Clifton 2 Intack 0

CLIFTON completed back-to-back Rosebowl victories after a hard-fought win over an Intack side making their first appearance in the final.

Second half goals from Sam Morris and Clark Bradford finally saw of competition ‘giant killers’ who had beaten league champions New Gardeners and six-times Rosebowl winners Mill Hill on their march to the final.

It was a far cry from last year’s emphatic win against Crown Paints as Intack made the holders work for their success - but that made the win all the more sweeter.

Despite making their first Rosebowl final appearance, there were no signs of nerves from Intack. Far from it as they defender doggedly then caused the Clifton rearguard no end of problems - especially in the first half.

It was a cagey, finely poised first 45 minutes with neither keeper really tested but both defences stretched.

Clifton wide man Morris curled a free over the bar before Gary Smith’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Intack centre back Matt Duerden.

But Intack really should have taken the lead when Jordan Freeman raced clear but opted to cut back inside instead of shooting then squared to Scott Carlton who did likewise, coming inside on to his left foot and blasting over over the bar.

Clifton won a couple of free kicks on the edge of Intack area but captain Roberts Bonaminio drilled his effort over the bar while Smith blasted straight in to the wall.

But the Freeman-Carlton combination was a concern for Clifton and when Freeman forced Bonaminio to bring him down on the edge of the area, the Clifton captain would have been relieved to have escape with just a yellow card.

John Fairbrother curled the resulting free kick just wide.

As the half wore on, Clifton’s main source of attack came from right back Aaron Davis who floated in two excellent crosses - the first causing panic in the Intack defence while the second was header just wide by Graham Perkins.

Davis then went for goal himself but his well struck effort was beaten away by Ian Hargreaves in the Intack goal.

After the break, Clifton were more of an attacking threat with Liam Hoyle heavily involved.

He went close with one effort after a mazy run then volleyed an another effort just off target.

But it was fellow wide man Morris who finally made the breakthrough - but the goal was all down to the determination of Jason Hart The half time substitute did superbly to battle to the byline then stood up a deep cross that Morris rose to head home at the far post.

Clifton were now on top and doubled their lead when another fine Davis cross finally paid off as Bradford brilliantly lifted his shot over Hargreaves who had strayed just off his line.

Hoyle then weaved his way between two Intack defenders but his cross to Hart lacked pace and the chance had gone.

But Intack continued to battle and went close when Fairbrother’s corner beat Josh Knowles in the Clifton goal but was cleared of the line by Sean Duffy.

It was the last action of the game as Clifton kept hold of the Trophy.