Spalding United 1 Cleethorpes Town 2

A late header by Scott Vernon, added to a first half strike from substitute Josh Batty, was enough for the Owls to claim the points in a typically competitive Evostik East contest in south Lincolnshire.

With Dave Smith absent for the day, the responsibility to oversee team affairs was left in the capable hands of Matt Bloomer, Jon Davy and Matty Powell respectively. Although not at the Sir Halley Stewart Stadium, the manager was in phone contact and certainly had a large say on the following starting XI:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Luke Mascall, Paul Walker, Oli Donald, Sam Topliss
Midfield defence: Liam Dickens, Alex Flett (captain)
Midfield attack: Lewis Collins, Danny North, Jon Oglesby
Attack: Scott Vernon

Subs: Jack Richardson, Matt Bloomer, Craig Disley, Josh Batty

There had been plenty of rain on Friday and, as the match got underway, the pitch was not in the best condition. However, the Owls line-up had a more attacking feel than the last two outings and the visitors almost gained the perfect start in the 3rd minute. From a corner, Donald got up well to direct his header goalwards but a defender was well positioned to block on the line.

After this early scare, the Tulips went very close themselves with 12 played. It was Clee’s regular nemesis K Wells who forced a magnificent save from stopper Richardson, diving away to his right with lightening reflexes to somehow keep the ball out.

At the midway point of the opening half, the versatile Luke Mascall, who was deputising for Tim Lowe at right-back, was forced off injured. This resulted in a personnel rejig. Josh Batty entered the fray on the left flank, with Jon Oglesby dropping deeper and Sam Topliss moving over to the right.

As we moved beyond the half-hour mark, the Owls had a major let-off. Donald, who alongside his defensive partner Walker had been in commanding aerial form, appeared to the naked eye to handle around 10 yards out. Although the Spalding players were incensed, the referee either did not see the incident or ruled it accidental.

This proved to be a major turning point because shortly afterwards the Owls gained an important lead. It was created by a moment of great skill from North, who, despite the gluepot surface, had been working hard and cleverly finding space for himself. The striker turned away from a defender and surged through the inside right channel to the byline. His pinpoint low cross was met by the onrushing Josh Batty, who made no mistake from close range.

Just the boost needed and, whilst not the prettiest of spectacles, the Owls could return to their dressing room well satisfied with a thoroughly committed first 45.

HT Spalding United 0 Cleethorpes Town 1 (Batty 39)

Batty, who was his normal all-action self, nearly helped himself to another in the 49th minute. The goalscorer rounded the keeper on the edge of the area but could not get enough purchase on his shot and a defender cleared. After this, North stung Duggan’s hands with a 20-yard drive.

Despite starting well after the break, the Owls were pegged back with 56 minutes on the clock and there are no prizes for guessing the scorer! The familiar figure of the well-travelled Kieran Wells, who had already netted against Clee for Stamford and AFC Mansfield during 2018, was afforded too much space and easily guided the chance beyond Richardson.

It had become a blood-and-thunder Lincolnshire derby and some challenges could now be described as robust. Whilst Spalding were continuing with a succession of high balls, confidently dealt with by the excellent pairing of Donald and Walker, the Owls were trying to impose their passing game. This approach almost reaped dividends with two opportunities in close succession.

Firstly, on 68 minutes, captain Flett had an effort palmed over the bar by Duggan and then, within 60 seconds, a fine team move carved open the Tulips and Oglesby’s daisy-cutter was fingertipped to safety.

Oglesby, who was covering a lot of ground, was then required at the other end with a saving header to deny K Wells his second of the afternoon.

It was fair to say that the outcome was in doubt as we moved towards the closing stages, with both sides chasing the winner. However, it was to be the Owls who landed the decisive blow after 80 minutes.

A curling cross from the left by Batty was met by Scott Vernon, who had stepped ahead of this marker seven yards out. The central striker’s clean header was centrally placed but had too much power for Duggan and nestled in the net. This was the 16th goal of a successful first half of the season for the experienced front man.

With a lead to protect, Clee showed good game management in the last phase. Spalding were still battling gamely but they now did not look likely to force an equaliser. So it proved, with the Owls keeping the home side at arms’ length to claim a valuable away win at the start of the important Christmas period.

FT Spalding United 1 (K Wells 56) Cleethorpes Town 2 (Batty 39, Vernon 80) Attendance: 133

Not exactly a match for the purist but who cares?!

Spalding will feel upset at not sharing the spoils but I thought we had a narrow edge. Several stand-out performances for the Owls, which led to a healthy debate afterwards about the man-of-the-match.

For my money, Danny North takes the accolade. I was watching his performance closely from high up in the stand and he often seemed to be in a bit of space. This is no accident and both Danny and Scott Vernon’s experience at a higher level is invaluable for the side.

Also, particularly catching my eye on the day were Oli Donald, Paul Walker, Josh Batty and Jon Oglesby. A word too for Theo Richardson, who looks very promising and made a fantastic early save. Overall though, it was a real battle on a difficult pitch and all the players can be well satisfied with putting in a good shift!

Up to 13th in the table and with games against Lincoln United and Frickley to complete the festive schedule, a place in the top half of the table is now within reach.

I have seen our Boxing Day fixture with an erroneous kick-off time in a couple of publications – PLEASE NOTE THE MATCH STARTS AT 3PM… hope to see a bumper crowd at Linden.

Details:
Wednesday 26th December – 3pm
Lincoln United – Evostik East
Linden Club, Clee Road, Grimsby, DN32 8QL

Admission:
Adults £8, Concessions (over 65s and 16-18) £4, Under 16s £2

Last but not least, I would like to thank everyone for both reading my ramblings during 2018 and your continued support! Have a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful & prosperous New Year.

UP THE OWLS!