The Owls bowed out of the Integro Cup at the first hurdle, with Premier Division Grantham Town running out 4-1 winners. However, the bare result does not tell the full story. Several of the young Clee players drafted in for the night did not look out of place in the first team set-up and appear to have a bright future.

With manager Dave Smith away, the trio of Matt Bloomer, Matty Powell and Jon Davy oversaw matters. Perhaps unsurprisingly, with a lengthy injury list and a hectic schedule, there were a few changes. Nevertheless, over half the 15-man matchday squad were regulars.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Alex Lait
Defence: Jacob Bennett, Jack Fixter, Callum Cordingley, Elliott Barrett
Midfield: Jaime Ture, Alex Millson (c), Brandon Buckley
Attack: Brody Robertson, Andy Taylor, Josh Batty

Subs: Danny Jewell, Lewis Collins, Alfie Usher, Matt Bloomer

If there were any nerves amongst some of the Clee youngsters, it certainly did not show through the opening stages. Both full-backs Bennett and Barratt enjoyed confident touches and neither was afraid to venture forward. Centre-half debutant Cordingley also showed promise by winning a couple of aerial battles.

It was one of the established men though that went close to giving the Owls an advantage. Robertson shot a yard too high after a good move. Then, just before the half-hour, the home side did have the ball in the net, but Taylor was a fraction off-side.

Shortly afterwards, debutant keeper Lait dived athletically to his left to pull off a notable save. However, the stopper could do nothing moments afterwards, when Smith prodded the Gingerbreads ahead at the far post.

The lead doubled on 43 minutes courtesy of a fine volleyed finish by Baxendale. As the sides headed for the dressing rooms, Clee could consider themselves unlucky to be trailing by two.

HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Grantham Town 2 (Smith 32, Baxendale 43)

Jacob Bennett was withdrawn injured in the 57th minute. The right-back could be well pleased with his work and received a generous reception. Lewis Collins was introduced alongside Danny Jewell, who replaced Brody Robertson.

Grantham were playing some eye-catching football and got their third on the hour, McGovern finishing a slick move. Not to be outdone, Clee gamely fought back to register a deserved goal in the 64th minute. Brandon Buckley was on hand to stroke the ball home from 8-yards after the ball had cannoned back off the upright.

Captain for the night Millson cleared off the line and Batty, who would have been pleased to get a full 90 minutes under his belt, tested the keeper after a mazy run. The management group then introduced their final change, Alfie Usher for scorer Buckley.

The away side completed the scoring in the 74th minute, when Smith struck his second. There was still time for a spectacular stop from Lait in the closing stages.

At the end, Clee’s youngsters could hold their heads high. It was certainly no disgrace to lose against a team from a higher division and they will all have benefited from the experience.

FT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Buckley 64) Grantham Town 4 (Smith 32, 63, Baxendale 43, McGovern 60) Attendance: 119

Not often you come away feeling quite satisfied after a 4-1 defeat, but last night was one of those occasions I thought!

Grantham just had a little bit too much quality and took their chances well. However, we never threw in the towel and continued to play our football throughout the 90 minutes.

It is worth name-checking our 6 very young non-regular first-teamers – take a bow Alex Lait, Jacob Bennett, Elliott Barrett, Callum Cordingley, Danny Jewell and Alfie Usher!! My man-of-the-match simply has to be one of these. Tricky decision but step-forward 16-year old Elliott Barrett. A full 90 minutes and a mature performance, far in advance of your years, at left-back… very well played!

Back to the bread-and-butter of the NPL on Saturday as Wisbech Town visit… hope to see you there.

Details:
Saturday 21st September – 3pm
Wisbech Town – BetVictor Northern Premier League
New Linden, Clee Road, Grimsby, DN32 8QL

Admission:
Adults £8, Over 65s and 16-17 years £5, Under 16s £2

UP THE OWLS!