Josh Walker was alert to latch onto an under hit back-pass, and the striker proceeded to round ex-Owl Parkin before calmly slotting the ball into the unguarded net.

Despite falling behind, Sedge responded positively. However, they found the strong rearguard to be in an uncompromising mood. This was epitomised by Foster putting his body on the line to block a fierce drive.

Although clear chances were at a premium, Dockerty undertook a long-range effort, which was on-target but safely handled by Parkin.

The home outfit thought they had engineered the leveller just beyond the half-hour mark, but stopper Richardson excelled, getting down to his left in a flash to paw away a Walton header.

On an increasingly warm afternoon, the Owls’ players were putting in a real shift and this approach was rewarded with the interval lead.

HT Liversedge 0 Cleethorpes Town 1

In the first action after the restart, (J) Walker had a shot charged down and then Haw pulled an effort a yard the wrong side of the upright.

The encounter became increasingly scrappy, with several stoppages for either the referee to lecture players or for the respective physios to deal with knocks.

With time marching on, the Owls were managing their lead well. Both Abbott and man-of-the-match Vann were impressing in the engine room.

Loan signing Chidkukwa came agonisingly close to doubling the advantage soon after being introduced, curling just wide following a nice piece of trickery.

The settler of a second did arrive in the 76th minute though.

Occupying an unusual position for him on the left of midfield, AJ Adelekan adapted to the challenge in fine fashion. A long kick from Richardson was headed clear but straight into the path of the on-rushing substitute.

The commanding defender took a touch and, from the edge of the penalty box, proceeded to lash home beyond Parkin.

There was to be no way back for Liversedge, with Clee comfortably seeing out the remainder of the contest to collect another clean sheet and, most importantly, 3 very valuable points.

FT Liversedge 0 Cleethorpes Town 2

Team:
1. Heath Richardson
2. Paul Walker
3. George Smith
4. Brad Abbott (captain)
5. Ben Middleton
6. Callum Foster
7. Nicky Walker (sub 65 replaced by 14. Adedapo Adelekan – goal 76)
8. Jack Vann
9. Adam Haw (sub 90 replaced by 16. Sam Kay)
10. Josh Walker – goal 7 (sub 90+3 replaced by 15. Dan Gallimore)
11. Brad Dockerty (sub 78 replaced by 12. Jimiel Chidkukwa)

Booking: Callum Foster 56

Liversedge bookings: Joe Walton 60, Ryan Coulson 63, Kevy Tarangadzo 74

Attendance: 232

Man-of-the-match (generously sponsored by the Coach House): Jack Vann

Next up: Monday 26th August (3pm) – NPL East – HOME v Grimsby Borough

Picture credit: Mike Braithwaite (X: @AC_Perspective)

UP THE OWLS!