The Owls tasted their first defeat in the BetVictor Northern Premier League since 10th September, going down 4-1 to Worksop Town at a cold & misty Sandy Lane. Four unanswered goals stunned the visitors, who gained a small consolation near the end courtesy of Brody Robertson.

After an enforced fortnight break due to the wet weather, Dave Smith made just the one change to the starting XI that drew 1-1 against Carlton Town. In came Jack Richardson to anchor the midfield for the unavailable Ben Davies. There was also a place on the bench for the recently returned Josh Batty.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Sam Topliss, Tim Lowe, Paul Walker, Josh Lacey
Midfield: Jack Richardson, Alex Flett (c), Lewis Collins
Attack: Curtis Bateson, Scott Vernon, Jon Oglesby

Subs: Brandon Buckley, Conor Marshall, Oli Donald, Brody Robertson, Josh Batty

The match, having survived two morning inspections, got underway in temperatures of around 3 degrees on a heavy pitch. It was the hosts who started on the front foot, forcing 3 early corners. The defence safely stood up to the pressure and cleared their lines.

Clee gradually began to become more creative and had a good chance to take the lead midway through the half. Unfortunately, from the Owls’ perspective, Richardson fired a yard wide after lovely interplay.

The visitors were made to pay almost immediately, with the Tigers quickly roaring into a 2-goal advantage. Firstly, in the 26th minute, Lee Hill launched a screamer into the top-corner from 16-yards. Before Clee could regain their collective composure, Craig Mitchell was afforded too much space and looped a header over stopper Richardson.

In fairness, Worksop looked sharp against a strangely subdued Clee outfit. However, everyone in the red and black were doing their best to find a route back into the encounter. The collective effort should have produced a lifeline shortly before the break.

Collins had a fine opening on the 6-yard line, but a prone Reay scrambled the low shot to safety. The ball was crossed back in though and top-scorer Vernon slightly mistimed his jump to head wide.

HT Worksop Town 2 (Hill 26, Mitchell 29) Cleethorpes Town 0

Clee’s management made an attacking half-time change. Brody Robertson came on to provide support to Scott Vernon, who had become isolated at times in the opening 45. Jack Richardson was withdrawn.

The third goal was going to be vital and disaster struck for the Owls in the 49th minute. A defensive slip allowed Craig Mitchell to get clear and walk the opportunity in the net. This early blow left the visitors with a mountain to climb and eyes amongst the faithful turned hopefully skywards, with fog starting to envelop the stadium.

Nothing was going right on a disappointing afternoon and frustration began to boil over. Both Curtis Bateson and Lewis Collins saw yellow for infringements, before Clee made a last throw of the dice with a double substitution. Josh Lacey and Scott Vernon left the field. Brandon Buckley and Josh Batty provided the fresh legs.

Worksop rubbed further salt into the wounds after 83 minutes. Lynton Karkach slid in at the far stick to provide more delight for the home support, who readily agreed that it was their best showing of the campaign.

The end could not now come soon enough, but there was to be a small crumb of comfort. Brody Robertson latched on to a chance near the penalty mark to ensure that the Owls scored for the 20th game in succession in all competitions.

FT Worksop Town 4 (Hill 26, Mitchell 29, 49, Karkach 83) Cleethorpes Town 1 (Robertson 87) Attendance: 350

No way to dress it up, apart from saying that it was a poor performance. Simply put, Worksop played well and we didn’t!! No point dwelling on it too much though – as we all know, these kind of days happen in football every so often.

Thanks to the support that travelled over to Nottinghamshire. I am sure we will regroup and come out firing for a vital game against Belper Town at Linden next weekend.

In truth, no obvious candidate for man-of-the-match. If pressed, I would give it to Sam Topliss, who has shown decent form since his recent signing for the Owls.

Details:
Saturday 7th December – 3pm
Belper Town – BetVictor Northern Premier League
Linden, Clee Road, Grimsby, DN32 8QL

Admission:
Adults £8, Concessions £5, Under 16s £2

UP THE OWLS!