UNBEATEN RUN ENDS AT THE CASTLE

The leaders arrived at the Drayton Beaumont Stadium following successive league draws and a fine win against Hyde United in the FA Trophy. The mid-table hosts also enjoyed a break from the EvoStik last week beating Soham Town Rangers 3-0 at home.

Marcus Newell opted to make 1 change from last week’s team as the Owls looked to extend their proud 20 game unbeaten league run. Peter Winn replaced Liam Dickens. Winn slotted in to his regular left-back position with Lawrence McKay operating on the left side of midfield.

The match started with a flurry of free-kicks as both teams looked to impose themselves. On 6 minutes an Alex Flett free-kick from the left caused momentary confusion in the home defence before it was cleared. Soon afterwards, a shot from Jack Richardson was straight at keeper Alcock.

Newcastle first threatened on the quarter-hour mark when the lively Kapend fired in a dangerous cross which was safely shepherded behind by Winn. On 18 minutes there was great play in the inside left channel by Danny North, who backheeled the ball into the run of McKay, who fired over the bar.

The Owls continued to probe for an opening and their best moment of the half came in the 27th minute, when a cross found North 12 yards out. He turned and shot in one movement but unfortunately for the Owls, his effort flew just over.

Loan signing Richard Walton was called upon with 2 brilliant saves in as many minutes to ensure Clee were level at the break. He first rose superbly to tip over a shot bound for the top corner and then moments later produced an even better effort. Walton showed great agility to dive full length to his left to tip the striker’s effort round the post – a stunning save!
Despite both teams continuing to work hard, it was goalless at the break.

HT Newcastle Town 0 Cleethorpes Town 0

The first action of the second period saw a long shot from Tim Lowe go well wide. This was followed on the 56th minute by a good run from the industrious Luke Mascall, who was eventually crowded out. Shortly afterwards Mascall was again involved when his shot bounced awkwardly in front of the home keeper, who eventually gathered.
The first Clee sub saw McKay replaced by Jon Oglesby.
Castle threatened on 68 minutes and once again it was Kapend involved. He cut in well from the left and his powerful shot flew over Walton’s bar.

Marc Cooper was taken off in the 71st minute to be replaced by Andy Taylor. Shortly afterwards, the Owls had another shot when Mascall could not direct his effort on target.
The decisive moment of the game arrived on 79 minutes and it was highly controversial. A cross from the right was adjudged by the assistant referee to have been handled by the excellent Oli Donald. It appeared to be very much a case of ball to hand rather than a deliberate act. However, referee Atkinson pointed to the spot and James Lee’s powerful penalty gave Walton no chance.

Into the final ten and Clee replaced Mascall with Luke Aldrich. Sub Oglesby made a good run in the 84th minute but shot wide and a minute later he fired at the keeper.
The Owls continued to pile forward in a desperate attempt to rescue a point but they just could not find that moment of quality to force the equaliser. After 4 minutes of injury time, the final whistle sounded to bring down the curtain on Clee’s first league defeat since March

FT Newcastle Town 1 (Lee 79) Cleethorpes Town 0 Attendance: 127

In reflection, a draw would have been a fair outcome but all unbeaten runs will end at some point. With Basford’s win, the Owls drop to second but there is no cause for alarm as 27 points from 12 games is a superb start to life in the Evostik.

The Owls are next in action on Tuesday evening (17th - 7.45pm) when they travel to Barnsley to renew rivalry with Shaw Lane in the 1st Round (last 64) of the Integro Cup. Overall record v Shaw Lane is P4 W2 D1 L1 F8 A7.

Clee then return to the EvoStik South at Bradley next Saturday (21st - 3pm) with an appealing encounter against third placed Stocksbridge Park Steels. This will be the first competitive fixture between the two clubs.
UP THE OWLS!

Written by David Simpson