After battling to a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, with another goal for Dec Howe, Prescot Cable moved through to the next round with a 4-2 verdict in the penalty shoot-out.

The management deserves credit for getting their players over to Merseyside in such strength. A squad of 17 was on duty, as follows:

Goal: Tom Jackson
Defence: Josh Smaller, Jordon Cooke, James Williamson, Leon Dawson
Midfield: Josh Venney, Alex Flett (c), Sam Topliss
Attack: Rio Molyneaux, Dec Howe, Curtis Bateson

Subs: Brody Robertson, Jack McMenemy, Will Annan, Henry Parr, Alfie Davy, Ollie Brackenbury (gk)

After a nightmare journey across the M62, which lasted 15 minutes shy of 4 hours, the Owls were greeted with pleasant conditions. The evening was still & mild, but the pitch was on the firm side.

Prescot were the more dangerous through the initial action, with Dawson bravely blocking a close-range shot in the 10th minute.

The hosts did open the scoring though just before the midway point of the half. Jack Goodwin fired in a cracker from about 23-yards, which flew home via the post.

Clee’s best moments came with a couple of Howe efforts.

Firstly, the front-man saw a snap-shot deflected behind following a probing run from Venney. Then, the keeper saved after a clever lay-off by Topliss.

At the other end, Cables had a goal ruled out by the assistant’s flag.

HT Prescot Cables 1 (Goodwin 21) Cleethorpes Town 0

The second-half had an ebb-and-flow feel to it. Clee were working their socks off to force an equaliser but Prescot always carried an element of danger in the final third.

In fact, when Cables rattled the bar and missed another clear chance, you began to wonder if the tide would turn in the Owls’ favour.

This appeared to be the case with 12 to play, when the leveller arrived. An in-swinging corner from the right, delivered by Dawson, was not dealt with and Dec Howe was lurking to mop-up the leftovers.

Great delight from the team, who all rushed to celebrate together.

It was a tense finish! The closest to a winner came in the first minute of added time. Cable burst clear and were left cursing their luck when a low drive flew to safety off the upright.

FT Prescot Cables 1 (Goodwin 21) Cleethorpes Town 1 (Howe 78) Attendance: 249

Prescot scored all 4 of their penalties.

Clee converted their first two (Jack McMenemy & Sam Topliss), but the third & fourth went astray – as the Owls went out in heart-breaking fashion.

Best of luck to Cables in the next round!

Prescot Cables won 4-2 on penalties

What a night!!!

A very lengthy journey and then the disappointment of losing out on spot-kicks. Not going to crab the lads though. They battled hard throughout, showing tremendous commitment to the cause – well played!

Hope to see you at Stockton on Saturday.

(Picture credit: Prescot Cables FC)

UP THE OWLS!