Cleethorpes Town 2 Kidsgrove Athletic 0

Clee maintained their iron-grip on a play-off place by deservedly defeating fellow hopefuls Kidsgrove Athletic by 2-0 at Linden in the BetVictor Northern Premier League on Saturday afternoon. A headed goal in each half from Scott Vernon ensured the Owls would travel to the showdown at leaders Leek Town next week in fine fettle.

Just the one change from last time out at Frickley. Dave Smith opted to bring in Harry Middleton for Conor Marshall, who started on the bench.

The side lined-up as follows:

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

Subs: Conor Marshall, Oli Donald, Liam Dickens, Alfie Usher, Josh Lacey

It was a beautiful Winter’s day at kick-off, albeit with a strong breeze, and the faithful were again out in force to cheer on the Owls.
A shot from captain Flett was the closest either side came in the opening action. However, the home side gradually began to impose themselves and moved ahead in the 18th minute.

Swift interplay down the right resulted in Bateson curling in a perfect cross that was met by Scott Vernon. The number 9 powered an unstoppable header into the top corner to consolidate his excellent strike-rate for the campaign.

Taking the lead boosted Clee into a phase of dominance that could have resulted in another goal. Firstly, Walker headed narrowly wide from a Flett free-kick. Then Winfarrah was unlucky to see his effort hit the crossbar and finally Vernon had a close-range shot chalked off for offside.

Kidsgrove did have the occasional foray forward and Walker was alert in the 34th minute with a well-timed tackle to snuff out a moment of danger. Clee though went into the interval with the lively Winfarrah having a snap-shot blocked.

HT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Vernon 18) Kidsgrove Athletic 0

There was an enforced change at the break. Lowe had not fully recovered from a late tackle in the first period and Donald entered the action as a like-for-like alteration.

Keeper Richardson, who had not had a great deal to do thus far, was alert to athletically tip over a free-kick that got caught on the breeze. After this scare, the industrious Hannah had a 20-yarder saved, as Clee generally remained in the ascendancy.

In the 65th minute, Lacey came on for Winfarrah, which resulted in Oglesby moving further forward on the left. Not long afterwards the change bore fruit, with Clee doubling their advantage.

Picking up the play on the wing, Oglesby swung in a pinpoint cross and Scott Vernon rose at the far post to head goalwards. Stopper Harrison endeavoured to keep it out, but the assistant was well placed to rule that the ball had crossed the line.

It was now a case of game management and the defensive unit continued to remain solid, as Kidsgrove’s frustration grew in a series of niggly exchanges.

Vernon had a good opportunity to claim a hat-trick with 5 to play, but he glanced a Bateson delivery only a foot wide. The goal hero on the day was then given a warm round of applause, as the last substation saw him replaced by Marshall.

The final action was Harry Middleton, later named Docks Beers man-of-the-match by generous sponsors MODAL Training, bursting clear but Harrison made a smart stop.

FT Cleethorpes Town 2 (Vernon 18, 69) Kidsgrove Athletic 0 Attendance: 346

A very convincing performance from the lads – well played!

Many thanks to our loyal supporters, who once again gave the usual great backing. Next week we travel to Leek and don’t forget to book your place on the executive coach, leaving Linden at 10.30am. Cost is a bargain £8 for season-ticket holders and £10 for others. Book via social media, email (secretary@cleethorpestownfc.co.uk) or pop into Linden. It should be a great day!

Details:
Saturday 15th February – 3pm
Leek Town – BetVictor Northern Premier League
Harrison Park, Macclesfield Road, Leek, ST13 8XJ

Admission:
Adults £9, Concessions £6, 8 – 16-year olds £3, Under 8s free

UP THE OWLS!