The Owls arrived at the Novus Stadium to face Kidsgrove Athletic after a magnificent win on Boxing Day. The victory at Lincoln United allowed Clee to climb back to 7th in the table and they were aiming to extend their unbeaten away sequence to five games in all competitions.

The home team were also successful in their post-Christmas fixture, comfortably easing past Market Drayton Town 4-0. However, at start of play, they were positioned just two points off the bottom of the Evostik South.

More mild than recent days and a great effort from the ground staff to ensure the match went ahead. The Owls showed two changes from their last outing with Liam Dickens and Liam Davis replacing Peter Winn and Andy Taylor respectively. Both regular left-backs were out injured, so winger Jon Oglesby deputised in this role.

Clee started in a positive manner. Firstly, captain Alex Flett’s free-kick was just too long for the strikers and then a ball in found midfielder Jack Richardson in an advanced position. His shot required home keeper Dave Parton to get down low to make the save. Flett was again involved in the 8th minute when he was caught by a crude challenge by Tom Winkle, who was correctly cautioned by the referee.

Kidsgrove came more into the game and Oglesby, who was settling well into his unfamiliar position, made a good tackle to break up a promising home attack. Then, on 16 minutes, Richard Walton was called upon. A 25-yard shot by Alex Lingard bounced awkwardly on the heavy turf and the big keeper, at full stretch, got his right wrist on the ball to deflect it away.

It was now fairly even as both teams battled for the important opening goal. A Flett free-kick was met by Richardson but he could not find the target. Then, Tim Lowe made a good run on 27 minutes and the cross flashed across goal. The visitors also had a penalty appeal waved away in this passage of play.

Anthony Malbon tried his luck from 40-yards when he spotted Walton slightly off his line. However, his effort finished nearer the corner flag than the goal.

It was a real battle on the heavy surface and the home keeper was injured in the 36th minute after a good spell of passing from the Owls. Flett’s high ball in deceived Parton, who only just kept it out. In doing so, he collided with the post and required lengthy treatment before continuing.

A couple of minutes afterwards, Brody Robertson fired into the side-netting from a narrow angle.

As half-time approached, it required a brilliant save from Walton to ensure the Owls reached the break on level terms. Lovely inter-play from Kidsgrove led to Lee Cropper unleashing a powerful shot. His effort looked destined for the bottom corner but the away stopper lunged down to his right to fingertip the ball onto the outside of his post and behind to safety.

HT Kidsgrove Athletic 0 Cleethorpes Town 0

Early action in the second period saw Robertson almost feed Danny North but a defender read the situation to intercept and then Richardson, who was having a good game in midfield, set-up Dickens but his shot went over.

The Owls were building a head of steam and took the lead in the 51st minute through birthday boy Robertson. After a neat move, North showed great vision on the edge of the area to thread a ball through to his strike partner. Robertson kept cool to round the keeper and slot home. This was his first goal since his return from Alfreton and well deserved after his recent endeavours.

Clee dominated the next 10 minutes but could not find the second goal to provide a cushion. As the game moved into its final third, Oglesby was in the right place to deal with a home attack and a shot from the left was blocked as Kidsgrove came more into it.

With 18 minutes left on the watch, Marcus Newell made a double substitution. Oglesby and Robertson were withdrawn and youngsters Jacob Norburn and Luke Aldrich entered the action.

Davis very nearly burst through the home defence and the midfielder was again involved when his shot from the left-hand corner of the area was saved by the boot of Parton.

Kidsgrove were now giving it a real go to find the equaliser. However, a succession of high balls were dealt with by the Owls. In particular, Mark Gray was having an excellent match in the heart of defence.

It was now end-to-end and North volleyed inches wide with 7 minutes to go. Just afterwards, Aldrich, who had looked lively since his introduction and also had a penalty appeal turned down, almost settled matters but his shot was deflected just wide.

Four minutes added time were indicated and Clee ran down the clock without further alarms. The Owls had worked very hard and were greeted by a warm ovation at the final whistle by the travelling fans.

FT Kidsgrove Athletic 0 Cleethorpes Town 1 (Robertson 51) Attendance: 157

A hard earned and very valuable three points on the road.

The score was a fair reflection as I felt that Clee carried the greater threat. Brody Robertson and Danny North are always likely to conjure up a goal and the whole away defence did well. Particularly, Mark Gray dominated in the air and Jon Oglesby did not look out of place at left-back.

A word also for Richard Walton, who showed his worth to the team with two fine saves in the first half.

Back up to 5th in the table and two home league fixtures coming up in the next seven days. First, the Owls welcome Lincolnshire rivals Spalding United on New Year’s Day (3pm). The reverse fixture saw Clee record a comfortable 3-0 win over the Tulips on a sweltering August afternoon.

After this derby game, Potteries based Newcastle Town visit Bradley next Saturday (6th – 3pm). The away match in October saw the Owls twenty match unbeaten league run ended in a controversial 1-0 loss.

Plenty of support will be appreciated by the players as Clee look to consolidate their promotion push. Come along to see for yourself the area’s premier non-league side. Admission is £7 adults and £3 concessions/children.

Keep your eye on the club’s informative twitter feed for all the latest news - @CleeTownFC.

Finally, I would like to wish all those reading this report a very happy and peaceful New Year.

UP THE OWLS!