Handsworth Parramore to book their place in the last 32.

The game began in a scrappy fashion as the teams tried to suss each other out and get used to the wet and slippery playing surface. The first real chance of the game fell to Handsworth striker Bruno Holden who was expertly blocked by Cleethorpes Tim Lowe and Laurence McKay as he shaped to shoot. At the other end, Clee threatened as Jon Oglesby ran half the length of the pitch unchallenged before hitting a dipping shot over the bar.

Handsworth’s bench were incensed after 25 minutes as the Owls were awarded a penalty for handball against defender Richard Adams. Referee Hristo Karaivanov initially waved away Clee’s appeals before consulting with his linesman and awarding the spot kick which leading scorer Marc Cooper stroked home, sending goalkeeper Andrew Sneath the wrong way. Furious protests ensued from Handsworth boss Peter Duffield who received a stern lecture from the official before the game restarted.

Cleethorpes threatened again as Lowe’s goal-bound header was cleared off the line with striker Danny Trott just failing to reach the rebound. A neat build up involving Cooper and Jack Richardson then created a chance for Trott whose first time shot was well held by Sneath.

The hosts drew themselves level with eight minutes of the first half remaining. A quickly taken throw in caught the Owls napping and Handsworth’s Luke Fletcher had time to pick his spot before shooting past Miles Fenty in the Cleethorpes goal.

Handsworth pressed strongly at the start of the second half with Simon Harrison and then Ryan Lee thwarted by Fenty. At the opposite end, Trott’s shot from the edge of the box was comfortably saved before an excellent move created a chance for the onrushing Peter Winn who saw his effort brilliantly saved by Sneath, the goalkeeper diving low to his right to push the ball away.

The Owls were foiled by Sneath again just moments later as a curler from Oglesby was saved before Cooper rounded the Handsworth stopper, only to see his effort kicked off the line by defender Sam Denton.

Just as the match seemed destined to go to extra time Clee substitute Louis Grant netted the decisive goal with just two minutes remaining. Cooper’s initial shot was saved but the rebound fell kindly to Grant who smashed the ball home, sparking delirious scenes amongst the vociferous visiting supporters.

Handsworth threw everything but the kitchen sink at Cleethorpes as they searched for a second equaliser as the game entered injury time. Heroic defending and a fantastic one handed save by Fenty ensured it was Cleethorpes who would take their place in round 4 where they will face Midland League Premier Division side Alvechurch. The match at Bradley will take place on Saturday 9th January.