Carlton Town left the Myenergi Stadium with a 3-2 victory on Saturday afternoon to inflict a possibly fatal blow to the Owls’ prospects of reaching the play-offs.

In truth, it was a game that Clee should have won. However, missed chances coupled with individual mistakes proved costly.

Nathan Arnold made just one change from the excellent result at Bridlington – the unavailable Tim Lowe was replaced by Josh Smaller.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: James McKeown
Defence: Josh Smaller, Jordon Cooke, Paul Walker
Midfield: Tom Jamieson, Dan Gallimore, Alex Flett (c), Harvey Tomlinson, Leon Dawson
Attack: Will Annan, Curtis Bateson

Subs: Ben Richards, Morgan Worsfold-Gregg, Sam Topliss, Jack McMenemy, Josh Blissett

Some occasional rain at the Myenergi Stadium greeted the players on a mild day. Both sides were desperate for the points, with the Owls harbouring top 5 hopes and the Millers starting the contest in the relegation zone.

Bateson was lively early on, going on a 40-yard run but the forward was eventually crowded out. The same player hit the post as he went clear, the offside flag was raised though.

Carlton stunned the faithful by moving ahead in the 36th minute. Dawson was penalised for a foul in the box, despite appearing to make contact with the ball. Alex Troke slotted in the award.

As the interval approached, Cooke was bundled over in the area, but the referee waved away appeals for a penalty.

HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Carlton Town 1 (Troke 36 pen)

A quick leveller was needed, and Will Annan answered the call shortly after the restart. The number 9 instantly controlled a lofted pass and slotted into the corner.

Joy for the home contingent did not last long however – a speculative shot from Alex Howes sailed into the net, via a deflection, to restore the Millers’ advantage.

Paul Walker grabbed a second leveller midway through the half, muscling in to convert a Cooke headed knock-down.

Most anticipated that Clee could now go on to claim all the spoils.

Not to be though, substitute Charlie Marzano had the last word, his cross from the right-wing connected with a defender to send it spiralling beyond McKeown.

FT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Annan 49, Walker 67) Carlton Town 3 (Troke 36 pen, Howes 54, Marzano 75) Attendance: 401

No denying that today was a hugely disappointing result.

Still 7 games to play, so we have to move on and gather as many points as possible.

Shildon next week – a coach will be leaving Linden at 10am. Places available for £15, please contact me to book your place… secretary@cleethorpestownfc.co.uk

(Picture credit: Hayden Newbegin @hayden_newbegin)

UP THE OWLS!