Clee returned to winning ways with a 3-1 triumph over Wisbech Town at New Linden. A goal from Lewis Collins and a brace from top-scorer Scott Vernon was enough to see off the Fenmen, who replied with a strike by Toby Hilliard.

Dave Smith made two changes from last time out at Marske. Mark Gray returned at centre-half to replace the injured Paul Walker and Danny North started in preference to Jon Oglesby. The side lined up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Tim Lowe, Mark Gray, Oli Donald, Sam Topliss
Midfield defence: Craig Disley, Alex Flett (captain)
Midfield attack: Lewis Collins, Danny North, Brody Robertson
Attack: Scott Vernon

Subs: Loz McKay, Jon Oglesby, Josh Batty, Jack Richardson, Matt Bloomer

Considering the rain at the weekend, the groundstaff had worked wonders to get the surface in a very decent condition for the time of year.

The encounter began at a frenetic pace, with both sides needing a result for contrasting reasons. Indeed, it was relegation-threatened Wisbech who belied their lowly status by starting positively. However, the pairing of Gray & Donald looked secure and it was the latter named that had the first sniff of an opening for the Owls, heading wide from an acute angle.

Half chances were the order of the day, until the breakthrough came for Clee in the 20th minute. Vernon did well to create a spot of mayhem in the box when he challenged for a long ball. The defence could not recover and Lewis Collins, who was alert to the possibility of a chance, moved in to strike home from around 6-yards.

This boost put the wind in the Owls’ sails and Lowe surged through centre field, before a timely challenge ended the full-back’s charge. If the home faithful, who had once again turned out in excellent numbers, had expected a relaxing evening, this changed dramatically after 29 minutes.

A lob forward was flicked on and the late run of Toby Hilliard took him clear of the defence. As Clee looked hopefully for the assistant’s flag, the striker hit a daisy-cutter into the far corner to level matters for Wisbech.

In all fairness, it was hard to argue that the Fenmen, who had adopted a much more positive approach than many visiting teams this term, did not deserve their goal. However, the joy was short-lived, with the pivotal moment coming in the 34th minute.

Collins was again involved, this time setting-up Scott Vernon. The number 9’s effort was goal-bound but the top of Jack Keeble’s arm intervened. It looked clear from the Buildbase Stand and Mr Chester agreed, pointing to the spot and brandishing a red card. After dusting himself down, Vernon despatched the penalty to reach the landmark of 20 for the season in all competitions.

The rest of the half was spent with Clee probing away to make the numerical ascendancy count, without adding to their advantage.

HT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Collins 20, Vernon 34 pen) Wisbech Town 1 (Hilliard 29)

Clee, who sensed another goal would kill off the Fenmen’s challenge, came out determined to settle affairs. Twice inside the opening 10 minutes after the interval, the woodwork was hit. Firstly, North found space and his hard shot struck the base of the upright, before the unlucky Lowe rattled the crossbar.

It was largely one-way traffic and, with Wisbech pushed back, it seemed to be only a question of time before the Owls registered again. However, despite creating a number of chances, none found the target. Vernon had the best opportunity but pulled wide in the 63rd minute.

Dave Smith opted to make all 3 changes in close order around the midway point of the half. Josh Batty, Jon Oglesby and Jack Richardson were all introduced for Lewis Collins, Brody Robertson and Craig Disley respectively.

The pressure continued to come onto the overworked Wisbech rearguard and Vernon once again tested the strength of the goal-frame in the 77th minute. With only 1-goal still separating the sides, there was always the possibility of Clee falling for a counter-punch. Nevertheless, the Fenmen could not really gain enough possession against a disciplined Owls’ unit to threaten an unlikely equaliser.

With the clock beginning to tick down, the comfort blanket of a decisive third came three minutes from time. Superb skill from sub Oglesby on the right pinpointed Scott Vernon, who had moved away from his marker. The prolific front-man did not waste the opportunity, giving keeper Swan no chance to the delight of the vast majority of the spectators.

With the points now under lock-and-key, the remainder of time was played out without major incident, as the Owls soared up to 7th in the division.

HT Cleethorpes Town 3 (Collins 20, Vernon 34 pen, 87) Wisbech Town 1 (Hilliard 29) Attendance: 385

A strange sort of game! Could, and probably should, have won much more easily, but I am sure we were all relieved when the third went in.

Even without the penalty incident, I am pretty sure we would have worn down Wisbech in the end. In all fairness, the visitors were better than I had expected beforehand. Notwithstanding this, we played in a pretty resolute manner and, as I have said in the last month, the result is now all important.

Carlton on Saturday is a another must win. We need to overtake Sheffield and Ossett to reach fifth and, looking at everyone’s fixtures this morning, I suspect that unfortunately my previous prediction of 65 or 66 points might be a tad conservative. I now think 67 may well be the mark to reach the play-offs. We can still make it to 72 though, so as someone once said “one game at a time”!!!

On to my man-of-the-match and it goes to Scott Vernon. The big man is a handful for defences and I am delighted to see him through the 20-goal barrier. Tim Lowe, Oli Donald and particularly Alex Flett caught my eye as well, with the latter his usual efficient self.

Good atmosphere under the lights last night – hope to see everyone out in force again at the weekend!

Details:
Saturday 23rd March – 3pm
Carlton Town – Evostik East
New Linden, Clee Road, Grimsby, DN32 8QL

Admission:
Adults £8, Concessions (over 65s and 16-18) £4, Under 16s £2

UP THE OWLS!