Sutton Coldfield Town 1 Cleethorpes Town 3

Clee overcame many injuries, baking heat and stubborn opposition to record an excellent 3-1 road win against Sutton Coldfield Town. Oli Donald’s 4th minute header was cancelled out by Reece Gibson, before the Owls took charge after the interval. A 25-yarder from Alex Flett and a Scott Vernon deflected shot ensured the visitors left with all the points.

Following the bruising encounter on Saturday in the FA Cup, Dave Smith called on the full depth of his strong squad. A somewhat makeshift back 4, with only Oli Donald coming through unscathed from the weekend’s starting XI. Nevertheless, Tim Lowe was no stranger to a role in the centre and, coupled with Adam Millson and Jack Boswell patrolling the flanks, the travelling fans entered the encounter in optimistic mood.

The team began as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Adam Millson, Tim Lowe, Oli Donald, Jack Boswell
Midfield: Lewis Collins, Alex Flett (c), Brandon Buckley
Attack: Brody Robertson, Scott Vernon, Josh Batty

Subs: Jack Richardson, Alfie Usher, Andy Taylor, Matt Bloomer

It was very hot at 3pm when the action began in the West Midlands and the Owls got the perfect start in the 4th minute. Captain Flett floated in a corner from the left and Oli Donald rose high at the far post to direct his header low into the corner.

Clee continued in the ascendency during the opening skirmishes, with Batty narrowly curling over following a flowing move. The Royals, perhaps lacking slightly in confidence after losing their two opening League outings, gradually put more pressure on the rearguard. However, Donald was in particularly uncompromising mood, winning all the aerial battles. This, alongside keeper Richardson’s superb reading of long balls to act as a sweeper, comfortably kept the homesters at bay.

Flett was leading by example, covering a great deal of ground to shepherd the ball out of play near the by-line with 35 played. In the next attack though, Sutton grabbed the leveller.

Halsall won a tackle midway inside the Clee half and threaded accurately through to Monaghan. The winger unleashed a powerful drive, which Richardson did well to parry. Reece Gibson was first on the scene and gleefully slotted home.

Stung by being pegged back, the Owls had a couple of chances to restore their advantage before half-time. Both Buckley and Robertson shot on target and then the latter nimbly intercepted an under-hit back-pass. Frustratingly, the Royals managed to get enough defenders back to see out the danger.

HT Sutton Coldfield Town Town 1 (Gibson 37) Cleethorpes Town 1 (Donald 4)

Straight from the off, Clee began to string together some lengthy passing possession. A clever tactic in the heat and it bore fruit in the 53rd minute. Alex Flett gained possession 40 yards out and, after surging forward, unleashed a cracking low drive that nestled in the corner of Gwilliams’ net.

Jack Richardson came on for Brandon Buckley and the Owls continued to dominate. Full-backs Millson and Boswell were overlapping at every opportunity, providing good attacking options. It was no surprise to see Clee move into the comfort zone midway through the second period.

The impressive Boswell found the onrushing Robertson, who precisely located Scott Vernon. The big number 9’s shot was deflected and gave Gwilliams no chance. A degree of fortune involved, but few in the crowd would have argued that the score did not reflect the opportunities created.

After a weekend of hard graft, goalscorer Vernon was withdrawn and Andy Taylor got a taste of the action. Clee were managing their lead comfortably and the match looked to be meandering towards its conclusion. Not to be though, with an explosive bust-up after 80 minutes.

Coldfield’s Shaw appeared to tread on Batty’s back. Unsurprisingly, the Clee forward did not like this one bit and pushed his opponent in the chest. All hell then broke loose, with both benches and many of the players involved in the melee. The fracas eventually died down and the referee dismissed both Shaw and Batty, who possibly was unlucky not to see just a yellow instead.

In truth, apart from this unsavoury incident, the match was played in decent spirit – Jack Richardson being the only other player to get a caution.

In injury time, one of Clee’s promising youngsters Alfie Usher (Brody Robertson taken off) came on for some 1st team experience. No more action and, even at this very early stage of the campaign, a very good win was safely pouched.

FT Sutton Coldfield Town 1 (Gibson 37) Cleethorpes Town 3 (Donald 4, Flett 53, Vernon 67) Attendance: 114

A long hot weekend on the road, but 2 wins making the lengthy trips to the Midlands all worthwhile!

Pretty impressive stuff yesterday, especially after the interval. The team showed good levels of fitness in the searing heat. Hopefully, after a few days rest, everyone will be available when we next play on Saturday.

Not easy for a man-of-the-match, with young Jack Boswell under serious consideration. In fact, all the players put in a good shift in the trying conditions. However, on balance, I give it to Oli Donald. Excellent marshalling, athletic heading and a goal does the trick – well played!

Finally, many thanks to all our fans who travelled to Melton and/or Sutton Coldfield.

Details:
Saturday 31st August – 3pm
Loughborough Dynamo – BetVictor Northern Premier League
New Linden, Clee Road, Grimsby, DN32 8QL

Admission:
Adults £8, Concessions (over 65s and 16/17 years) £5, Under 16s £2

UP THE OWLS!