A brace from Curtis Bateson plus a contribution by Josh Walker was enough to move through to a home game against Lincoln City in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup Quarter-Finals.

After enjoying the majority of the early possession, Clee went ahead in the 11th minute, courtesy of a well-constructed move.

(P) Walker surged down the right and found Robertson, who sent in a low cross. Curtis Bateson had engineered a lot of space to tap in from inside the 6-yard box.

Borough responded quickly with their own smart effort to level affairs. Lewis Collins shot into the corner from just outside the area to conclude a swift build-up.

Abbott and Robertson both tested Higton but, as the action ebbed-and-flowed, it was to be the visitors that led at the break.

A corner was swung over and, after a defensive header looped into the air, Richardson appeared to misjudge his attempted punch. Tom Sawyer was lurking near the line to capitalise.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 Grimsby Borough 2

There were several changes for both teams during the second period. However, this did not detract from the entertainment, as befitting two sides sitting inside the top 4 of the Northern Premier League East Division.

Robertson had a great chance to equalise on the hour mark. The striker eased clear but, agonisingly, fired narrowly wide of the target.

It was 2-2 shortly afterwards though. A centre from captain Flett was cleverly flicked into the net by Josh Walker to delight the faithful in the Main Stand.

All to play for as the match reached the latter stages. Clee looked the more likely to score again but the prospect of a second successive penalty shoot-out could not be ruled out
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With the clock ticking down, it was to be Curtis Bateson who delivered the decisive moment. The man-of-the-match outmuscled a defender to gather a bouncing ball and, showing great composure, converted the winner via the post.

FT Cleethorpes Town 3 Grimsby Borough 2

Team:
1. Heath Richardson
2. Paul Walker
3. Adedapo Adelekan (sub 55 replaced by 12. Harry Lewis)
4. Jack Vann (sub 46 replaced by 17. Josh Walker – goal 63)
5. Ben Middleton
6. Callum Foster (sub 46 replaced by 14. Jayden Prunty)
7. Brody Robertson (sub 79 replaced by 15. Mekhi Haughton-Parris)
8. Brad Abbott
9. Adam Haw
10. Alex Flett (captain)
11. Curtis Bateson – goals 11 & 83

13. Ollie Battersby
16. Dan Gallimore
18. Nicky Walker

Bookings: Brad Abbott, Harry Lewis, Mekhi Haughton-Parris

Grimsby Borough goals: Lewis Collins 16, Tom Sawyer 37
Bookings: Jack Richardson, Luke Horne, Josh Venney, Tom Sawyer, Brad Wood

Man-of-the-match (generously sponsored by the Coach House): Curtis Bateson

Next up: Saturday 28th September (3pm) – NPL East – HOME v Dunston

Picture credit: Mike Braithwaite (X: @AC_Perspective)

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