The Owls went out of the FA Trophy with a frustrating 4-2 defeat to Mossley. Goals from Lewis Collins and Josh Batty were not enough to counter a hat-trick from Eliot Goldthorp.

Dave Smith opted to reshuffle his defence and made a total of 3 changes to the starting XI that won at Newcastle Town. Paul Walker and Ben Clappison came in for Jack Fixter and Tim Lowe. In the other alteration, Brandon Buckley replaced Josh Batty.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Paul Walker, Ben Clappison, Oli Donald, Jon Oglesby
Midfield: Ben Davies, Alex Flett (c), Lewis Collins
Attack: Brody Robertson, Scott Vernon, Brandon Buckley

Subs: Conor Marshall, Tim Lowe, Jack Richardson, Josh Batty, Andy Taylor

On Non-League Day, it was the visitors who got off to the perfect start in the 3rd minute. A free-kick on the left-hand side of the area was curled into the top corner by Eliot Goldthorp.

Despite this setback, the Owls battled away to gain a foothold into the clash. After a spell of pressure, a cross from Oglesby was knocked back across the danger-zone by Vernon and Lewis Collins was on hand to acrobatically turn the ball home.

Following this early exchange of goals, the Owls looked the more threatening outfit for the next 20 minutes. Robertson twice had opportunities, but firstly shot too high after going clear and then being denied by a smart low save.

Clee paid the price just beyond the half-hour mark when Goldthorp bundled the visitors back in front. Uchegbulam’s cross was partially cleared but the Bradford City loanee pounced from only a couple of yards out.

A minute before the break, Robertson again went close following more fine work from Collins.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Collins 13) Mossley 2 (Goldthorp 3. 33)

In an almost action replay, the Lilywhites were awarded a dangerous dead ball situation in the 51st minute. Up stepped Goldthorp and he delightfully drifted the effort over the wall and down in time to nestle beyond keeper Richardson.

Josh Batty came on to replace Brandon Buckley, as Clee faced an uphill struggle to maintain an interest in the competition.

A golden chance to get right back into contention in the 69th minute when a handball in the box was penalised. The normally reliable Vernon stepped up but, to the dismay of the faithful, the ball sailed high over the bar.

Nothing was going right for the Owls and Declan Evans reinforced the misery shortly after by finishing off a neat move to confirm Mossley’s place in the next round.

Two further subs were made as the clock ticked down. Ben Clappison and Scott Vernon were withdrawn. On came Conor Marshall and Jack Richardson.

In injury time, the Owls were awarded a second penalty. No mistake from Josh Batty, who slotted into the corner. However, it was only a consolation with the final whistle being blown shortly afterwards.

FT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Collins 13, Batty 90+2 pen) Mossley 4 (Goldthorp 3, 33, 51, Evans 74) Attendance: 204

A disappointing day no doubt! No need for me to elaborate much further on this occasion. However, with this relatively early exit from the Trophy (along with the Cup), we have cleared the deck for a tilt at the League.

Good luck to Mossley in the next round. They certainly appear to have unearthed an exciting signing in Goldthorp.

Some pressure on at Chasetown next week now and the team selection, in particular the defence, will be fascinating. It would be great to get back on track with a win. No reason to think that we cannot go there and get a result! You never know, it could take us top – hope to see you there…

My man-of-the-match was Lewis Collins, a quality player who excelled and again deservedly found the score-sheet – well done!

Details:
Saturday 19th October – 3pm
Chasetown – BetVictor Northern Premier league
TheScholarsGround, ChurchStreet, Chasetown, WS7 3QL

Admission:
Adults £9, Concessions £6, Under 16s £1

UP THE OWLS!