Goals from Scott Vernon and Curtis Bateson helped Clee defeat Ilkeston Town 2-1 on an exciting Sunday afternoon at Linden. Ryan Campbell-Gordon replied for the visitors, who also saw a penalty saved by Theo Richardson. The win moved the Owls back to 3rd in the table.

With manager Dave Smith away, team affairs were looked after for the day by Matt Bloomer, Jon Davy and Matty Powell. There were two changes from the heavy defeat at Stamford. Harry Middleton and Jon Oglesby were drafted in, with Lewis Collins and Brody Robertson beginning on the bench. There was a subtle change to the system as well, with Alex Flett starting further forward in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Sam Topliss, Tim Lowe, Oli Donald, Josh Lacey
Holding Midfield: Conor Marshall, Harry Middleton
Attacking Midfield: Curis Bateson, Alex Flett (c), Jon Oglesby
Attack: Scott Vernon

Subs: Paul Walker, Brody Robertson, Josh Batty, Lewis Collins, Alex Lait (gk)

The match between the high-flying 4th & 5th placed sides got underway in pleasant Winter conditions before a large festive crowd. However, an area of the pitch near the centre-circle was extremely heavy and it was only after much hard work from both ground-staff & volunteers that the fixture got the green light.

After an impeccably observed silence in memory of Mr. Jeff Stanley, Ilkeston were fast out of the blocks and had a dangerous free-kick deflected wide. Nevertheless, Clee had the best opening in the initial skirmishes. Oglesby sprung the offside trap and burst clear before squaring to Vernon. The defence recovered just in time to crowd out the top-scorer.

It was end-to-end and Fyre missed a clear opportunity for the Robins. Not to be outdone, and as play instantly switched towards the King George V End, Bateson shot into the side-netting. Shortly afterwards, Oglesby tested Durrant with a 20-yard curler, but the stopper athletically dived to his right to ease the ball behind.

All that had been missing was a goal and this was rectified in the 29th minute. Another swift attack, and cross from the right by-line, culminated with Scott Vernon timing his leap perfectly at the far-post to head his 18th of the campaign into the roof of the net.

No let-up to the pace as the interval loomed, with Ilkeston continuing to pose a threat. However, it was the Owls who came closest to doubling their advantage. Oglesby again tested Durrant and, as the ball went loose, captain Flett’s instinctive effort cannoned off the top of the crossbar and went to safety.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Vernon 29) Ilkeston Town 0

It was very even after the re-start and the Robins struck to equalise with 53 on the watch. Ryan Campbell-Gordon found himself in a fraction of space in the inside left channel and prodded home through a forest of players.

Buoyed by restoring parity, and cheered on by a boisterous travelling support, Ilkeston enjoyed a good spell. The Owls stood firm though, with Donald in particular winning some important aerial battles, and it was to be the home faithful celebrating shorty after the hour mark.

A fine goal to savour as well. Breaking at pace along the right flank, Curtis Bateson weaved his way beyond his marker into the box and the winger found the target, via the inside of the post.

No chance to relax for the richly entertained audience, with Lowe making a well-timed saving tackle and then Oglesby yet again finding Durrant in top form, the big keeper flinging out a boot to keep his side in contention.

Moments later, it seemed a potentially pivotal intervention as Ilkeston were awarded a penalty. The referee, who had officiated throughout with common-sense in the prevailing conditions, pointed to the spot after spotting a foul by Conor Marshall. It was his namesake, sub Alex Marshall, who took responsibility. His kick though was too central and Theo Richardson swooped down to shovel the ball over the bar.

Relief all around Linden and, as time began to ebb away, Josh Batty was introduced for Bateson. Unfortunately, the front man only lasted a short while before sustaining an injury. As he limped away, Lewis Collins entered the fray for the 6 additional minutes.

The match had been played in a generally good spirit but, as tensions rose, 3 late bookings saw Alex Flett and Oli Donald enter the notebook, along with the Robins’ captain Dan Racchi.

No more late drama and, as the whistle sounded, there was a well-deserved ovation for all the players from the appreciative supporters – it had been a terrific advert for Northern Premier League football.

FT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Vernon 29, Bateson 63) Ilkeston Town 1 (Campbell-Gordon 53) Attendance: 502

An excellent and thoroughly enjoyable match to watch would be my summary! Great to get the win and start an important run of fixtures on the front foot.

It was a good all-round display, with several players catching the eye. No surprise that generous sponsors Grimsby Minibuses gave the Docks’ Beers man-of the-match to Alex Flett.

My slight preference would be for Jon Oglesby, who could have had a hat-trick without Durrant’s fine stops. Also, Oli Donald and Curtis Bateson stood out for your reporter. Of course, I must mention Theo Richardson, who overcame a bout of illness to pull off the penalty save.

Onwards to 3 fixtures in a week, starting next Saturday with a lengthy trip to Market Drayton Town – all support very welcome!

Finally, very many thanks for all your support of this column during 2019. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy & peaceful New Year.

Details:
Saturday 28th December – 3pm
Market Drayton Town – BetVictor Northern Premier League
Greenfields Sports Ground, Greenfield Lane, Market Drayton, TF9 3SL

Admission:
To be confirmed

UP THE OWLS!