Taylor confident of Clifford return

Welton S&SC manager Al Taylor is quietly confident star winger Luke Clifford will recover in time to face Golden Eagle at Social Park on Sunday.

The Socials leading marksman has missed the last two matches because of an ankle problem.

However, Clifford appears to be on the mend with Taylor saying: "he wanted to train on Tuesday night.

"He has not trained with the group during the two weeks and we will keep him back one more day ready to unleash him on Sunday.

"The injury has compromised Luke because he plays in such an explosive way."

Right winger Sam Gordon is a definite absentee so Craig Cosgrove looks set to move onto the right hand side.

Cosgrove came through his first game of the season at Cramwell last week unscathed and Taylor added: "I felt it was important to give Craig a game.

"He has missed a chunk of training and not had that many games.”

"He got a good hour and looked fine. That will help him. He is a good young player who gives me options as he can play in a couple of positions."

Sam Gordon (holiday) and Joe Snookes (suspension) are both out of the Ron Eaglen cup game against CW Golden Eagle but Joe Drabble and Pete Sutton are making welcome returns.

Taylor believes Welton can take positives from the draw at Victory and last weeks County Cup success.

He said: "We have shown we can score goals without Luke but having him back will certainly make us more dangerous. Defensively we have not been as strong recently though.

"We have tried to tighten up in that area and I was pleased with the manner of the comeback at Victory and again last weekend.