On a cold day in Derbyshire, the Owls disappointing opening to the season continued with a 2-1 loss against Glossop North End on Saturday afternoon. It all started so promisingly for the visitors, with some dynamic play in the first-half. However, a Scott Vernon goal was the only reward, a fact that would come back to haunt Clee after the break.

Paul Walker, Curtis Bateson and Jon Oglesby were left out from last weekend’s team, with Tim Lowe, Oli Donald and Ross Hannah their replacements.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Tim Lowe, Oli Donald, Michael Jacklin, Sam Topliss
Midfield: Josh Venney, Harry Middleton, Alex Flett
Attack: Ross Hannah, Scott Vernon (c), Caine Winfarrah

Subs: Jon Oglesby, Liam Dickens, Rieves Boocock, Paul Walker, Curtis Bateson

Hopes were high amongst the travelling contingent that a positive outcome would be the reward for their 4-hour round-trip from the coast. Indeed, Clee started very brightly with some well-crafted football.

Donald headed over within 90 seconds and Vernon nearly converted a nicely flighted cross from Topliss. The hosts had their moments as well and missed a clear chance in the 10th minute, after some pinball in the box.

Venney, who was once again catching the eye form the media box, went on a superb mazy run before Winfarrah’s effort was deflected behind. Then, an audacious lob from 55-yards by Donald flew over the keeper, who was relieved the see it land wide.

Shortly afterwards, fluent interplay carved open the Hillmen rearguard and Lowe would have been disappointed to have not converted, when granted space inside the danger-zone.

All that had been lacking was a goal to emphasise Clee’s dominance. This was rectified in the 40th minute though. A swift build-up once again made mincemeat of the hard-pressed defence and Scott Vernon slid in at the far-post to grab a well-merited lead.

HT Glossop North End 0 Cleethorpes Town 1 (Vernon 40)

Clee were caught cold within moments of the restart. A ball in was lashed into the net. From the Main Stand, it looked like a clear own-goal, but Glossop’s Bevan Burey was later credited with the goal.

This setback for the Owls proved to be the big turning point. The Hillmen gained confidence and Clee began to struggle to reassert their earlier superiority. Vernon being denied by a flying save by stopper Latham was the closest Clee came to adding to the score-line.

The winner came for Glossop with a fraction under 20 left on the watch. Alfons Fosu-Mensah’s low daisy-cutter from close to the edge of the area nestled in the corner to delight the home crowd.

Clee were granted a lifeline with a quarter-of-an-hour to go. Earlier scorer Burey saw a second yellow for kicking the ball away and the referee sent him from the field. However, play was scrappy by now and the Owls could not conjure a late leveller.

The action ended in a degree of controversy during injury time, as Tim Lowe received a straight red for foul & abusive language. This was not the whole story however, with several spectators alleging sub Samms engaged in some very unsavoury behaviour.

FT Glossop North End 2 (Burey 47, Fosu-Mensah 71, Burey s/o 75) Cleethorpes Town 1 (Vernon 40, Lowe s/o 90+3) Attendance: 254

Another away trip on Tuesday (29th) – this time we visit Lincoln United (7.45pm)… hope to see you there! Thanks for your support today and chin up everyone!!

UP THE OWLS!