A goal in each half from Paul Walker and Brody Robertson was enough to secure the points against a dogged Pickering Town outfit, who could only respond with an injury time Ryan Blott penalty. The victory kept the Owls 8th in the Evostik East table, but only 5 points behind the play-off pace.

Manager Dave Smith made just one change from the 3-0 triumph last weekend at AFC Mansfield. With Oli Donald unavailable, it meant a recall for Mark Gray. This was the first alteration in defence since before Christmas. The side lined up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Tim Lowe, Paul Walker, Mark Gray, Sam Topliss
Midfield defence: Craig Disley, Alex Flett (captain)
Midfield attack: Brody Robertson, Lewis Collins, Jon Oglesby
Attack: Scott Vernon

Subs: Andy Taylor, Luke Mascall, Danny North, Josh Batty, Jack Richardson

The encounter got underway in bright early Spring sunshine and another good crowd was inside the ground. However, the prevailing unseasonal weather had dried out the pitch somewhat and it was clear from an early stage that the bounce was more akin to April, rather than late February.

It was the visitors who had the first opening in the 5th minute. Richardson was required to dive low to his right to make a good save from Bissett’s header. After this scare, Clee began to get into their stride and gradually became the more threatening side.

Vernon twice came close to sniffing out the opener. Firstly, the big striker nearly connected with a Lowe cross and then, following a long throw, confusion reigned in the Pikes’ area, but the ball was eventually lashed clear.

Pressure was coming onto the Pickering defence and it was breached in the 17th minute. Fantastic wing trickery from Oglesby set-up a shooting opportunity for Collins. The midfielder volleyed sweetly from 18 yards, but keeper Foulkes dived full length to palm behind. However, from the resultant short corner, a fine hanging cross from captain Flett was planted firmly into the net by the head of Paul Walker. It was the central defender’s 4th goal in his last dozen appearances.

The lead settled the home faithful and, as usual, they were providing words of encouragement to the players. Robertson pulled an effort just off-target after a raking run and then intelligent covering at the back snuffed out a glimmer of a chance for Vernon.

Pickering were certainly competitive, without looking over dangerous. Nevertheless, this all changed with 35 gone, when the Pikes had a golden chance to equalise.

A hopeful punt forward appeared to be routine for Gray. However, the defender, who had looked confident on his return to the starting XI, under hit his back pass on the awkward surface. Logan pounced and shot low, but stopper Richardson was equal to the task and flung his right boot at the ball to pull-off an excellent stop.

Flett entered the notebook in the 42nd minute for an infringement in centre field and the final action of the opening 45 saw the industrious Collins go within inches of doubling the Owls’ advantage.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Walker 17) Pickering Town 0

Clee started brightly from the restart. Oglesby skinned his marker near the by-line and his hard driven cross looked certain to be converted by Robertson, but the normally reliable striker’s radar went awry from close range and the sharp chance passed the wrong side of the upright.

Not to be outdone, the Owls continued to press and gained the merited cushion of a second goal in the 53rd minute. A defender misjudged a hooked ball forward by Oglesby, which allowed the alert Brody Robertson to swoop in and guide home from a very acute angle.

The hard work had now been largely completed and Clee set about seeking a third to make the points absolutely safe. Disley, who was really catching the eye with his reading of the game and energy, headed on to the roof of the net, before Lowe got well forward and was only denied by a last-ditch block.

It gradually became less fluent as we moved into the final quarter, not helped by stoppages to allow all 6 substitutions. Lewis Collins, Jon Oglesby and Tim Lowe, who had received treatment for a knock moments earlier, were withdrawn. The fresh legs of Danny North, Josh Batty and Luke Mascall were introduced for the Owls.

Barkway saw yellow for a scything challenge on Robertson and the main interest, with the clock ticking down, was whether the Clee rearguard could secure back-to-back clean sheets.

This looked nearly certain as we moved into the last of 4 allotted added minutes. There was to be a sting in the tail though, with the award of a penalty to the North Yorkshire side.

A cross from the right flank appeared to be too high for the onrushing striker, but he went to ground in a tangle with substitute Mascall. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and also cautioning the Owls’ man. Ryan Blott sent Richardson the wrong way with the kick.

The official allowed an additional nervy 60 seconds to be played, but Clee saw out this time entirely in the Pickering half to secure an important, and well deserved, victory.

FT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Walker 17, Robertson 53) Pickering Town 1 (Blott 90+4 pen) Attendance: 405

Not the greatest of games to be frank and it was a bit low-key I thought. However, I have trooped away on a few occasions this season when we have played miles better… and lost!! Therefore, a win is very much a win, particularly as we have reached the stage where the result is becoming all important.

We are now right in the mix for the play-offs and if we can do the “double” at Pickering next week, it promises to be an exciting final 10 matches of the campaign. On yesterday’s evidence, I would make us firm favourites in North Yorkshire…

On to man-of-the-match and my personal choice is Craig Disley. The “ginger Pirlo” is playing well now and has a touch of undoubted class. Honourable mentions also for the hard-working Scott Vernon and Theo Richardson, who was needed to make a couple of decent saves. Finally, Paul Walker did well and is developing a happy knack of popping up with his more than fair share of goals.

Details:
Saturday 2nd March – 3pm
Pickering Town – Evostik East
Recreation Club, Mill Lane, Pickering, YO18 7DB

Admission:
Adults £7, Concessions £5, Under 16s free

UP THE OWLS!