The Owls slipped to a third defeat of the campaign against Marske United. On an extremely blustery afternoon within sight of the North Sea, a dominant first-half display from the hosts saw them score three times. Clee’s only response came from a strike by Brody Robertson.
A tricky team selection for manager Dave Smith and there were two changes to his starting XI. Oli Donald was recalled in central defence at the expense of Mark Gray and Lewis Collins replaced Danny North. The side lined up as follows:
Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Tim Lowe, Paul Walker, Oli Donald, Sam Topliss
Midfield defence: Craig Disley, Alex Flett (captain)
Midfield attack: Brody Robertson, Lewis Collins, Jon Oglesby
Attack: Scott Vernon
Subs: Loz McKay, Danny North, Mark Gray, Josh Batty, Jack Richardson
It was pretty cheerless by 3pm, with the match beginning in a howling gale, which did not subside for the duration of the proceedings. The pitch, which had survived a mid-morning inspection, was clearly playable, but looked heavy and uneven.
Hopes were high amongst the travelling fans that the Owls’ march towards the play-offs would continue. However, after a predictably scrappy start in the difficult conditions, Marske drew first blood in the 8th minute. A high free-kick into the danger zone got caught on the strong wind and slightly deceived the defence. The ball fell to defender Andrew May only 6-yards out and he gave keeper Richardson no chance.
Not the start wanted but, within 90 seconds, Clee stunned the home faithful with a leveller. Brody Robertson showed his poacher’s instinct, finishing good build-up work down the left by sweeping the cross low beyond Dean. This was the striker’s 18th goal of the season in competitive matches.
The crowd had little time to draw their breath, as in Marske’s next attack, Richardson made a nice save with his boot to deny Fairley. In all fairness, the Owls were not keeping possession in their usual manner and paid the price, with the Seasiders enjoying a dominant spell.
On 24 minutes, stopper Richardson got under a routine clearance, doubtless caused by the poor surface. The home side quickly swarmed forward and the movement was finished by a delightful 15-yard volley from Glen Butterworth.
Worse was to follow for the visitors 5 minutes later, as Marske sensed a chance to kill off the contest. Once again, the pitch was the undoing of the defence. Donald would normally have easily dealt with the danger, but the luckless returning Owl watched in horror as the ball squirmed under his foot to the waiting Jamie Owens. The striker did not waste the golden chance, thrashing home from close range.
Marske were now full of confidence and Clee had a job on their hands to get to the break without more damage. Time and again, an outlet could not be found and the ball was continually coming back at the hard-pressed back-line.
With the midway point approaching, Walker made a notable interception to head over and, as the whistle sounded, the Owls could have absolutely no complaints at being two goals adrift.
HT Marske United 3 (May 8, Butterworth 24, Owens 29) Cleethorpes Town 1 (Robertson 10)
The visitors made a half-time substitution, with the injured Paul Walker limping out. Mark Gray, who could count himself unlucky at losing his position after an encouraging performance at Pickering, came off the bench in a like-for-like swap.
It was clear that the management had offered their charges plenty of advice in the dressing room, as Clee emerged with more purpose. Indeed, a floated free-kick from captain Flett caused Dean to completely miss an attempted punch. Unfortunately, it fell just out of reach of the strikers.
After this glimmer of hope, it all became fairly even but disjointed. Neither side looked particularly threatening, with the contest beginning to peter out.
The two final changes were made in close order in the final 20 minutes. Josh Batty and Danny North were both introduced to try to inject some more attacking options. Brody Robertson and Lewis Collins gave way.
To their credit, the Owls were battling manfully to set up a grandstand finish. A lifeline nearly presented itself with 80 played, with North being pushed in the back close to the by-line. Hopeful eyes turned to the referee, but he allowed play to continue. Then Gray got his head to a Flett free-kick but, to sum up the frustrating afternoon, it was safely pouched by Dean.
This was as close as Clee came and, after 4 additional minutes, the visitors were left to reflect on a disappointing day in the North East.
HT Marske United 3 (May 8, Butterworth 24, Owens 29) Cleethorpes Town 1 (Robertson 10) Attendance: 197
A bad day at the office! Probably our worst performance since the 3-0 reverse at Pontefract. Unexpected as well, there must just be something about Marske that we don’t like playing against.
Not a day to single out players I feel, everyone knows that we need to be better. I will draw a veil over events there I think – not worth dissecting the misery any further.
Response is clearly going to be the key and Dave Smith told me afterwards that he has set the players the target of winning our next 3. This is realistic, with all these fixtures against outfits in the relegation battle. To maintain our interest in the play-offs into April, it really needs to be achieved.
However, we can all have a reality check as well. We have come so far since being bottom of the table in the Autumn and, whatever the outcome of the next couple of months, we can say that we have well and truly established ourselves at Evostik level. This is to be much applauded and one poor display should not detract from that fact.
Finally, thanks to the fans that travelled – it wasn’t the best, was it?! It’s a long way to go to get beat and I salute you all. I hope that I will see most of you again on our travels to Stocksbridge next weekend.
Details:
Saturday 16th March – 3pm
Stocksbridge Park Steels – Evostik East
Look Local Stadium, Bracken Moor Lane, Stocksbridge, S36 2AN
Admission:
Adults £7, Concessions £5, 10-16 £2, Under 10s free
UP THE OWLS!