Albion dominate at Clifton to secure fifth straight win

PLYMOUTH Albion signed off 2025 in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, producing a powerful and controlled performance to defeat Clifton 35-10 at Station Road.

- By PAUL NICHOLSON

The victory secured a fifth consecutive win for Albion, five valuable league points, and ensured they head into the new year sitting second in the National League One table.

On a crisp afternoon in Bristol, Albion set the tone early and never relinquished control, delivering a performance built on physical dominance, discipline, and clinical finishing.

Clifton kicked off proceedings, but Albion immediately imposed themselves. The return box kick gave the hosts early territory, yet Albion won the first scrum and the first physical battle, setting the platform for what was to follow. A penalty at that opening scrum allowed Albion to move into the Clifton 22, where an Exeter Chiefs loanee kicked expertly to the corner.

From the resulting pressure, Albion struck with just three minutes on the clock. Joe Bailey crashed over the line following sustained forward momentum, and Iwan Jenkins converted directly in front of the posts to give Albion a deserved early lead.

Before Clifton could regroup, Albion struck again in stunning fashion. From the restart, quick hands sent the ball wide and Harry Legg tore down the wing before diving over for an outstanding try. Jenkins again added the extras and Albion led 14-0 inside the opening five minutes.

Clifton attempted to respond and enjoyed their first attacking opportunity around the seven-minute mark, but Albion's defence remained composed. Another penalty followed in the eighth minute, although it failed to find touch. Despite this, Albion were dominating across the field, winning collisions and controlling territory.

A brief turnover gave Clifton a breakaway opportunity, but once again Albion recovered well, winning another penalty which ultimately came to nothing.