Classy Owls go through to semi final

Goals from Jack Barlow, a wonder strike from Luke Mascall and a late well worked goal from Louis Grant sealed a Semi-Final place with Tadcaster Albion a week on Thursday.

Marcus Newell made a few changes to the side that lost to Handsworth Parramore 3-1 on Saturday as Liam Higton made just his second start in goal, whilst there were returns for Darren Hanslip, Marc Cooper and Jack Barlow.

With the sun setting, the visitors kicked off the evenings entertainment however an even open ten minutes prevented any notable action as both sides struggled to penetrate each others back line.

The first real chance came in the 14th minute when Grant closed down Clipstone Keeper Jamie Davies, his rushed clearance fell to Mascall but he just could not get his shot away and the chance came to nothing.

Only two minutes later though and the home fans were up off their feet as Jack Barlow went on a mazy run and slotted the ball home past Davies with a superb left footed effort, his 9th of the season.

Just 10 minutes later and Mascall scored possibly the goal of the season. A long ball forward was brilliantly controlled by the winger, he ran 15 yards with the ball in the left channel and riffled the ball past Davies giving him no chance.

The Owls pushed forward to try and further take advantage before the break but the Clipstone keeper could not be beaten, firstly by Marc Coopers 44th minute effort then deep into injury time Grant saw his shot well saved.

With no changes at the break, the Owls set off in buoyant mood to try and finish off what they had started. Mascall went close in the opening encounters, and then Grant came even closer but found Davies too quick for him as he raced off his line to smoother the ball.

Clipstone struggled to really get into the game and when they did, it was long-range efforts, which really didn’t test Owls keeper Higton as with just 19 minutes to go Callum Mawby tried his luck from 30 yards but the daisy cutter was easily saved.

Cooper then found Davies in fine form as he beat his marker Paddy Carrig and unleashed a powerful drive but the keeper stayed strong and palmed away his shot.

The tie was put out of Clipstone’s reach in the 87th minute after a fantastic break from the Owls involving Alex Flett who squared the ball to Mascall. His delicate pass to Hanslip was perfectly weight as his cross found Grant unmarked to slot home and book the Owls place in the Semi-Final on Thursday 23rd April, with a 7:45pm kick-off away at Tadcaster Albion.