A richly entertaining, and controversial, clash ended 3-2 to Leek Town on Saturday afternoon. Incredibly the Owls led 1-0 at the break for a fourth successive match, thanks to a debut goal from on-loan striker Alhagi Touray Sisay. However, after Josh Venney saw a red card and despite a free-kick from Harry Middleton, the hosts fought back to claim the spoils.

Dave Smith had major selection problems, with a number of senior players out through suspension and injury. Nevertheless, the starting XI still looked strong and there was a change of formation to 4-4-2. The combined age on the bench was a mere 88 years – a good sign for the future!

The side lined-up as follows:

Goal: Theo Richardson
Defence: Sam Topliss, Paul Walker, Oli Donald, Joe Hope
Midfield: Josh Venney, Harry Middleton, Brandon Buckley, Ross Hannah
Forward: Scott Vernon, Alhagi Touray Sisay

Subs: Harry Hudson, Harvey Lidgard, Alfie Davy, Rieves Boocock, Heath Richardson (gk)

It was a typical October day at kick-off – fairly cold with sunshine and frequent heavy showers. The pitch was in good condition though and a Covid-limited capacity crowd of 400 was inside Harrison Park. Special credit to the travelling fans for making the 5-hour round trip from North East Lincolnshire.

Having not tasted defeat in the NPL at home for 19-months, Leek started confidently but the Owls, who were working their socks off from the first whistle, matched them. The prolific Grice had a chance and, at the other end, Hannah saw two shots blocked in close succession, following a fine ball from Grimsby Town loanee Hope.

Clee continued to play with promise, with both Venney and Touray Sisay firing over the crossbar. The clash was simmering, rather than boiling, at this stage but it exploded into life just before the interval.

In the 43rd minute, a corner created havoc in the Leek rearguard and the imposing Alhagi Touray Sisay took charge to find the net from close range. The effort was initially ruled out by the referee, who had spotted a handball by a home defender and pointed to the spot. However, after taking a moment to consider the incident, the goal was awarded.

Delight all round amongst the Clee contingent but, within 45 seconds, Josh Venney was sent-off for, what the official considered to be, an out of control challenge.

HT Leek Town 0 Cleethorpes Town 1 (Touray Sisay 43)

It promised to be a long second period for the Owls to retain their hard-earned lead.

Nevertheless, they started well enough until a superb individual goal levelled the scores in the 52nd minute. Rob Stevenson cut in from the right wing, jinked past a couple of tackles, before giving Richardson no chance with a low shot into the corner.

Clee now had an uphill task but they stunned the home faithful by regaining the advantage in the 63rd minute. Harry Middleton lined up a free-kick from 25-yards and the midfielder found the target, via the help of a deflection.

Leek were enjoying the bulk of possession by this stage but the Clee defenders bravely repelled the attacks. With time ticking on, and just when it seemed that the Owls could secure a marvellous road win, the Blues were gifted a golden chance to restore parity.

From the press seats in the Main Stand, there did not seem to be anything untoward after a coming together in the area. Mr Robinson took a different view and awarded a penalty. Stopper Richardson sprung down to his left to make an outstanding save. Unluckily, the ball rebounded into open play and sub Will Saxon picked up the pieces.

If everyone thought that would be the end of the disputed decisions, there was to be one final hammer blow for the brave Owls. With 6 minutes left on the watch, Tim Grice deflected in the winner from 4-yards out. Clee were incensed and strongly appealed for a possible offside and/or handball.

After a lengthy consultation with the assistant, the man in black pointed back to the centre circle.

FT Leek Town 3 (Stevenson 52, Saxon 77, Grice 84) Cleethorpes Town 2 (Touray Sisay 43, Middleton 63) Attendance: 400

The frustration goes on!

Not really worth commenting on some of the decisions. Suffice to say that the lads could not have done any more and should be proud of their efforts, considering Leek are very likely to finish in the top 5.

Back to the Myenergi Stadium on Tuesday (7.45pm) when we welcome Spalding United. A win is just around the corner surely? Please come down to show your support.

(Picture credit: Twitter @j0ann3001)

UP THE OWLS!