A brace from Matty Waters was enough for Marske United to end the Owls’ interest in the FA Trophy at a bitterly cold and rainy New Linden on Saturday afternoon.

After Marcus Newell stepped down from his duties as manager of the first team earlier in the week, the new man in the hotseat was Dave Smith. His promotion was well deserved after a successful period as assistant and everyone involved with the Club were quick to offer their best wishes.

Dave’s team selection saw a subtle shift in formation and emphasis. It was primarily a 4-3-3 system with Brody Robertson and Jon Oglesby tasked with supporting centre forward Scott Vernon. The side was also set-up tighter in midfield, with the new manager keen to inject fluidity into the Owls’ system. The line-up was as follows:

Goal: Dylan Parkin
Defence: Sam Topliss, Tim Lowe, Oli Donald, Paul Walker
Midfield: Craig Disley, Alex Flett (captain), Jack Richardson
Attack: Brody Robertson, Scott Vernon, Jon Oglesby

Subs: Luke Mascall, Danny North, Laurence McKay, Josh Batty, Lewis Collins

It was a dreadful late October day, with a howling wind and regular downpours. The pitch, however, was looking in near perfect condition and it was clearly an afternoon to keep the ball on the deck as much as possible.

This is what Clee tried in the early exchanges and an effort from captain Flett tested visiting keeper Dean. However, it was Marske who grabbed the initiative in the 9th minute.

The play was all rather “slow-motion” as a flighted cross in from the left by O’Sullivan was allowed to bounce. Matty Waters was on hand with the merest of touches, which sent the ball past Parkin into the corner of the net.

Not the start of the new era that the home faithful would have wanted but, in all fairness, Clee were playing some decent passing football and proving a match for Marske, who sat second in the Evostik East. With 20 minutes gone, Robertson cleverly sprang the offside trap and crossed for Flett but the midfielder’s shot was bravely blocked.

Shortly afterwards, Flett was again involved with his looping shot a yard too high. As the rain beat down, more intricate passing from the Owls threatened to unlock the defence but the visiting rearguard was proving solid and resolute.

Parkin was called upon in the 35th minute to get down low to keep out a 25-yard shot from Butterworth, which fizzed awkwardly off the wet surface. The stopper did well to quickly regain his footing to smother the rebound.

The equaliser very nearly arrived after 41 minutes. After a spell of pressure, Richardson had a moment of time 15 yards out and, with the keeper a spectator, his shot cannoned against the inside of the post. It looked sure to go in but luck was on Marske’s side and it somehow squirmed away to safety.

No more than half chances for the remainder of the first 45 and, on the balance of play, the Owls could count themselves unfortunate to be trailing as the players headed to dry out in the dressing rooms.

HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Marske United 1 (Waters 9)

Vernon spurned a clear chance to draw Clee level in the 51st minute when side-footing a volley wide and then goalscorer Waters should have scored when allowed a free header.

Marske were now having their best spell and both Round & Owens had good opportunities to make the tie safe for the visitors. However, the Owls were still battling gamely with the players giving 100% to engineer a leveller.

The manager opted for fresh legs on 65 minutes, with Collins replacing Richardson in midfield. Vernon and Robertson were working hard to fashion an opening but, as the half wore on, it was Marske who were having the bulk of the chances.

Man-of-the-match Dylan Parkin (as selected by our generous sponsors ABP Humber) made a marvellous save in the 73rd minute to tip away a goalbound shot from Owens. Then, it was the Owls’ turn to enjoy a spot of good fortune, when a fierce drive from the dangerous Waters hit a teammate.

Mascall & North were introduced in the final quarter of an hour, with Oglesby & Vernon giving way. More and more men were committed forward, as the search to take the game to a replay became more desperate.

Not to be though, with the visitors settling matters in the 86th minute via a clinical finish from Matty Waters. The forward did well to make space and he made no mistake, firing high into the net to send the travelling fans home happy.

FT Cleethorpes Town 0 Marske United 2 (Waters 9, 86) Attendance: 142

Not the start wanted by the new manager but sometimes you just have to be gracious in defeat. Marske looked a good side to me and you can see why they are sitting so high in our division. I wish them well in the next round.

Some positives to take from the match though. I was pleased to see Dave trying something new – the system adopted has definitely got potential in my view. The real head-scratcher is how to mould all our talented players into a winning unit.

I can guarantee that if you asked the regulars for their “best” team, you would get many differing opinions. From my standpoint, and I am loathe to say it because we lose some of our width, I would play much more narrow through the spine of the team to hopefully make us tougher to break down.

Anyway, onwards and upwards! With the FA competitions behind us, and as the old adage goes, we can now “concentrate on the league”!! 28 fixtures to play and a realistic first target is to work towards getting to 40 points as soon as possible. This would see us safe and, dependant on when it is reached, may afford us an opportunity for a late push up the table.

Next fixture:
Pontefract Collieries – Evostik East
Saturday 3rd November – 3pm
G & R Construction Stadium, Beechnut Lane, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 4QE

Admission:
To be confirmed

UP THE OWLS!