The Owls defeated bogey side Sheffield FC by a comfortable 2-0 margin on Saturday afternoon at a very windy Linden. It was a first ever win against the visitors and maintained 3rd place in the BetVictor Northern Premier League. Goals on the day came from Jon Oglesby and a Scott Vernon penalty.

No real surprise that Dave Smith kept faith with the same starting XI that easily defeated Lincoln United last time out. The only change came on the bench, with young Alfie Usher replacing Matt Bloomer.

The side lined-up as follows:

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

Subs: Brody Robertson, Lewis Collins, Josh Lacey, Alfie Usher

It was quite mild for January at 3pm but a very strong wind was blowing down the ground towards the Church End, which Clee would attack in the first period.

The Owls dominated the early skirmishes and Vernon was desperately unlucky in the 5th minute to see his effort cannon away to safety off the woodwork. It continued to be Clee in the ascendency as the half progressed, with the only blemish being a caution for Harry Middleton.

Flett and Topliss combined excellently to set-up Bateson, but a defender blocked the shot. Then a long throw from the left was back-headed a yard wide by Donald.

Pressure was building and the Owls moved into the lead in the 27th minute.

Bateson, later named as the Docks Beers man-of-the-match by generous sponsors Andrew Jackson Solicitors, showed superb vision to fire a 40-yard cross-field lofted pass. The flight caught out the defence, who were left vainly looking for an offside flag, and Jon Oglesby chipped a delightful lob over the keeper into the net.

Captain Flett had a good chance to double the advantage when bursting clear, but the effort with the outside of the boot went wide. There followed a worrying moment when Donald fell heavily on his back. The home faithful were relieved to see that the big defender, who was again putting in a dominant aerial show, could continue after treatment.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Oglesby 27) Sheffield FC 0

A cagey opening to the second-half, with Sheffield endeavouring to fashion some positive play. Clee though maintained their collective composure and always looked the more likely outfit to score the important second.

A timely intervention from Lowe broke up a promising attack, before both Flett and Vernon were thwarted by good goalkeeping by Kelly.

Brody Robertson came on in the 74th minute to replace scorer Oglesby and the sub soon showed admirable persistence to win a free-kick near the right by-line. Donald rose high to meet the cross but headed straight at Kelly.

With the score still remaining 1-0 there was always a chance that the Owls could be caught by a sucker-punch. This looked like it was going to be the case with 8 to play, but Walker showed plenty of awareness to be in the right place to clear from underneath the crossbar.

This was as near as Sheffield came and Clee put a fairer reflection on the afternoon’s entertainment in the final minute of normal time. Flett was fouled in the box and the referee did not hesitate in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Scott Vernon to calmly fire beyond Kelly to put the points in the bank.

Still enough left on the watch for cameo appearances by Lewis Collins and Alfie Usher. The players to give way were Vernon and Bateson. No alarms for Clee in the added period and everyone could be well satisfied with the overall performance, extending the unbeaten League run to 13 at Linden in the process.

FT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Oglesby 27, Vernon 90 pen) Sheffield FC 0 Attendance: 359

Back-to-back clean sheets and another fairly routine victory – long may it continue! As I have said previously, we have plenty of goals in us, so when we can engineer a shut-out, it is very likely that we will win.

Always disappointing to return to the clubhouse to discover that all our rivals have won. However, we really need to put the table out of our minds and just concentrate on continuing with this good form. Newcastle next week would appear to be a gilt-edged chance to continue with the forward momentum.

The sponsors gave the man-of-the-match to Curtis Bateson, who caught the eye particularly in the first-half. However, for me, I am going with a defender. All 4 of the unit looked solid and a narrow preference is for Oli Donald. The young defender has battled back excellently from his sending off at Morpeth and provides a formidable barrier – well played!

Finally, thanks to the superb support. Another notable 350+ gate… see you next week.

Details:
Saturday 18th January – 3pm
Newcastle Town – BetVictor Northern Premier League
Linden, Clee Road, Grimsby, DN32 8QL

Admission:
Adults £8, Concessions £5, Under 16s £2

UP THE OWLS!