Clee recorded their 6th successive away win in the Northern Premier League with an emphatic 4-0 score-line at Yorkshire Amateur on Saturday afternoon.

Goals came from Luke Lofts, Brody Robertson, Jack McMenemy and Luis Adlard. The victory further consolidated 4th place in the division, and also kept the heat on the sides above.

Dave Smith had the luxury of naming an unchanged starting XI, which was an endorsement of last week’s excellent display by his charges against Brighouse. On the bench, Loz McKay was back from suspension and Luis Adlard, who was a midweek loan signing from Grimsby, featured as well.

The side lined-up in a 4-3-3 formation as follows:

Goal: Tom Jackson
Defence: Tim Lowe, Jordon Cooke, Oli Donald, Paul Walker
Midfield: Sam Topliss, Alex Flett (c), Josh Venney
Attack: Brody Robertson, Jack McMenemy, Luke Lofts

Subs: Luis Adlard, Josh Smaller, Liam Dickens, Loz McKay, Scott Vernon

A mild afternoon in West Yorkshire greeted the players and, backed by a colourful travelling contingent, confidence was high at kick-off.

On a heavy pitch, Amateur started brightly with several half chances. However, the Owls began to find their feet and struck the important first blow in the 18th minute.

Luke Lofts, who has been impressive since his return from injury, nipped in to capitalise on a defensive error. The forward side-stepped both a defender and the keeper to slot the ball into the net.

Boosted by taking the lead, and after stopper Jackson had made a smart save to maintain the advantage, Clee moved into overdrive to emphasise their promotion credentials.

Firstly, Jack McMenemy found Brody Robertson through the inside right-channel. The striker picked his spot to smash home his 10th of the campaign in all competitions.

Then, it was roles reversed! A flighted Robertson cross, following excellent build-up play, was unhesitatingly lashed into the goal by McMenemy.

HT Yorkshire Amateur 0 Cleethorpes Town 3 (Lofts 18, Robertson 28, McMenemy 39)

The second period did not reach the same heights as the first 45. However, with the points appearing to be safely under lock-and-key, game management was the top priority.

Defensively, the Owls got through a terrific amount of work to deservedly preserve a valued clean sheet. The back 4, allied with the imposing Jackson, battled superbly well throughout and, as the encounter became more physical, did not give an inch.

McMenemy and Lofts went close, before sub Luis Adlard crowned an excellent team performance after 74 minutes. The Mariners’ youngster, with us for a month, created space at the far post to convert a Robertson centre with his first touch.

At the whistle, the supporters from the East coast were on good terms with themselves and, before hitting the road for North East Lincolnshire, they gave the Owls’ players & management a richly deserved ovation.

FT Yorkshire Amateur 0 Cleethorpes Town 4 (Lofts 18, Robertson 28, McMenemy 39, Adlard 74) Attendance: 141

Away days are good at the moment, aren’t they?!

6 on the bounce in the NPL – a marvellous (and difficult!) achievement. Well done to the players and management, you deserve a lot of credit. Also, the fans… terrific support.

The top 4 are beginning to edge clear of the pack. If we can maintain this level, a play-off spot definitely beckons and, who knows, perhaps we can give the top 2 a fright as well.

Frickley away next Saturday – see you there!

UP THE OWLS!