The Owls dug deep to mine out a 2-0 win in the Northern Premier League over Brighouse Town in a mud-bath on Tuesday evening. Goals from Luke Lofts & Scott Vernon were enough to keep the visitors firmly on course for a home semi-final in the end of season play-offs.

After a 10-day break, Dave Smith made use of the strong squad at his disposal. There were 3 changes from the Dunston fixture. In came Josh Venney, Liam Dickens & Curtis Morrison at the expense of Tim Lowe, Harry Middleton & Jack McMenemy respectively.

Line-up as follows in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Goal: Tom Jackson
Defence: Sam Topliss, Jordon Cooke, Ben Middleton, Loz McKay
Midfield 1: Liam Dickens, Josh Venney
Midfield 2: Curtis Morrison, Alex Flett (c), Luke Lofts
Attack: Brody Robertson

Subs: Josh Smaller, Harry Middleton, Leon Dawson, Scott Vernon, Jack McMenemy

Having survived a mid-afternoon inspection by a local referee, the match officials took another look at 6.30pm. To the relief of everyone, the green light was given. It proved to be the correct call, with player safety not compromised by the extremely heavy surface.

It was cold but clear at kick-off, and the early action was typically competitive & pretty even.

In the best moments, McKay bravely blocked a fierce drive and then (Ben) Middleton headed narrowly wide from a corner, following good play by Morrison.

The all-important opener arrived with the clock on the half-hour mark. An excellent assist by Robertson set-in Luke Lofts, who showed fine composure to rifle a low effort beyond Souter.

Brighouse would count themselves somewhat unfortunate to trail after contributing to a full-bloodied first 45, but the Owls’ defence and stopper Jackson were in an uncompromising mood.

HT Brighouse Town 0 Cleethorpes Town 1 (Lofts 30)

The pivotal moment of the night came in the 52nd minute. A free-kick was awarded to Brighouse around 22-yards out. Boyle curled a dipping delivery over the wall. For all money, it looked certain to nestle in the net.

Tom Jackson had other ideas though! The ultra-reliable keeper sprang out of the glue-pot to somehow, at full stretch, fingertip the effort onto the underside of the crossbar and away to safety. It was definitely a save that will live long in the memory.

After gamely weathering Brighouse’s best spell, Clee continued to probe for the second.

With 77 minutes elapsed, a pinpoint cross from the ever-lively Lofts was swept home by substitute Scott Vernon to the delight of the travelling support.

The striker was returning from a recent back problem – a big boost for the Owls’ run-in. As always, Scott's positioning in the box was spot-on.

No more alarms for the blue & black, who could be delighted with yet another road victory. A resolute, disciplined display, with plenty of steel at the back and 2 quality goals.

FT Brighouse Town 0 Cleethorpes Town 2 (Lofts 30, Vernon 78) Attendance: 159

“But can you do it on a cold Tuesday night in West Yorkshire?” – as someone once said!! Turns out the answer is yes, yes we can!

Well pleased with that level of commitment. First class – congratulations to the players and management.

The table makes happy reading this morning. Liversedge next on Saturday… tricky but certainly nothing to fear. We go into the fixture sporting an 8-game unbeaten run, so confidence is sure to be high.

Thanks to the fans that travelled last night and I hope to see you at the weekend.

UP THE OWLS!