Stocksbridge Park Steels 1 Cleethorpes Town 1

The Owls fought out a 1-1 draw at 5th-placed Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday afternoon. After trailing at the break to an early Josh Nodder goal, the visitors were much improved following the interval and Paul Walker deservedly levelled. In fact, Clee could have won it but a point strengthened the Owls’ hold on a play-off place.

Five changes by Dave Smith from the tremendous victory over Boston United on Tuesday. The Cup-tied trio of Sam Topliss, Harry Middleton and Ross Hannah all returned, alongside Scott Vernon and Caine Winfarrah.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Sam Topliss, Paul Walker, Oli Donald, Josh Lacey
Midfield: Curtis Bateson, Harry Middleton, Alex Flett (c), Ross Hannah, Caine Winfarrah
Attack: Scott Vernon

Subs: Conor Marshall, Liam Dickens, Josh Batty

With professional football suspended, there was a bumper crowd of just shy of 400 inside the Look Local Stadium at kick-off. The home support was soon on its feet, as Steels opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Josh Nodder turned through the inside-left channel and his low shot found the target off the inside of the post.

Not the start that Clee were looking for and, shortly afterwards, a substitution was required – Marshall came on in place of Hannah, who had received a knock.

The Owls were struggling for fluency on a difficult looking bobbly surface and they were indebted to Richardson with 17 played, the stopper saving smartly with his foot to prevent further damage.

Clee though came within a couple of inches of equalising after 23 minutes. Winfarrah was left cursing his luck, when a drive was deflected by a defender onto the underside of the bar. In the next attacking moment, Walker headed a yard or so wide from a corner.

The important clash had now become pretty even and the rest of the half consisted of plenty of endeavour, but very limited clear opportunities.

HT Stocksbridge Park Steels 1 (Nodder 8) Cleethorpes Town 0

The Owls started after the half-time cuppa with much more energy and urgency.

Bateson had a diving header saved by Carney and, after a spell of pressure, Paul Walker restored parity in the 57th minute. A corner from the right caused confusion in the home defence and the central defender, who is currently in fine form, blasted in from about 8 yards.
Relief all round for the faithful over from the East coast and their side was now in the ascendancy.

The Steels again had the crossbar to thank, when a delightful chip from Bateson sailed over Carney but went to safety off the woodwork. The lively Winfarrah also saw a goal-bound shot bravely blocked. Then, the same player side-stepped round the keeper, only to be denied by a covering defender.

Batty came on as an extra attacking option in the closing stages, as Clee sensed that they could engineer a late winner. However, it was to be the home outfit who went closest in the dying embers. In the second of four added minutes, a Steels’ striker had a clear look at goal, but shot into the side-netting.

The referee’s whistle drew to a close a typically competitive NPL fixture and, overall, Clee could be satisfied that they had added another point to their tally, maintaining a big cushion to the sides battling outside the play-off zone.

FT Stocksbridge Park Steels 1 (Nodder 8) Cleethorpes Town 1 (Walker 57) Attendance: 398

A good battling performance from the lads on a poor pitch. Probably did enough to edge it in the second-half. However, an away point at a play-off rival is more than satisfactory at this point in the campaign.

There is a League meeting tomorrow to decide the course of action that they will follow in the ongoing fight against Coronavirus. Obviously, we are scheduled to go to Wisbech on Tuesday, but keep your eyes peeled for updates.

My own man-of-the-match on Saturday was Paul Walker, who is now in great nick – well played! Finally, a big thank you to our fans that travelled – very much appreciated in these difficult times.

Details:
Tuesday 17th March – 7.45pm
Wisbech Town – BetVictor Northern Premier League
Elgoods Fenland Stadium, Lynn Road, Wisbech, PE14 7AL

Admission:
Adults £9, Concessions £6, 12-16 years £3, Under 12s free

UP THE OWLS!