The Owls played out their first 0-0 away draw in the NPL at North Shields since the opening day of the 2019/20 campaign. A valuable point on the road kept the side safely inside the play-off zone.

With 6 of his squad either injured or unavailable, Nathan Arnold faced plenty of selection issues. However, the starting XI, which saw 4 changes from the Hebburn draw, still looked strong.

The match-day 16 was perhaps most notable for featuring no less than 5 18-year-olds, including Harvey Tomlinson, on a month-long loan from Grimsby Town. There was also a place on the bench for the evergreen new Assistant Manager Craig Disley.

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

Goal: Tom Jackson
Defence: Josh Smaller, Jordon Cooke, Tim Lowe, Leon Dawson
Midfield 1: Alex Flett (c), Jack Moore-Billam
Midfield 2: Harvey Tomlinson, Jack McMenemy, Will Annan
Attack: Dec Howe

Subs: Craig Disley, Curtis Bateson, Henry Parr, Harrison McCabe, Oliver Brackenbury (gk)

It was cold as the action got underway on the northern bank of the River Tyne. The pitch also proved to be troublesome for the combatants, which did nothing to add to the spectacle for the spectators inside the Daren Persson Stadium.

A number of fans had made the 6-hour round trip to cheer on the lads, which was much appreciated by the team and management.

Tomlinson was quickly into the action, at both ends of the field. Firstly, making a clean tackle to help out the defence and then seeing a shot saved by Hodgson.

Clee had certainly started the better. Both the ever-lively Howe and Annan burst clear, forcing the home keeper into relatively comfortable stops.

As time wore on, the play became slightly scrappier, with well-marshalled defences generally on top.

North Shields had a good chance in the shadow of the interval. Paterson would have been disappointed to blast over the crossbar, when well positioned.

HT North Shields 0 Cleethorpes Town 0

Clear opportunities were very at a premium after the half-time refreshments. Indeed, we had to wait until near the end for perhaps the best move of the day.

In the 87th minute, Clee cut through the rear-guard with a fast-paced break. Bateson unselfishly played a square pass to Moore-Billam, who was lurking near the penalty spot. Unfortunately, the young midfielder’s side-footer flew a yard the wrong side of the upright.

Then, in injury time, Van-Zandvliet failed to convert at the back-post for the hosts.

FT North Shields 0 Cleethorpes Town 0 Attendance: 294

So, the first away stalemate for well over 3 years! For those scratching their heads to remember the opposition, it was Ilkeston Town.

The old football conundrum – a point gained or two dropped? I will go with the former.

Never easy after a long journey to the north-east, and we certainly gave it 100%. Both sides had some decent chances but most agreed afterwards that a draw was about fair overall. Well done to the players & management.

Same again next week! Just £10 secures your place on the executive coach to Dunston - hope to see you there.

UP THE OWLS!