Clee returned to winning ways with a dramatic 2-1 verdict over Tadcaster Albion. Goals from Harvey Tomlinson and Jack McMenemy ensured that there is now a 5-point cushion over sides outside the play-off zone.

After 2 draws during the festive period, Nathan Arnold made 2 changes to try to inspire his charges to a positive result against the basement side.

New signing James McKeown came in for Tom Jackson, with Jack Moore-Billam preferred to fellow loanee Tomlinson.

A 4-2-3-1 formation lined-up as follows:

Goal: James McKeown
Defence: Tom Jamieson, Jordon Cooke, Tim Lowe, Leon Dawson
Midfield 1: Sam Topliss, Jack Moore-Billam
Midfield 2: Curtis Bateson, Alex Flett (c), Will Annan
Attack: Jack McMenemy

Subs: Josh Smaller, Josh Venney, Jon Oglesby, Harvey Tomlinson, Tom Jackson (gk)

Before the start at the Myenergi Stadium, tributes were paid to the popular Colin Wicks, who sadly passed away on Wednesday.

Both sides, officials & spectators joined in with a minute’s applause. There was also a memorial plaque placed on Colin’s regular seat and flowers given to the committee man's family.

On a wet pitch, which played well after a substantial amount of rain, the Owls set about their task in positive fashion.

McMenemy and Bateson both went close to opening the scoring in the early action. Captain Flett also shot narrowly wide following a skilful dribble.

Then, Annan nearly rounded off a superb move before Jamieson fired into the side-netting.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and chances, the home side fell behind in the shadow of the interval.

The Brewers conjured a fast counter-attack down the left flank, and a Hey cross was powerfully headed into the corner by Luke Hinsley.

HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Tadcaster Albion 1 (Hinsley 44)

Clee continued to press after the break but, as time wore on, frustration began to grow.

Albion, who hadn’t won in the NPL so far during their campaign, began to sense that they pull off a shock result.

However, after debutant Mazfari had denied Cooke with a terrific save, a triple substitution in the 63rd minute sparked a revival.

It was one of these changes that scored the deserved equaliser.

A magnificent through-ball from Alex Flett found Harvey Tomlinson. The young Grimsby Town loanee showed nice composure to supply the low finish.

McKeown pulled off an impressive stop from Sanyang to keep the scores level. This proved important because, with 7 additional minutes shown, the Owls galvanised themselves to deliver the winner.

94 was shining brightly on the scoreboard when Jack McMenemy received the ball in the box.

The striker, who had as always given everything for the cause, let fly with a left-foot daisy-cutter. Mazfari got fingers to it but could not prevent the shot finding the target, to spark wild scenes at the Church End.

FT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Tomlinson 73, McMenemy 90+4) Tadcaster Albion 1 (Hinsley 44) Attendance: 312

What an afternoon!

Firstly, the tributes to Colin were fitting. Thank you to all the fans for your contribution, and a special mention to Matt Davies for organising the collection.

I know that members of Colin’s family were greatly appreciative of the support from everyone at the Owls.

As for the football, who doesn’t love a comeback win in injury time?!!

We’ll perform much better and lose. But, on this particular day, it seemed all about the result – well played lads for digging it out!

(Picture credit: "Rainbow" Matt Davies)

UP THE OWLS!