The Owls faced the daunting prospect of eight games in just twelve days to end the Evostik debut season.

Gresley were the first opponents and Clee were hopeful of completing the double over the Moatmen. Fans will recall a memorable opening day of the campaign, when the visitors were put to the sword 4-1.

Manager Marcus Newell would continue to need his whole squad and made five changes from Saturday. Young David Birch was given an opportunity to impress between the sticks in place of Liam Higton. Also having a rest were Josh Lacey, Jack Richardson, Mark Gray & Curtis Bateson and into the team came Loz McKay, Matt Bloomer (captain), Liam Davis & Peter Winn respectively.

Clee were largely on top in the opening 45 and fashioned a couple of decent chances for Brody Robertson and another for Danny North. However, Gresley’s keeper Callum Hawkins made a good save to keep the Moatmen level as the interval approached.

Right on the break, the Owls fell behind to an excellent strike from Oliver Bassett. The winger cut in from the left flank before curling a shot into the top corner of the net.

HT Gresley 1 (Bassett 45) Cleethorpes Town 0

It did not take Clee too long to find the equaliser at the start of the second-half.

After Oli Donald narrowly headed wide from a corner, another dead ball delivery was not dealt with by the home defence. Bloomer was on hand to hammer in from 5 yards out to register his second of the season against Gresley.

The Owls introduced all three substitutes around the hour mark, namely Marc Cooper, Curtis Bateson and Jack Richardson.

The visitors continued to build a head of steam and took the lead in the 67th minute. A delightful move involving Liam Dickens and Jon Oglesby found Robertson. The prolific striker made no mistake to register for the fourth game in succession.

Clee had several opportunities to secure all the points, with Robertson, Donald and sub Cooper all going close. They were made to pay the price when Gresley grabbed their second in the 86th minute. Courtney Meade picked up a loose ball and strode through to slot past Birch to give his side a share of the spoils.

FT Gresley 2 (Bassett 45, Meade 86) Cleethorpes Town 2 (Bloomer 55, Robertson 67) Attendance: 129

A creditable point in the circumstances of all the fixture congestion!

Thank you to everyone who provided the updates / info to allow me to publish a shortened report. I’m pleased to say that I will be back in harness for tonight…

Belper Town away this evening (Tuesday – 7.45pm) and then we return to Bradley for two home games to complete the week. Automatic promotion hopefuls Alvechurch visit on Thursday (7.45pm) followed by play-off contenders Chasetown on Saturday (3pm).

All the lads will appreciate your support – let’s finish the season as well as we can!

UP THE OWLS!