The Owls’ good run of form continued on Boxing Day afternoon in front of a large holiday crowd. Goals from Josh Batty, Scott Vernon (2) and Alex Flett in a dominant second-half display ensured Clee claimed their fifth Evostik win in the last seven outings.

Manger Dave Smith was back in the dugout and made just one change from Saturday’s hard-fought victory at Spalding United. Tim Lowe returned at right-back in place of Luke Mascall and dual registered Luke Aldrich was added to the bench. The side lined up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Tim Lowe, Paul Walker, Oli Donald, Sam Topliss
Midfield defence: Liam Dickens, Alex Flett (captain)
Midfield attack: Lewis Collins, Danny North, Jon Oglesby
Attack: Scott Vernon

Subs: Jack Richardson, Matt Bloomer, Craig Disley, Josh Batty, Luke Aldrich

The Lincolnshire derby started in near perfect conditions for the time of year but a speculative shot from midfielder Collins was the closest either team came in a cagey opening phase.

Vernon did well in the 12th minute to burst through a couple of defenders to get clear. However, the Whites’ rearguard recovered quickly to crowd out the in-form front man. Almost immediately afterwards, Clee had a big shout for a penalty waved away by the referee, despite the ball appearing to get jammed between the thigh and arm of a Lincoln player.

Tim Lowe incurred the wrath of the official in the 17th minute and received a yellow for a blatant trip in centre field. The visitors were slowly finding their footing and stopper Richardson was required to make a good low save. Donald and Walker were once again forming an effective partnership, with the former rising high to do enough to force an opponent to head wide from a decent position.

Fair to say, it had become attritional as we went beyond 30 minutes but it was the Owls who sparked to life with a good spell.

North fired wide after creating space for himself, which was followed by the best move of the opening 45. Several slick passes opened up Lincoln before a defender bravely dived in to thwart Collins. Then, a stinging shot from winger Oglesby whistled just the wrong side of the upright.

The home side were now slightly in the ascendancy but suffered a blow in the 44th minute when Danny North had to leave the field with a hamstring injury. Josh Batty came on to see the last action of the first half, which was Richardson tipping over a 20-yard dipper.

HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Lincoln United 0

Not many amongst the season equalling best attendance inside New Linden would have expected to see 5 goals after the break. However, a superb display from the Owls tore Lincoln apart to ensure a festive bonanza for the home faithful.

Jack Richardson entered the fray after the half-time cuppa, with Liam Dickens withdrawn. Following the restart, it did not take very long for Clee to seize the initiative in the 48th minute.

The lively Collins caused difficulty for the away defence before the ball fell to Josh Batty on the very right-hand apex of the penalty area. The substitute showed a good change of gear to nip inside a covering player and unleashed a left-footer from 18 yards, which took a deflection on the way beyond keeper McGann. This was the pre-season signing’s 13th goal of the campaign in all competitions and the 4th in his last five appearances.

Most of the action was now taking place inside the Whites’ half and, following a sustained period of pressure, it was no surprise when the second arrived after 61 minutes. A deep corner from the right by captain Flett saw Donald guide the ball back into the danger zone. Here, it was met by the head of Walker and Scott Vernon was on hand to glance the ball into the net from close range.

The movement and fluidity amongst the Owls’ players was proving a treat to watch and it looked only a matter of time before a third fully secured the spoils. However, in an increasingly rare foray forward, it was Lincoln who reignited the contest in the 74th minute. It was a good one as well, with Lynton Karkach controlling a chipped ball on his thigh and hammering into the roof of the net from a fairly narrow angle.

Any thoughts of a comeback did not last long though, with Scott Vernon replying for the hosts within 120 seconds. A raking ball from Flett located Oglesby on the left wing, who waltzed away from his marker and served up a perfect cross. The big number 9 was in an ocean of space and headed in his 12th Evostik league strike of an increasingly impressive start to life in a Clee shirt.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of United and they were now a well beaten outfit. After Luke Aldrich had come on for Vernon, there was still time for the additional trimmings of a fourth for the Owls.

Not often that a goal is scored direct from a corner kick and one that keeper McGann will not be keen to see again on the highlights’ tape. An Alex Flett corner from the left was whipped in. It flew clean over the stopper to complete the afternoon’s scoring and send the vast majority away to resume their Christmas season in high spirits.

FT Cleethorpes Town 4 (Batty 48, Vernon 61, 76, Flett 87) Lincoln United 1 (Karkach 74) Attendance: 425

A match to really enjoy!

Even though the first 45 was not thrilling by any means, I was pleased with how we approached the game. We looked solid virtually throughout and the defence (and Theo in goal) can count themselves somewhat unlucky not to preserve a clean sheet. Paul Walker and Oli Donald once again played well and are developing a good partnership.

Yet again, plenty of candidates for man-of-the-match. For me personally, it would be Scott Vernon. Two close range headers do not tell the full story of his afternoon! He led the line with his usual vigour and his strike rate for the season is very good.

I hope the injury to Danny North is not too serious but we have a few alternatives, particularly Josh Batty, who looks as keen as mustard on the field at present! It would be a surprise to me to see many changes from the management for the fixture at Frickley…

Time to take stock as we reach the halfway point in our Evostik campaign. 25 points from 19 games is not going to uproot many trees but 16 of these have come in the last 7! Big credit goes to Dave Smith and his backroom staff – I have seen major improvements since the defeat at Pontefract in early November… well done to all concerned.

Looking at the table, I estimate we will need around 65 points to get to the pre-season aim of 5th place and the play-offs. Still a tall order after our slow start but I am starting to believe it may be possible – we couldn’t… could we?!

Anyway, all will be revealed as 2019 unfolds. The very best wishes to everyone for an enjoyable remainder of the festivities and a peaceful & prosperous New Year.

Details:
Tuesday 1st January – 3pm
Frickley Athletic – Evostik East
Westfield Lane, South Elmsall, WF9 2EQ

Admission:
Adults £10, Concessions £7, Under 16s £4

UP THE OWLS!