A sensational turnaround in the second period ensured Clee did not fall to a shock defeat and kept their play-off hopes alive. Strikes from Jon Oglesby, Danny North, Tim Lowe and Josh Batty completed the 4-2 recovery victory. Relegation-threatened Carlton Town had earlier given the Owls an almighty scare by racing into a 2-goal interval lead, courtesy of Tyler Blake.

Dave Smith made three changes from the midweek triumph over Wisbech. Mark Gray was ruled out by injury and replaced by Paul Walker. Jack Richardson and Jon Oglesby were also given starts, ahead of Craig Disley and Brody Robertson, who both dropped to the bench. There was also a place amongst the substitutes for Luke Mascall, who earlier in the day had completed the administration to return from North Ferriby United. The side lined up as follows:

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

Subs: Craig Disley, Brody Robertson, Loz McKay, Josh Batty, Jack Richardson, Luke Mascall

Pleasant Spring sunshine greeted the players and it was the 19th placed Millers who started best. Twice the Owls were indebted to keeper Richardson. After Blake had forced an excellent save in the 2nd minute, shortly afterwards the stopper recovered superbly from being deceived by a bobbling ball to maintain parity.

Not the start that most of the crowd was expecting and matters got worse for the home faithful in the 10th minute, when Carlton got a merited reward for their early endeavours. A ball over the top of Lowe was brought under control by the chest of Tyler Blake. The lively striker had plenty of time to set himself and fire the Millers ahead.

This setback shook the Owls out of their lethargy and Clee proceeded to pin the visitors back during the next phase. Walker shot only a foot over the crossbar and a low effort from Vernon was turned away by Steggles.

Pressure was beginning to build on the Carlton back-line and, following a flowing team move in the 25th minute, captain Flett’s central free-kick was deflected behind by the wall. The equaliser would not come though and the visitors still looked a threat when they got forward.

With the break looming, the Millers heaped more misery on the Owls and ensured a surprise result was very much on the cards. It was a worryingly simple goal to concede as well. Opuku was allowed to turn 25-yards out and his clever ball split open the defence. Tyler Blake could barely believe he had been afforded so much space and easily slotted his second of the afternoon.

HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Carlton Town 2 (Blake 10, 44)

With some well-chosen words doubtless ringing in their ears, the Owls’ players responded superbly to wipe out their deficit within 7 minutes of the restart.

Lowe, Collins and Vernon were all involved in some clever build-up play on 50 minutes. It eventually found North and the forward’s low cross-shot was converted by the late run of Jon Oglesby from close range.

Clee were now playing with much more fire in their belly and a fantastic equaliser soon arrived. Lowe played a ball in, which was deftly flicked on by Vernon. Danny North surged through the inside-right channel and fired an unstoppable bullet into the top corner from around the apex of the 6-yard box.

The contest had completely changed and it was now the Owls who were doing the pressing. With news coming in from around the grounds that most of our immediate rivals were ahead, Clee were really forcing the issue to try to grab all the spoils. Oglesby played in a dangerous cross on 65 minutes, but it was beaten away by the Millers’ rearguard.

With time beginning to slip away, the management made a couple of changes in an effort to engineer a winner. Brody Robertson was introduced for Lewis Collins and Josh Batty came on for Scott Vernon.

Carlton were still offering the occasional glimpse going forward, but it was Clee who made the all-important breakthrough after 81 minutes. It was a cracker as well, coming in the unlikely shape of Tim Lowe, who scored for the first time this season. Picking up the ball on the halfway line, the right-back went on a trademark gallop forward, before letting fly from about 23-yards. The power on the strike seemed to deceive stopper Steggles and it found the roof of the net.

Delight and relief all round the ground, with the comeback complete. Luke Mascall then came on for a brief cameo in place of Danny North.

The icing was put on the cake as we headed towards the dying embers of the encounter, with Josh Batty adding to his impressive goals per minutes played statistics. The striker, doubtless frustrated at not being able to break into the starting XI, channelled his energy in the right way and registered his 19th of the campaign. Flett floated in a teasing left-wing free-kick and the substitute rose highest to acrobatically glance over Steggles.

HT Cleethorpes Town 4 (Oglesby 50, North 52, Lowe 81, Batty 87) Carlton Town 2 (Blake 10, 44) Attendance: 328

Never really in doubt…was it?!! Don’t know what happened in the first half, but it is fair to say that, for whatever reason, we did not play well!

Different story in the second 45 and the key was getting back in the game so quickly. Once it was 2-2, I thought the winner would come, but credit to Carlton for resisting until near the end. Perhaps the Millers can do us a favour at Sheffield on Tuesday evening…

Some great goals, with the efforts from Danny North and Tim Lowe standing out. After hitting the bar against Wisbech, I had a feeling that Tim was due one! Man-of-the-match for me was Alex Flett, who had his usual galvanising effect. Wouldn’t disagree with anyone that gave the accolade to Danny North though.

So, we sit 5 points behind Tadcaster, Ossett and Sheffield in the play-off race. Plenty of twists and turns ahead no doubt, with a very important game at Brighouse next up. A win there would also potentially drag them back into the mix. It won’t be easy by any means, but it is a match we cannot afford to lose.

Good attendance again yesterday – hope to see a few of you in West Yorkshire next weekend!

Details:
Saturday 30th March – 3pm
Brighouse Town – Evostik East
Dual Seal Stadium, St Giles Road, Brighouse, HD6 2PN

Admission:
To be confirmed

UP THE OWLS!