Clee’s bid for promotion ended at the play-off semi-stage on Tuesday evening, with Stockton Town winning 2-1 in front of another record crowd for a competitive match at the Myenergi Stadium.

Ben Middleton’s goal was all the Owls had to show for their terrific work-rate. In truth, a mixture of bad luck, uncompromising defending and excellent goalkeeping by Callum Roberts denied the home side a place in Saturday’s showpiece.

Dave Smith made one enforced change from the 4-0 win at Hebburn. With Jon Oglesby unavailable, McCauley Snelgrove earned a recall.

The side lined-up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:

Goal: Tom Jackson
Defence: Tim Lowe, Jordon Cooke, Ben Middleton, Loz McKay
Midfield (1): Josh Venney, Alex Flett (c)
Midfield (2): Brody Robertson, Luke Lofts, McCauley Snelgrove
Attack: Jack McMenemy

Subs: Josh Smaller, Leon Dawson, Harry Middleton, Scott Vernon, Charlie Dixon (gk)

There was a boisterous atmosphere in the Main Stand by kick-off, with the home faithful providing magnificent vocal & musical support.

Half-chances at either end to start an enthralling tie. Jackson made a good save to deny Hayes and Snelgrove headed narrowly wide from a McKay corner.

It was to be the Anchors though who assumed the ascendency with a 2-goal salvo.

Firstly, on 15 minutes, a Mulligan cross was cleared but recycled by Coulthard onto to the head of Adam Nicholson, who made no mistake from close range.

Then, a short time later, the lead was doubled. After Lowe had heroically turned an effort onto the crossbar, the ball fell to Kevin Hayes. The winger cut in and fired into the far corner.

The response from the Owls was immediate. Big defender Ben Middleton rose highest amidst a cluster of players to halve the deficit.

As a pulsating contest, that was being played at a million miles an hour, turned increasingly feisty, Robertson was denied by Roberts at point-blank range.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Middleton 26) Stockton Town 2 (Nicholson 15, Hayes 21)

With the tension around the stadium ramping up, Lofts twice went close to forcing the equaliser. The tricky forward blasting over before, on the hour-mark, firing against the base of the left-hand upright at the Church End.

Clee were in the ascendency at this stage. However, with time now very much the enemy, the deserved leveller just would not come.

Scorer Middleton drew an acrobatic tip-over from Roberts and, following on from having an incredible 5 successive corners beaten away, the fans could sense it was going to be one of those nights.

6 additional minutes came & went, and, at the end, it was to be the Anchors who were left to celebrate.

Both teams richly deserved their rousing ovations as they departed the field. The Owls were left to collectively reflect on what might have been. Nevertheless, they had given their absolute all, and achieved a very creditable 3rd-placed finish in a tough division plus a great FA Cup run.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Middleton 26) Stockton Town 2 (Nicholson 15, Hayes 21) Attendance: 828

Firstly, congratulations must go to Stockton. Best of luck to them and Marske in the final.

It is a well-worn phrase, but the play-offs are a bit of a lottery! The nature of non-league, with only 1 automatic promotion spot per division, makes it tricky to go up. We didn’t do it this time – Lady Luck was not smiling on us to be fair.

Very natural to be disappointed of course. That’s football, our day for another promotion will come, I am sure of it!

Well played to all the squad & management, a pleasure to deal with, as always. Time to recharge the batteries and go again.

Now the fans. What can I say, other than brilliant!! Thank you to everyone that has followed the Owls over the last 9 months. On a personal note, I really appreciate all your comments about my match reports & tweets.

Finally, there is sure to be plenty going on at Linden over the next few weeks, but 2 dates for your diaries.

Friday 6th May (7.30pm) – Presentation Night
Saturday 2nd July (3pm at the Myenergi) – opening friendly

All the best!

UP THE OWLS!

(Picture credit: Hayden Newbegin)