Both sides made a strong start to the game, with the Owls pushing forward early on and a couple of corners provided opportunities for Cleethorpes, however the Owls couldn’t take advantage of the corners.

Shortly after, Basford put in a good delivery to the Clee box, as Wells got on the end of a good cross from Reid, however the effort didn’t trouble Higton and went wide.

The Owls had an opportunity shortly after the 5th minute of the game, as after some good play in the middle of the park, Oglesby made his way through the Basford defence before firing a powerful shot towards goal, however Deeney made a good save to deny the Owls.

In the 15th minute of the game, Basford took the lead after a great free kick into the box from Matt Thornhill was headed into the top corner by Lewis Carr, leaving Higton with no chance.

Marcus Newell’s men responded immediately and levelled the score just two minutes later. The goal came from another free kick, as Alex Flett put a great cross into the danger area and defender Matty Coleman lifted the ball over the goalkeeper from close range.

The equalizer lifted the Owls and looked to press on to try and get in the lead. Cleethorpes forward Cooper went close in the 34th minute, after McKay did very well down the left hand side, McKay put a great cross into the box and Cooper’s header went over the bar.

Basford ended the first half strong though and probably should have done better in the 40th minute as Wells set up Reid from the right hand side, however Reid’s effort was straight at Higton.

Shortly after Basford got forward again but Wells sliced his effort wide of Higton’s post after Thornhill was strong in the air to lay the ball off for the forward.

That was the final chance of the half, the scores being level was probably the fair scoreline at half time, with both teams looking dangerous when going forward but also very compact at the back.

Cleethorpes surged forward early on in the second half and the Owls were awarded a penalty in the 47th minute, as Ashley Grayson brought down Liam Davis and the referee pointed to the spot. Peter Winn was to take the penalty and he made no mistake from 12 yards, drilling his penalty low into the bottom right corner.

After the Owls took the lead, Basford began to up the pressure and went close just after the hour mark, as Grantham put in a good cross for Hutchinson who then volleyed wide, Reid was also unable to convert on the rebound, as his effort clipped the post.

Not long after, Basford were awarded a penalty, as Mascall was penalised for a challenge on Grantham. The referee also deemed the challenge to be worthy of a red card, as Mascall was given his marching orders. The decision was greeted with uproar by the Cleethorpes supporters, who disagreed with the decision. Basford then made no mistake from the penalty, as Hutchinson rolled the penalty past Higton.

With the Owls down to ten men, Basford pushed to take the lead and went close in the 83rd minute but Thornhill’s effort grazed the bar and went over.

There was some late drama at the end of the game, as Carr was sent off for the home side in added time at the end of the game, the player picked up a second yellow card.

It was a decent away point for the Owls, who continued their unbeaten run this season.