Clee returned to Bradley on the back of an excellent 5-3 midweek win against Shaw Lane in the Integro Cup. They were also looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the league campaign at Newcastle last Saturday. The Steels also enjoyed success at Frickley on Tuesday and sat third in the table – one place and 6 points behind the Owls.

There was 1 change to the starting line-up with Tim Lowe returning to the team at the expense of Luke Aldrich. An extremely windy afternoon greeted the players and made conditions for playing good football very difficult.

The first action saw Clee force two free-kicks in dangerous positions. Firstly captain Alex Flett fired over the bar and then Jon Oglesby got his effort on target but visiting keeper Reay saved comfortably. On 11 minutes Richard Walton had to spread himself well to deny striker Joe Lumsden who had burst through the home defence.

In the next phase of play, the Owls took the lead. Great work in midfield from Danny North spotted Luke Mascall’s strong run through the inside right channel. The number 7 found a delightful finish to lift the ball over the advancing keeper to the joy of the vast majority of the crowd of 291.

Clee went close to doubling their advantage on 17 minutes when Oglesby cut in from the left flank but his shot flew just the wrong side of the post. The first 20 minutes had largely been dominated by the home side, who had adapted best to the storm force wind.

However, the Steels found an equaliser in the 25th minute after a period of pressure. The lively Lumsden chested the ball down 10 yards out and his powerful low shot flew under Richard Walton and into the net.

The Owls responded in the 31st minute when a free-kick from Flett on the left caused confusion in Stocksbridge’s defence and resulted in a good shot by North being well saved. Moments later, a deep cross form Lowe found Marc Cooper, the big number 9 firing just wide.
As half-time approached, the game became increasingly scrappy with both sides lacking fluency.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Mascall 13) Stocksbridge PS 1 (Lumsden 25)

Stocksbridge almost took the lead 2 minutes into the second period and again it was Lumsden causing the problems. His good run and shot from the left beat Walton but hit the woodwork before bouncing away to safety. A minute later there was a powerful run from Mascall but his shot was blocked by a visiting defender and went out for a corner.

On 54 minutes Clee made their first substitution of the afternoon with Oli Donald replacing Matt Coleman, who appeared to have picked up an injury.

There was an appeal for a penalty just after the hour mark when a shot from Oglesby hit a defender but this was waved away by referee Bannister, who was failing to endear himself to the home faithful. Almost immediately a quick break from the Steels fell to Lumsden who forced Walton into a smart save.

Midway through the half and the Owls made a double substitution. Mascall and Oglesby were withdrawn to be replaced by Liam Dickens and Andy Taylor respectively.

The visitors now enjoyed a good spell. Firstly, Lowe broke up an attack with a superb tackle and then Litchfield was in 1 on 1 with Walton. The big stopper spread himself really well to deny the winger. Clee responded with sub Taylor shooting from 15 yards but Reay made the save.

On 76 minutes North received a straight red card, presumably for something he said to the assistant referee. He attracted the referee’s attention and after consultation, he did not hesitate in giving the forward his marching orders.

The final phase of the game was played out with nothing more than half chances. A Cooper cross from the left was cleared for a corner and then the dependable Lowe snuffed out a dangerous attack from the Steels. The final action saw a long range effort from Cooper fly over the bar.

FT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Mascall 13) Stocksbridge PS 1 (Lumsden 25) Attendance: 291

Most of the crowd would be of the opinion that a draw was probably a fair outcome. Three draws and a defeat in the last four in the league for the Owls. After such a blistering start to life in the Evostik, this will come as a reality check to how difficult life can sometimes be at step 4. However, there is certainly no cause for alarm as Clee are still sitting pretty in the second automatic promotion spot – 5 points behind leaders Basford but the same distance clear of third placed Frickley.

The Owls take a break from the league next Saturday (28th – 3pm) with an attractive looking tie away at Evostik Premier side Buxton in the FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round. Travel to the Peak District is available and those interested should contact the Linden Club for full details.

Alternatively look for the Club on social media:
Twitter - @CleeTownFC or @UltrasClee
Facebook - Cleethorpes Town (Official) or Clee Town Fans

UP THE OWLS!

Written by David Simpson