Atletico Clifton FC

18/01/2026

Atletico Clifton FC 3–1 Midgery Court FC

Cup Competition – Giant Killing at the Bog

On a miserable, rain-soaked morning on a pitch that demanded full studs over mouldies, Atletico Clifton produced a superb cup upset against Division 2 high-flyers Midgery Court FC. Coming into the game third bottom of Division 3 versus a side sitting 3rd in the division above, Clifton tore up the form book in style.

Clifton started the brighter, making the most of the heavy surface with direct, intelligent wing play. Will Marchant and Graham Lyons were a constant outlet on both flanks, while Tarren Moxon, and James Jemson controlled the midfield, recycling possession and feeding the wide men at every opportunity.

The pressure paid off when some excellent work down the left saw Marchant beat his man and fire a dangerous ball across the box. Saul Adams timed his run perfectly to finish clinically and give Clifton a deserved lead.

Defensively, Clifton were solid throughout the first half, dealing well with a physical Midgery side. However, a harsh mistake allowed Midgery Court back into the game, and the sides went in 1–1 at the break.

The second half began with drama as Midgery thought they had taken the lead, only for the goal to be ruled offside after a lengthy discussion between referee and linesman. A huge moment in the game.

Momentum swung further in Clifton’s favour when Midgery were reduced to 10 men, a second yellow card shown for a mistimed tackle in the boggy midfield. Game on.

With 20 minutes remaining and penalties looming, Clifton stayed patient. More excellent midfield work moved the ball wide once again, and Graham Lyons picked out Tarren Moxon with a perfectly weighted pass into the box. A late run, one calm finish — 2–1 Clifton, and the cup upset was well and truly alive.

Midgery, to their credit, battled on bravely with 10 men, but tired legs began to show. Clifton capitalised late on as the ball fell kindly to Saul Adams, who made no mistake to grab his second of the game and seal it.

3–1. Full time. Cup progression secured.

🏆 Man of the Match: Tarren Moxon
A dominant midfield display capped with a crucial go-ahead goal when it mattered most.

A huge team performance, discipline in tough conditions, and a result that shows exactly what this side is capable of.

22/11/2025

❌ GAME OFF ❌

Our cup game vs Division 2 side Midgery Court this weekend has been postponed — the pitch just couldn’t handle the weather!
We’ll announce the rearranged date soon.

09/11/2025

⚽️ RESULT ⚽️

Sporting Preston 2-4 Atletico Clifton

On a cold wet remembrance Sunday we took a depleted team to face Sporting Preston at Fishwick Rec.

Not Frenchwood Rec where our manager sent half the team and the photographer who has kindly volunteered his services only to turn up and not recognise any players or teams!

You could argue that half of the squad were at the wrong place for the first 15 minutes of the game as we could have been 3/4 down in this time. Luckily some good last ditch defending meant we were only 1-0 down and a slight formation change made the difference. Jamie Bradshaw pressing their fullback into making a poor pass which was pounced on by debutant Jack Williams to make it 1-1.

On a heavy pitch (no Somme references out of respect for the day!) we got to half time 1-1. A few words of motivation and the lads went out and really took the game to the opposition, dominating without creating any clear chances. We were then punished by a great finish to go 2-1 down with 25 minutes to go!

Cue Jack Williams.

A great finish from a tight angle drew us level. Then 2 goals in the last five minutes from the diminutive bagsman gave us the win. Assist from Max Hetherington (x2) and Saul Adams giving Jack his 4 goals in his first competitive game in an Atletico shirt!

But a rearguard performance from Mark Parker, Austen Manton, Will McLeod, Lewis Cooper and man of the match Danny Lenehan gave us the platform to perform. Max Hetherington, Carl Duffy, Caleb Adams and Will Oddy pulling the strings in midfield, providing defensive solidity and showing a grit and determination that we may have lacked earlier in the season to get the win over the line!

It would be remiss of us not to mention the Atletico Clifton players unable to play today due to attending local Remembrance Services. We have a large contingent of ex servicemen in our ranks and we are eternally thankful for their service. We’ll have a few ports to celebrate the win with you when we see you this afternoon!

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

2 wins on the bounce!

26/10/2025

⚽️RESULT⚽️

Ashton Villa MHFC 5–7 Atletico Clifton

In true Sunday League fashion, this one had everything — goals, injuries, tactical chaos, and a masterclass from a man who simply refused to stop scoring.

Atletico Clifton made the trip to Ashton Villa and came away with a 7–5 win that was equal parts thrilling and heart-stopping.

The first half was all Atletico. Graham Lyons was in unstoppable form, netting all four first-half goals and leaving the Villa defence wondering what they’d done to deserve such punishment. The first two came from perfectly weighted balls over the top — both of which were delivered by goalkeeper Mark Parker, who clearly took inspiration from Nick Pope’s midweek heroics. If Pope can do it at St. James’, Parker can do it on the parks.

At the back, Will McLeod was a rock in the opening 45, dominating every duel in the back three before being forced off with an injury — a big blow for Clifton’s defensive stability.

With a 4–1 lead at the break, the lads looked comfortable. But as is tradition, comfort doesn’t last long in Sunday League. A reshuffle due to injuries saw Ashton Villa claw their way back into it, levelling things up at 4–4 before Clifton found their rhythm again.

Enter Theo Cunliffe. The midfielder stepped up for a free kick and, let’s just say, it found its way in — somehow squeezing under the keeper in the most Sunday League way possible. 5–4 Clifton.

But Villa weren’t done, pulling another one out of nowhere to make it 5–5.

Then came the moment of real quality — Theo again, this time cutting in from the left before sliding Saul Adams through on goal to coolly restore the lead.

With the game hanging in the balance, who else but Graham Lyons to seal it? Returning to the pitch after a brief rest, he made it five for the day, capping off a sensational display and putting the game to bed at 7–5.

A rollercoaster of a match, but another big win for Atletico Clifton — full of grit, goals, and the kind of chaos that makes Sunday League football so good.

Goals:
Graham Lyons ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽
Theo Cunliffe ⚽
Saul Adams ⚽

18/10/2025

▶️UP NEXT◀️

Tomorrow we’re action in the Lancashire Sunday League Division 3 Clash Vs Tarleton Corinthians fc
11am kick-off at Carr Lane Playing Fields, Tarleton
(PR4 6BT)

Matchday Sponsors - Chequers

10/10/2025

Happy birthday to the greatest “Alexander” to have pulled on an Atletico Clifton Shirt!

Wishing our manager, Graham Alexander, many happy returns on his birthday. 🎂

Have a great day, Graham! 🙌

30/09/2025

⚽️ Result ⚽️

Atletico Clifton 6–6 Kirkham Seniors Football Club

A breathless encounter at Bridges ended in a remarkable 6–6 draw, as Atletico Clifton and Kirkham Seniors produced a game full of drama, goals, and controversy.

The tone was set early when Kirkham Seniors were reduced to ten men after a moment of indiscipline from their captain, leaving them to play the majority of the match a man down.

Penalties were the order of the day, with no fewer than five awarded across the two teams. Both sides had their nerves tested from the spot, contributing to the rollercoaster scoreline.

For Clifton, James Jemson once again stole the spotlight. The in-form forward continued his sparkling season with two finely taken goals and a pair of pinpoint assists, his corners causing havoc in the Kirkham box. Max Hetherington was as reliable as ever at centre back and even added to his goal tally, while the returning Ric Tomlinson marked his comeback in style with a trademark strike.

Kirkham, despite the numerical disadvantage, refused to go quietly. Their energy and determination ensured the game stayed on a knife-edge right until the final whistle.

It was the sort of game that had everything: goals, drama, penalties, and controversy — the kind of match you’d expect to see topping Match of the Day. Both sides may feel they could have snatched victory, but in truth, neither deserved to walk away empty-handed.

28/09/2025

▶️UP NEXT◀️

Today we’re action in the Lancashire Sunday League Division 3 Clash vs Kirkham Seniors Football Club
11am kick off @ Bridges Recreational Ground
(PR41XX)

Matchday Sponsors - Chequers

30/08/2025

When your social media admin guru is on a stag do you have to resort to desperate measures! Stand in couldn’t even get the teams the right way around! We’re away tomorrow, not home!

Not sure who Atlenco Cufton are though…

24/08/2025

⚽️ Buckshaw Reds 3–1 Atletico Clifton ⚽️

A heavily depleted and barebones squad made the trip to Worden Park today, but despite the challenges, the lads put in a huge shift.

Debutants Lewis Jones and Robbie Walker both impressed with strong first outings in Clifton colours, while Max Hetherington was rock solid at centre-back as always. His dangerous free kick caused chaos in the box and led to an own goal – though Max still tried to claim it for himself!

Between the sticks, Mark Parker was outstanding, pulling off a string of saves to keep us in the game. Veterans Tom Pickervance, Austen Manton and Veteran Veteran Carl Duffy once again showed their experience and leadership, helping the side stay competitive throughout.

Not the result we wanted, but plenty of positives to take into next week 💪🔴⚫

17/08/2025

⚽️ Full-Time Report ⚽️
Atletico Clifton FC 4–1 Croston Sports Club

Atletico Clifton continued their impressive winning ways from pre-season into this weekends cup fixture with a strong 4-1 victory over Croston SC.

The lads started brightly, and it didn’t take long for the opener to arrive, with Callum Alexander finding the net after some neat build-up play and a superb cross from Lee Johnson. Croston responded well early in the second half, showing resilience despite only having the bare 11 men, and pulled one back to level the game.

James Jemson restored Clifton’s lead with a well-taken finish, after a dangerous free-kick won by Graham Lyons caused chaos on the edge of the box.

The second half was all Clifton, with Jemson doubling his tally from the penalty spot to make it 3-1 and put the game beyond doubt. Jemson made it a hattrick of goal involvements when he put a corner on Max Hetheringtons massive head to put the game to bed at 4-1.

Debutants Lewis Baruwa and Will McLeod also caught the eye, sharing the Man of the Match award. 👏

A solid team performance across the pitch ensured the three points, but credit must also go to Croston SC, who battled hard for the full 90 minutes without any subs. We wish them all the best for the season and it was great to see Chequers buzzing after the game with both teams supportin the club!

Onto the league next week after our promotion last season!

Goals:
⚽ Callum Alexander
⚽⚽ James Jemson
⚽ Max Hetherington

Full-time: Atletico Clifton 4–1 Croston SC