The Owls began brightly and were unfortunate not to go in front after just five minutes as Brody Robertson’s low shot came back off the post. Minutes later Rainworth goalkeeper Ben Townsend produced a smart save to keep the scores level, diving low to his right to push away Caine Winfarrah’s powerful shot.

Somewhat against the run of the play, the home side took the lead with 26 minutes played. Striker Aaron Moxam latched onto a long through ball before producing a precision lob to lift the ball over Liam Higton and into the net.

Rainworth weren’t ahead for long though as Owls skipper Alex Flett levelled things up just three minutes later, beating Townsend with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Rainworth began the second half strongly with Moxam firing over the bar and strike partner Phil Buxton seeing his effort charged down by the Cleethorpes defence.

The Owls were soon back on top though with Flett shooting narrowly wide from 25 yards before the dangerous Winfarrah saw his effort smothered by Townsend.

The second goal finally arrived with 66 minutes played as Winfarrah twisted and turned on the edge of the box before finishing smartly into the corner of the net. Just 7 minutes later and Cleethorpes notched their third goal of the afternoon as Andy Taylor’s shot beat Townsend to see the striker register a debut goal.

Any hopes the home side had of launching a comeback were effectively ended with five minutes remaining as goalkeeper Townsend was sent off following an altercation with Flett.

The Owls comfortably held out for the remaining period to book their place in the next round which will see them travel to Nottingham based Dunkirk on Saturday August 20th (3pm kick off).

Before that, cup holders Cleethorpes travel to Handsworth Parramore in round 2 of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Cup on Tuesday evening (7.45pm kick off) before the first two league fixtures of the new campaign as Thackley visit the Bradley Football Development Centre on Saturday 13th August (3pm) followed by a trip to Worksop Town on Wednesday 17th August (7.45pm).