Cleethorpes Town 1 Boston United 0

The Owls produced a superb display at the LNER Stadium to defeat Boston United 1-0 to claim back-to-back Lincolnshire Senior Cup titles. The decisive goal came just before the hour, as Jon Oglesby exquisitely finished a rapid attack with a delightful lob.

With three of his squad Cup-tied, Dave Smith had to shuffle the pack. There was a total of four changes from the weekend victory at Belper Town. In came Tim Lowe, Liam Dickens, Curtis Bateson and Josh Batty. The players missing out were Sam Topliss, Harry Middleton, Caine Winfarrah and Scott Vernon.

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Tim Lowe, Paul Walker, Oli Donald, Josh Lacey
Midfield: Curtis Bateson, Conor Marshall, Alex Flett (c), Liam Dickens, Jon Oglesby
Attack: Josh Batty

Subs: Scott Vernon, Alfie Usher, Jack Boswell, Caine Winfarrah

As is so often the case in a decider, it was a cagey start with both sides feeling their way into the encounter. However, in the 13th minute, an in-swinging free-kick by Woolford clipped the outside of the upright. Then, as play switched to the other end, Oglesby forced a stop from Pilgrims’ keeper Crook.

Half-chances continued to be the order of the day. Donald had a header comfortably held and Richardson showed his agility to repel a Woolford shot.

In all honesty, it was difficult to tell that there were 44 places between the teams in the non-league pecking order. Clee were showing excellent focus and more than matching their National North opponents.

With the clock ticking towards the break, there was a worrying moment. Jake Wright crashed to the turf following an aerial tussle and surrounding players immediately signalled for medical assistance. After around 8 minutes of treatment, the Boston man was stretchered away to a warm ovation from the spectators.

HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Boston United 0

There was a half-time change for the Owls – top-scorer Scott Vernon entered the fray in place of Josh Batty.

Clee began to up the ante and, making a mockery of their status as underdogs, gradually took control. With 59 minutes elapsed, the fans from the East coast were on their feet to cheer a merited lead, which was worthy of winning any final.

The Owls surged clear of defence and Bateson was located on the right flank. In an instant, the winger spotted Jon Oglesby in space, sending his colleague an inch-perfect 35-yard pass. As Crook advanced to narrow the angle, Oglesby chipped the ball over the keeper’s head. Sailing through the night air, it was the perfect finish, nestling in the corner of the net.

Boston tried to respond but, with Richardson outstanding behind a well-marshalled defence, it continued to be tough going for the Pilgrims. In fact, it seemed the second of the evening was more likely to come from a fired-up Owls, who were all working extremely hard for each other.

Bateson flashed a fierce drive across the face of goal and sub Winfarrah, replacing Lowe, was quickly into the game, shooting agonisingly a yard wide.

Into the final 10 minutes, and with nerves beginning to jangle, Rollins rippled the side-netting for Boston and Lacey superbly tackled Knowles to snuff out a dangerous moment. However, Winfarrah almost settled it near the end, but Crook climbed high to paw away the audacious effort.

Boston were trying to engineer the equaliser but, after 4 added minutes, it was to no avail. Few inside the LNER Stadium would have argued that Clee had claimed a much-deserved win.

Captain Alex Flett stepped forward to lift the silverware skywards, to the delight of a large number of fans who had travelled down the A46. When the dust has settled, this magnificent victory will surely rank amongst the very best in the Club’s history.

FT Cleethorpes Town 1 (Oglesby 58) Boston United 0 Attendance: 367

What a night that was!! Put simply, it was a great display. Considering the strength of the opposition, it has to be the performance of the season for me.

Jon Oglesby was selected by the Lincolnshire FA as man-of-the-match, a fitting reward for one of the goals of the season! The whole squad and management though can take time to reflect on quite an achievement, successfully defending a trophy is always worth a celebration!

Thanks to everyone that travelled, and I hope that you will be there on Saturday, when we return to the bread-and-butter of the Northern Premier League in South Yorkshire.

Details:
Saturday 14th March – 3pm
Stocksbridge Park Steels – BetVictor Northern Premier League
Look Local Stadium, Bracken Moor Lane, Stocksbridge, S36 2AN

Admission:
Adults £8, Concessions £5, Under 12s free

UP THE OWLS!