Clee closed out a sensational August with a 5-0 thrashing of Lincoln United. A hat-trick by Dec Howe, allied to strikes from Alex Flett & Will Annan ensured a continuation of the rich vein of early-season form.

Dave Smith made 2 changes from Saturday’s energy-sapping win at Ossett. In came loanee Jack Moore-Billam to replace the injured Josh Venney. The other alteration saw Rio Molyneaux get the nod over Jack McMenemy.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Tom Jackson
Defence: Tim Lowe, Jordon Cooke, James Williamson, Jon Oglesby
Midfield: Jack Moore-Billam, Alex Flett (c), Sam Topliss
Attack: Rio Molyneaux, Dec Howe, Curtis Bateson

Subs: Josh Smaller, Jack McMenemy, Will Annan, Leon Dawson, Tyler Edwards

There was a bumper crowd inside the Myenergi Stadium for the Lincolnshire derby. Conditions were more-or-less perfect as well. A pleasant temperature, light breeze and a good-looking pitch promised an entertaining Northern Premier League encounter.

It did not take long for the hosts to impose their authority on proceedings.

A flighted Flett free-kick was headed towards goal by Williamson, and in-steamed the ever-alert Dec Howe to convert from close-range.

United were struggling to cope with the fluidity of movement from Clee in the opening 20 minutes, with much of the hosts’ play very pleasing to watch.

Captain Flett forced a low save from Bottomley, and then a great move saw Howe head wide following lovely contributions from team-mates Oglesby & the speedy Molyneaux.

The Whites gradually came more into the game as time wore on. However, they lacked a cutting edge to really test Jackson & the well-marshalled back four.

In the shadow of the break, Dec Howe doubled the lead. The striker, who has made an eye-catching start to life in the blue & black, gleefully converted an inviting cross from Oglesby at the far-post.

HT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Howe 3, 45) Lincoln United 0

The Owls made the points completely safe in the 52nd minute.

A wildly sliced clearance by a defender made life difficult for Bottomley, who completely missed his attempted punch. The lurking Alex Flett reacted quickest, muscling in to nod into the unguarded net.

Worse was to follow for the Whites as they conceded another before the hour. Dec Howe found an acre of space through the inside-left channel to snaffle his hat-trick. It was the striker’s 7th of the fledgling NPL campaign in only 4 outings… a notable achievement!

Perhaps with one eye on Saturday’s important FA Cup tie, Howe was then withdrawn to a standing ovation from the appreciative home faithful.

It was essentially cruise control for the Owls for the remainder of the match.

Jackson made a couple of saves to earn a well-deserved clean sheet before the final strike came in the 87th minute.

Summer signing Will Annan helped himself to his first competitive goal for Clee, leaping high to plant a firm header into the onion bag.

There was still an opportunity for young sub Edwards to smash a shot against the crossbar in injury time. It would have been a dream debut for the exciting prospect, but it will have to wait for another day!

FT Cleethorpes Town 5 (Howe 3, 45, 58, Flett 52, Annan 87) Lincoln United 0 Attendance: 519

We’re on fire!!

4 wins on the bounce in the NPL, a terrific start to the campaign. With only one side going up automatically, promotion is tough. Nevertheless, with the squad that the management group have got together, I believe we have got a favourite's chance.

Early days of course but the signs are good!

Dec Howe will rightly take the plaudits for his hat-trick but the whole side were terrific, weren’t they? A very, very enjoyable afternoon.

Thanks for your marvellous support – see you for some FA Cup action on Saturday.

(Picture credit: “team spirit” by Hayden Newbegin)

UP THE OWLS!