Onward, Christian’s Selby Soldiers go

Toolstation NCEL Division One 

Selby Town 2-0 Campion

Liam Flanagan scored twice as Selby Town continued their best start to a season since the early stages of Bob Lyon’s long reign in 2001, but boy did they ride their luck.

The Robins only had Flanagan’s early strike to show from their dominant start which should have seen them blow their visitors away. They did not and Christian Fox’s men were lucky that Campion failed to take their chances.

Selby were literally hanging on when Flanagan scored his second late-on, ending Campion’s hopes of at least claiming a more than deserved point.

The result should go down as a massive statement of intent as the Robins still picked up three points, despite turning out one of the poorest displays of the swash-buckling Fox era. As well, Selby were able to defeat a top side in Campion with an under-strength side as magic man Joe Dale and vital midfielder Jordan Snodin were missing.

Campion, who themselves had Omar Habeeb, Calum Ward and Aiden Day missing, proved to be a strong side and extremely well-organised. Like Selby, James Bicknell’s men play out from the back and have power and pace in their attack capable of destroying teams.

Ultimately the way Campion want to play was their undoing in the early stages. Instead of knowing when to clear their lines properly, Campion kept playing themselves into trouble as Selby’s high press, led by Charlie Clamp and Carl Stewart, forced numerous mistakes. 

How Selby did not score in the second minute remains a mystery. Every man and his dog seemed to have a shot at goal when Gary Collier found a way through. His effort was saved, and him and Stewart had rebound attempts cleared off-the-line.

Selby continued to hound their visitors and eventually their efforts paid off. Campion carelessly lost possession on the left to Clamp. He played an inch-perfect down the wing for Stewart, who simply looked up and sent a teasing low cross for Flanagan to bury.

The hosts just didn’t kick on. Tempers began to fray at numerous points and Selby lost all momentum.

The second half was one-way traffic. Selby lost their shape and rhythm. Man of the match goalkeeper Pete Lawrie saved their bacon a few times. Former Ossett Town winger Chris Ovington ran rings round Alex Robinson and the Selby left-back must have been relieved when the Campion player went off injured. Ovington sliced Selby’s defence open notably twice and was only denied by great goalkeeping from Lawrie.

Right-back Reuben Pearse also endured nightmare moment. His horrendous back-pass forced Lawrie into no mans’ land. Although he was able to half-clear it, the ball fell to Leon Hurles-Brook. The brother of Penistone’s Jordan Coduri shot for goal and Selby were only rescued by a desperate save by Lawrie.

Campion’s best chance came from a counter-attack. Selby were all at sea when Campion broke after successful defending a free kick. The Bradford-based side swept forward with vigour and the experienced Alex Cusack ended up through on goal on the left. Of all the players you want in this situation, it was him. However, the former Albion Sports man somehow blazed over. The amount of people on the Campion bench who were standing up with their hands on their head told its own story.

It was soon game over, thanks to Stewart. The former Tadcaster Albion striker led the superbly, despite not much service. He showed that he oozes quality, not just in footballing ability, but as a leader as well. He has real potential to go down as Selby’s greatest signing since club legend Danny Gray in 2012. Gray saved Selby from oblivion. Stewart could send them to the moon. 

The striker’s desire to chase down a lost cause paid off. He won a challenge with Campion goalkeeper Declan Lambton, enabling a free shot at goal. Instead of being greedy, Stewart squared the ball across the six-yard box for Flanagan to place the ball into the empty net.

That sealed a fortunate victory for Selby, who have got to improve defensively if they want challenge for the title. 

But with the strength-in-depth Fox has, the future is still clearly bright. Fox’s leadership skills cannot be underestimated.

A club at rock-bottom morale-wise when he took over in May 2017 is now transformed.

Crowds are going up and up and he is all set to lead them into the biggest game Selby have had in years next week when they visit Kendal Town in the FA Cup. Three league wins, one league draw and an FA Cup victory so far. Selby haven’t had it so good since Lyon ruled the roost.

The Teams 

Selby Town: Lawrie, Pearse, Robinson, Ramsey, Gothard, Ann, Collier (Woodhead), Berry, Stewart, Clamp, Flanagan (Kennedy). Subs unused: Diamond Jr, Wilson. 

Campion: Lambton, Carnsley, Bodle, Bradshaw, Hall, Eastwood, Ovington (Parchment), Hurles-Brook, Britton, Ndlovu, Cusack. Subs unused: Brown, Kendall, Habeeb.

Who Was In Charge 

Lee Bramley (6/10)

Not brilliant 

How Many Were There 

138

Man of the Match

Peter Lawrie (Selby Town)