The Owls recorded a disappointing 3-0 loss at mid-table Long Eaton United on Saturday afternoon. Nothing much went right for the visitors, who returned to the coast with plenty to ponder.

Following the dramatic late win against Tadcaster, manager Nathan Arnold made just the solitary change. Harvey Tomlinson came in for Will Annan.

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

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

Subs: Josh Smaller, Josh Venney, Paul Walker, Josh Woodcock, Dec Howe

Having survived a precautionary inspection following heavy overnight rain, the pitch was in reasonable condition for the time of year.

In the early skirmishes, Cursons fired a yard wide for the hosts before persistence from McMenemy nearly forced an own-goal.

United gained the initiative near the midway point of the first period. Jamie Walker cut in from the right, before providing a nice curling finish inside the far-post.

For the rest of the half, it was largely nip-and-tuck, without much in the way of clear chances.

In the Owls’ best moments, Bateson surged to the by-line but was eventually crowded out, and then an in-swinging corner by Dawson narrowly evaded the head of a leaping McMenemy.

HT Long Eaton United 1 (Walker 22) Cleethorpes Town 0

Sub Walker, who was making a welcome return from injury, sprinted through centre-field in the 53rd minute and laid in Bateson. The winger’s flashing drive was just too high.

Clee were certainly holding their own but the decisive moment of creativity continued to elude the men in yellow.

With 20 left to play, Long Eaton gave themselves breathing space by doubling the advantage.

Cooke was penalised for a trip in the box. It looked slightly soft from the media seats in the Big Jim Stand, but the officials were adamant. Walker slotted home into the corner.

Salt was rubbed into the Owls’ wounds near the end. Confusion in the rear-guard allowed Tom Cursons time to find an empty net from around 30-yards out.

FT Long Eaton United 3 (Walker 22, 71 pen, Cursons 83) Cleethorpes Town 0 Attendance: 261

Nothing really clicked and we ended up well beaten in Derbyshire. Needless to say though, everyone is working hard behind the scenes to get it right.

We all have to stick together and roll-up our collective sleeves to ensure that we maintain the precious play-off place. Still 16 NPL fixtures left plus a Senior Cup semi-final to look forward to. The tie at Spalding has been set for Tuesday 21st February (7.45pm).

As I write this report, tomorrow’s scheduled game at Consett is “very doubtful”, due to a snow covered, frozen pitch. Hope to see you at Brid!

(Picture credit: Long Eaton United FC)

UP THE OWLS!