Liam Whitbread hits brace in Clee Hill United's 3-0 win at Shawbury United Reserves in Mercian League Division One (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Liam Whitbread hits brace in Clee Hill United's 3-0 win at Shawbury United Reserves in Mercian League Division One

1:40pm Thursday 15th November 2012 in Sport By Ian Morgan

TWO-goal Liam Whitbread put a big smile on his dad’s face after Clee Hill United sealed a vital 3-0 away win over Shawbury United Reserves in the Mercian League Division One.

James Clifford also netted for Wayne Whitbread’s side, who are now 10th and four points better off than second-from-bottom Shawbury.

“We were pleased with the result because we struggled to put out a team,” admitted manager Wayne.

“A couple of the lads went to watch Aston Villa against Manchester United and Scott Jordan, who has been one of our best players this season, had to play in goal.”

Manager’s son Liam opened Hill’s account midway through the first-half, cracking home a shot after a surging run from Romanian Andre Dulgheru.

Liam doubled Hill’s lead with 15 minutes remaining with a curling effort after a neat interchange with Nick Wilding. Clifford’s free-kick wrapped up Hill’s third league win of the term.

“The players were nervous because they knew that, with Shawbury just a point behind us, they couldn’t afford to lose,” said Wayne.

“It was a tough, physical game - the sort we don’t normally do well in. We have given ourselves a bit of breathing space.”

Hill host sixth-placed Oswestry BG Club this Saturday.