith.
Clay Cross goalscorer Lee Clay is challenged by AFC Bentley's Callum Smith.

The loss also damaged the Millers’ hopes of pinching the Central Midlands League, North Division title off Harworth Colliery. They still have three games in hand on the leaders but trail them by 15 points, with eight matches to play in total.

Bentley began the day 13 points behind Clay Cross, who duly applied heavy pressure from the off and took the lead in the 34th minute when Lee Clay headed home.

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But just as they looked to be going into half-time with a comfortable advantage, Bentley levelled with a disputed goal from Courtney Peynado. The ball appeared to go out of play, only for a linesman to wave play on and, amid the protests, Peynado fired home.

The revived home side then went ahead just before the hour, thanks to their captain, Graeme Severn, and more controversy robbed Clay Cross, who had two goals disallowed for offside by the same linesman.

Clearly deflated, the Millers lost all concentration and the points were wrapped up by the best goal of the afternoon when Bentley substitute Rod Pursehouse hit an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Charlie Clayton.

This Saturday, Clay Cross are at home to Newark Town.