The Owls remain firmly rooted to the foot of the Evostik East table after a disappointing 3-0 defeat on a difficult pitch in West Yorkshire. Two early goals left Clee with an uphill task and a third shortly after the break completed the scoring.

Dave Smith continued his task of finding the key to unlock the undoubted talent that lies in the Owls’ squad. The recently appointed manager opted for primarily a 4-3-3 formation, which could adapt to a 4-5-1 set-up as needed:

Goal: Dylan Parkin
Defence: Sam Topliss, Tim Lowe, Oli Donald, Loz McKay
Midfield: Liam Dickens, Alex Flett (captain), Jack Richardson
Attack: Brody Robertson, Scott Vernon, Jon Oglesby

Subs: Paul Walker, Danny North, Lewis Collins, Craig Disley, Josh Batty

Before kick-off, there was an impeccably observed silence in memory of the five people who lost their lives in the Leicester City helicopter crash and also, with Remembrance Day upcoming, to honour those who had fallen in warfare.

Almost a dream start for the Owls inside 50 seconds, when Donald got on the end of a floated free-kick from Flett. However, the central defender could not get enough power on his header to fully test home keeper Musselwhite.

The visitors were left to rue this missed opportunity as Pontefract went ahead in the 3rd minute. Mikey Dunn picked up the ball 35-yards out and his mazy run took him round several challenges. The midfielder’s shot found the corner of the net to the delight of the home contingent.

It nearly got worse on 8 minutes when Dunn blazed a glorious chance over the bar after Parkin had made a good save.

The Colls had adapted far quicker to the bobbly uneven surface and it was no surprise when they doubled their advantage just past the quarter-hour mark. Once more Dunn tormented the defence and after Parkin pushed away his effort, Eli Hey was on the spot to tap home.

Following this setback, the Owls gradually began to find their footing and Robertson had a glimmer of a chance but was eventually crowded out. The same player then shot just too high when he had crafted some space with clever skill.

The visitors were being urged to find a lifeline before the interval by the excellent travelling support and they were on their feet in the 43rd minute. Unfortunately, after Oglesby had lifted the ball over Musselwhite into the net, the celebrations were cut short by the assistant’s flag.

HT Pontefract Collieries 2 (Dunn 3, Hey 16) Cleethorpes Town 0

Both sides started positively, with Clee knowing that the next goal was going to be vital. The crowd did not have to wait long for it to arrive and it was Pontefract who moved into the comfort zone after 51 minutes.

The marking in the Owls’ rearguard appeared to go awry, as Jake Picton was afforded too much space from a free-kick and he guided the ball beyond Parkin’s reach.

In all fairness, there was no shortage of effort from Clee but it was turning into one of those afternoons when nothing was falling for the Owls. A point emphasised on the hour when Donald went agonisingly close following a corner.

With 66 minutes gone, it was time for a double change. Paul Walker and Josh Batty, fresh from his 6-goal haul for the reserves, replaced Oli Donald and Jon Oglesby respectively. This was quickly followed by Danny North entering the fray for Jack Richardson.

North almost had an immediate impact, striking the upright after a surging run down the left flank by McKay. This was as close as Clee got to a consolation though, as the final minutes were played out without too much goalmouth incident.

FT Pontefract Collieries 3 (Dunn 3, Hey 16, Picton 51) Cleethorpes Town 0 Attendance: 203

Five points adrift of safety is certainly a worrying situation to be in. However, all we can do is keep working to put things right.

Yesterday’s performance though certainly starts alarm bells ringing for me. Teams are still finding it far too easy to score against us. Ponte were OK and I would expect them to finish around mid-table. However, as we are finding out to our cost, with all sides in the division robust and well organised, you cannot give them a 2-goal head start.

One positive to take was the return “home” of Liam Dickens. I thought he did well on a trying afternoon.

Next up is a chance to lift some silverware! Stamford AFC are our opponents on Tuesday (6th – 7.45pm) in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup Final. The tie is to be played at Lincoln United FC and, if the scores are level after 90 minutes, it will be settled by penalties.

Admission (including programme): Adults £6 Concessions £4

UP THE OWLS!