Cleethorpes Town 2 Worksop Town 1

The latest pre-season fixture saw old NCEL rivals Worksop Town visit New Linden, which was again bathed in delightful sunshine. The Owls were looking to extend their winning streak to three, after victories against Grimsby Town and Scunthorpe United.

Once again, it was a case of getting as many players involved as possible. The following sixteen were selected: David Birch, Paul Walker, Tom Davie, Lewis Collins, Mark Gray, Oli Donald, Jack Richardson, Alex Flett (captain), Andy Taylor, Brody Robertson, Jon Oglesby, Matt Bloomer, Liam Davis, Josh Batty, Kieran Wressell and Loz McKay respectively.

It was fairly even in the opening stages before a nicely flighted free-kick from Flett was headed narrowly over by big central defender Gray. Soon afterwards, an effort from Robertson was kept out by away keeper David Reay, before home stopper Birch handled confidently to snuff out a Tigers’ attack.

However, it was the visitors who struck first in the 25th minute. A free-kick in from the left flank was glanced deftly into roof of the net from six yards out by Matt Reay.

Worksop’s lead did not last long though and within four minutes the Owls drew level. Some intricate play through centre field saw the ball eventually find Collins. The midfielder, who has made an impressive start to his Clee career, slid his shot low under Reay.

The third goal arrived in the 42nd minute and the Owls moved ahead. A long ball from Oglesby caught out the Worksop defence and Robertson showed good improvisation to lob over the onrushing keeper into the unguarded net.

HT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Collins 29, Robertson 42) Worksop Town 1 (M Reay 25)

It continued to be pretty competitive for a friendly, with both sides showing some promising form for this stage of pre-season.

A couple of half chances came and went before the Owls were awarded a penalty midway through the half. McKay surged into the box before being upended. Worksop were aggrieved, as they had a strong case that a foul had been committed shortly before the incident. With regular taker Danny North absent with a slight knock, Flett stepped up but Reay dived to his left to beat the ball away.

The tempo gradually eased off as the match reached its conclusion. This was no surprise as the high temperature began to have an effect. Worksop were battling gamely for an equaliser but the Owls’ defence and young Birch kept them at bay with reasonable comfort.

An entertaining game ended without any additional goals and a narrow victory for Clee was probably about fair on the balance of play.

HT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Collins 29, Robertson 42) Worksop Town 1 (M Reay 25) Attendance: 155

Another good workout against reasonably decent opposition and nice to maintain the 100% record at New Linden – long may it continue…

Plenty of action still to come before the opener against Spalding United on 18th August and lots of time for everyone to impress the management. New boys Paul Walker and Lewis Collins have particularly caught my eye so far.

Next up on Wednesday (18th – 7.30pm) at New Linden, neighbours Grimsby Town pay another visit for a Lincolnshire Senior Cup Quarter-Final. As it is a Cup match, it is “all pay” on the night - admission is £5 / £3. The winners of the tie will move into the last 4 and a home encounter against either Lincoln United or Boston United (who also play on Wednesday).

UP THE OWLS!