Scott Vernon (pictured scoring from the spot against Walsall Wood) kept his cool deep into injury time to tuck away a hotly-disputed penalty, which gave the Owls a share of the spoils against a decent Brighouse Town.

With Oli Donald suspended, Clee lined up in the following 4-4-2 formation:

Goal: Dylan Parkin
Defence: Sam Topliss, Tim Lowe, Matt Bloomer, Loz McKay
Midfield: Lewis Collins, Jack Richardson, Alex Flett (captain), Jon Oglesby
Attack: Scott Vernon, Brody Robertson

Subs: Luke Mascall, Danny North, Craig Disley, Connor Southern, Josh Batty

The opening period was played at a high tempo, particularly by the visitors. McKay needed to be alert to head away a dangerous cross, as Brighouse were moving the ball well on the zippy surface. They gained their reward in the 18th minute when Jack Normanton finished a good move at the far post.

After this setback, the Owls gradually got into their stride and forced successive corners. From the second, Lowe rose highest but could not direct his header on-target. Then, on 26 minutes, Robertson burst through and crossed into the danger zone. However, Oglesby’s goalbound shot was bravely blocked by a defender.

The encounter was now pretty even, with clear chances at a premium. More good hold-up play by Robertson set-up captain Flett to have a shot but the keeper was watchful and made the save. Then, a speculative effort from the visitors sailed over Parkin’s bar.

HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Brighouse Town 1 (Normanton 18)

Clee emerged from the dressing rooms with plenty of work to do to claim a first home league win of the campaign. However, it was Brighouse who started best and missed two golden chances to double their lead.

Firstly, in the 48th minute, Cham pulled wide when clean through and then, shortly afterwards, Thomas had a better opportunity. Some slick passing carved open the Clee rearguard. The striker had plenty of space and time to set himself but rushed his shot, sending it high into the night sky.

Jack Richardson received a caution for a foul in midfield and the home faithful were getting increasingly anxious, with the ball not falling kindly for the Owls in the box after a spell of pressure.

With around 20 to go, the management decided it was time for a couple of changes. Matt Bloomer and Lewis Collins were withdrawn in favour of Danny North and Josh Batty respectively.

The substitutions provided some fresh impetus and, with Brighouse now content to sit fairly deep in an effort to protect their slender advantage, Clee sensed they could earn a reward for an evening of hard toil. Flett once again warmed Porter’s fingers and, as we moved into 5 extra minutes, a period of pressing finally brought the equaliser.

Oglesby flew down the left wing to force a corner and when it was swung in, a visiting defender cleared off the line. In the next play, the same player surged into the box again. A defender slid in and looked to have won the ball but the referee pointed to the spot. Perhaps unsurprisingly, there was a lengthy protest from the visiting camp.

As the clock ticked into the 94th minute, Scott Vernon was waiting patiently. When he finally ran in, and as the Owl army collectively held their breath behind Porter’s goal, the big striker showed total composure to fire the ball firmly home to earn his side a valuable point.

FT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Vernon 90+4 pen) Brighouse Town 1 (Normanton 18) Attendance: 281

Not the most exciting game that I have ever witnessed but at least we kept working right to the end and the point allows us to climb from the foot of the table!

I thought that Brighouse were the best team we have faced in our 8 league matches. I had been tipped off beforehand that they would play at a high tempo. They certainly did and it is no surprise to see them sitting pretty in the division. The visitors must have been distraught not to gain three points.

As for us, perhaps the table does not tell the full story. However, we must not be lulled into a false sense of security. The Evostik East is a tough, tough test (much stronger than the South of last season) and most teams are good enough to pounce on any weakness.

As fans, we just need to stick together and, in all fairness, the support has been great. It is for the management team to find the key to success on the field.

Next up on Saturday (3pm) is another home fixture against old NCEL rivals Tadcaster Albion.

Admission:
Adults £8, Concessions (over 65s and 16-18) £4, Under 16s £2

UP THE OWLS!