Clee shrugged off the disappointments of their recent away defeats to gain an important 2-1 verdict over Leek Town. Goals from Scott Vernon and Brody Robertson ensured the win, after Rob Stevenson had given the visitors the initiative. The vast majority of the Owls’ record home league attendance of 556 headed into the afternoon sunshine delighted by the commitment shown by their side.

Not for the first time this campaign, manager Dave Smith had plenty to ponder ahead of finalising his selection. In the end, Tim Lowe moved into central defence to cover for the suspended Jack Fixter, with Conor Marshall deputising at right-back. There was also a subtle change, as Brody Robertson and Brandon Buckley reversed their usual positions. Finally, there was a welcome return on the bench for Josh Batty, who had served his 3-game ban.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Conor Marshall, Tim Lowe, Oli Donald, Jon Oglesby
Midfield: Jack Richardson, Alex Flett (c), Lewis Collins
Attack: Brody Robertson, Scott Vernon, Brandon Buckley

Subs: Adam Millson, Andy Taylor, Matt Bloomer, Josh Batty

It was a delightful late Summer’s day by kick-off and the ground was packed out with juniors enjoying a day at the football with their parents.

Clee had the best of the early action but, after Robertson had volleyed narrowly over, it was the divisional leaders who moved ahead in the 12th minute. Rob Stevenson found plenty of space on the edge of the area and planted a low shot into the corner of the net.

A real setback for the Owls, who had every reason to perhaps be a little low in confidence. However, rather than retreat into their shell, Clee continued to enjoy the lion’s share of both possession and chances. Lowe had an effort bravely blocked and then Vernon was unlucky to be denied a penalty, as the striker was clumsily challenged on the 6-yard line. To the naked eye, there looked to a strong suspicion of handball as well.

Following a couple of lengthy injury stoppages, the home side were still working hard to restore parity. Nevertheless, with a proud 100% record to defend, Leek were well-organised and resolute in their approach. Just when it looked like it could again be a frustrating affair for the faithful, the equaliser arrived in the 43rd minute.

Pressure had been mounting on the Blues’ rearguard and when they could only half clear another attack, the ball fell to Scott Vernon 15-yards from the target on the left. The prolific forward did not hesitate, whipping an excellent curler beyond stopper Roberts into the top corner.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Vernon 43) Leek Town 1 (Stevenson 12)

The period after the restart was quite cagey, with Clee probing for the vital breakthrough. Leek had the occasional foray forward, although the pairing of Tim Lowe and Oli Donald were in fine fettle in the aerial battles. Indeed, the latter named would later claim the Dock Beers craft ale for his man-of-the-match display.

With the clock easing beyond the hour mark, there was a howl of protest around the stadium, when Robertson was bundled to the floor in the box. Again though, the official deemed the challenge to be fair and waved away the appeal.

Leek looked like they would be happy to take a point back to Staffordshire, but almost snatched more with their best attacking moment of the half. A header from 8 yards beat keeper Richardson. Collins showed good awareness to be in the right place on the line to ease the danger clear.

In a bid to force the issue, the management made a double change with 74 played. Scott Vernon and Brandon Buckley headed for the side-lines, with the introduction of the fresh legs of Andy Taylor and Josh Batty respectively.

In fairness, the encounter seemed to be moving towards a 1-1 conclusion, until a moment of real quality swung the day the way of the Owls in the 78th minute. Brody Robertson showed marvellous control and balance to latch on to a 40-yard ball from Oglesby. With a moment to compose himself, and with his marker toiling, the Clee man (pictured wheeling away to celebrate) shot low under Roberts to bring the crowd to their feet.

Now with a lead to protect and the hard work done, it was a case of game management. Robertson went close again though in the closing stages. This time Roberts pulled off a good tip over. With injury time approaching, Adam Millson came on for Lewis Collins and Clee saw out the remainder of play to record a thoroughly deserved 3 points.

FT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Vernon 43, Robertson 78) Leek Town 1 (Stevenson 12) Attendance: 556

One or two comments I heard afterwards suggested that it had been quite a scrappy 90 minutes. I strongly disagree with this assessment! My own take is that we played very well indeed. Leek had not won their first 8 games for no reason and we made them look comfortably second best.

Generally solid defending (too much space for the Leek goal though!), allied with some decent attacking football. Good patience as well - Leek were well organised and, in the half-hour or so that we were behind, it would have been easy to become frustrated.

On to my man-of-the-match. No disagreement from me with the sponsors’ choice of Oli Donald. A dominant display – well played! Honourable mentions too for Tim Lowe, who I quite like in central defence, and Lewis Collins.

We now have a chance to make a move when we entertain Wisbech Town next Saturday (note the date change). Before that though, we welcome Lincolnshire neighbours on Tuesday evening in the 1st Round of the Integro League Cup. Hope to see you there!

Details:
Tuesday 17th September – 7.45pm
Grantham Town – Integro League Cup
New Linden, Clee Road, Grimsby, DN32 8QL

Admission:
Adults £8, Over 65s and 16-17 years £5, Under 16s £2

UP THE OWLS!