Clee produced arguably their best away performance so far in the BetVictor Northern Premier but left Staffordshire frustrated that it ended 1-1. Scott Vernon gave the Owls an early advantage and the visitors dominated the encounter for long periods. However, the cushion of a second never arrived and George Cater levelled for Chasetown in the 70th minute.

The main team news was Dave Smith deciding to bring new signing Curtis Bateson straight in to the starting XI, replacing Brandon Buckley. The other change from the FA Trophy tie with Mossley saw Tim Lowe preferred at centre-half to Ben Clappison.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Paul Walker, Tim Lowe, Oli Donald, Jon Oglesby
Midfield: Ben Davies, Alex Flett (c), Lewis Collins
Attack: Brody Robertson, Scott Vernon, Curtis Bateson

Subs: Ben Clappison, Brandon Buckley, Jack Richardson, Conor Marshall, Josh Batty

The Owls started by far the best and had the ball in the net after 7 minutes. Tricky play from Bateson allowed him to get to the by-line and his cross was tapped home by Vernon. Unfortunately, the assistant flagged for offside, not a decision agreed with by the Clee men.

Not long afterwards though, the visiting contingent were on their feet to celebrate. Keeper Pond’s clearance cannoned into Scott Vernon and the top-scorer did not waste the golden chance, keeping cool and picking his spot from 6-yards. Strong appeals for handball from Chasetown but, after consulting with his assistant who was well placed to view the incident, the referee awarded the goal.

It continued to be largely one-way traffic, with Clee keeping the ball particularly well.
Collins volleyed narrowly over and then a Vernon header nearly rounded off a splendid period of play. The best chance of this dominance fell to Flett just beyond the half-hour mark. For once though, the captain’s radar went astray, firing high into the stand after good work by Vernon.

Chasetown’s only sniff of a chance in the opening 45 was a diving header from Brown that went straight at well-positioned stopper Richardson. As the players headed in at the interval, the hosts would have been relieved to be only one adrift.

HT Chasetown 0 Cleethorpes Town 1 (Vernon 12)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Chasetown reappeared with a good deal more urgency to their efforts. Sub Langston bent in a ball that went a yard over in the 53rd minute. The Owls responded brightly and Collins rattled the outside of the upright.

Conor Marshall came on for Paul Walker, who could be pleased with his 66 minutes as his comeback continues to gather pace. In fact, the defence was largely untroubled, with Lowe and Donald displaying their usual aerial prowess. Therefore, it came as something of a shock when the Scholars grabbed the equaliser.

George Cater ghosted into space on the left-hand side of the box and controlled a through-ball from Westwood. Advancing a couple of yards, he blasted beyond Richardson into the roof of the net. From a Clee perspective, probably avoidable but is was a good finish.

Despite being pegged back, the Owls maintained their discipline as they went in search of a winner. Robertson tried a spectacular bicycle kick that flew wide and Flett had a low shot saved.

The manager introduced his final two changes, in the shape of Jack Richardson and Josh Batty. Lewis Collins and Brody Robertson were withdrawn.

No more clear chances in the 4 added minutes and, at the whistle, Clee could be pleased with their display, if not the final scoreline. The result leaves the Owls still well-paced in third in the South-East table.

FT Chasetown 1 (Cater 70) Cleethorpes Town 1 (Vernon 12) Attendance: 193

Ultimately a frustrating afternoon! On the face of it, 1-1 away is not bad at all but those of us in Staffordshire were left to reflect on how we did not leave with all 3 points.

I thought the first 45 was our best League half on the road so far. Keeping the ball well, whilst also creating plenty of opportunities. 3-0 at the break would have been about right and, of course, then there would have been no way back for Chasetown.

The second period was more even and we paid the price in the end for missed chances. So, 2 points dropped or 1 gained? Who knows! Keep playing like this though and will be OK…

Plenty of contenders for man-of-the-match, if was a good all-round display. My pick though is Tim Lowe, who continues to be a revelation since his switch to centre-back – well played!

Details:
Saturday 26th October – 3pm
Wisbech Town – BetVictor Northern Premier league
The Fenland Stadium, Wisbech, PE14 7AL

Admission:
To be confirmed

UP THE OWLS!