He had not been entitled to such an honor since the opening match of National, here, against Boulogne. It was three months ago, last August 16. An eternity in feeling, an ersatz of a time when the Castelroussian formation of the comet Patrice Lair was still only a frail edifice under construction.
And so here we are again, Mathis Clairicia starting at the tip of Berrichonne, this Friday, November 22, 2024, twelve days later. Facing the championship leader and one of its most airtight defenses. Not a gift on paper for the young 22-year-old striker who has spent most of his time with the reserve in N3 since his arrival in Berry.
Perseverance and opportunities
Further proof that you should never speak too quickly in football as elsewhere, Clairicia was, with the will-o'-the-wisp Versini, the most dangerous (and determined) player in the Berrichonne attack in the first period.
First stuck in the pincers of the golgoths Saint-Ruf and Thiaré, the former Thonon Évian player showed his nose after half an hour of play. Very close to deflecting a center from Dutertre (34e), a bit embarrassed by Samaké's failure in front of him, then to force the decision, literally, by being countered at the last minute by Martin Expérience (37e).
Above all, Clairicia might have deserved a little penalty, visibly pushed in the back by Thiaré after stealing the leather from the latter on the sidelines (39e). The referee did not flinch.
Berri collapsed after its release
Neither did his coach Cris, who maintained his confidence in Clairicia after the break. Progress for the man who gave up his place at half-time against Boulogne. This time, relieved of competition from Mamadou Diallo (suspended), he lasted twenty minutes longer on the field, without really influencing the debates. Clairicia, collateral “victim” of Magnora’s prior expulsion (55e) and the presence of Wilson Samaké alongside him, another natural center forward.
Mathis Clairicia will give way to Tyrone Tormin (66e). Eight minutes later, the latter commented on the irreparable by hooking Touré in the area which led to Nancy's opening score from a penalty (0-1, 74e). Berri didn't really gain from it but Mathis Clairicia deserved to be seen again. He probably hopes it won't be in three months.
