A goal in each half from Scott Vernon ensured the Owls left Winterton with a comfortable friendly win. It was a good workout for Clee on a delightful evening in North Lincolnshire, with 16 players getting at least 45 minutes under their belt.

Just one change from Saturday’s starting XI, as Dave Smith continues to build ahead of the season opener in mid-August. Tim Lowe was back to displace Adam MIllson.

The side lined up as follows:

Goal: Lewis Exall
Defence: Tim Lowe, Ben Clappison, Oli Donald, Jack Boswell
Midfield: Jack Richardson, Alex Flett (c), Lewis Collins
Attack: Brody Robertson, Scott Vernon, Josh Batty

Subs: Alex Lait, Jaime Ture, Andy Taylor, Triallist, Triallist

It was all stop-start during the early stages, with constant interruptions for minor infringements and offsides. Flett shaving the post with a 20+ year free-kick after 16 minutes was the highlight.

Shortly after Clee had been denied a clear looking penalty after a foul on Batty, the visitors eased ahead after a spell of pressure. Captain Flett showed excellent vision with a chipped ball to Scott Vernon inside the box on the right. The big striker set himself and located the corner of the net with a powerful finish.

Richardson glided through a challenge before setting-in Batty, but the keeper did well to smother the shot. Likewise, the stopper showed good form to tip-over from Vernon just before the break.

HT Winterton Rangers 0 Cleethorpes Town 1 (Vernon 32)

Dave Smith introduced all 5 subs at the restart. Unsurprisingly perhaps, this led to a more even feel to the encounter, but the Owls continued to look the most likely outfit to score.

Sub Ture, who was lively throughout his 45 on the pitch, had a couple of good chances, before Scott Vernon doubled the advantage mid-way through the half. One of the Triallists did well near the by-line and his low cross was easily despatched by the prowling forward.

It continued to be competitive in the warm conditions and Winterton came close to grabbing a consolation late on, when they hit the crossbar with Lait beaten.

At the whistle, both teams could be satisfied with their evening’s work, with some promising contributions from several Owls.

FT Winterton Rangers 0 Cleethorpes Town 2 (Vernon 32, 68) Attendance: 90 (estimated)

All reasonably low-key, but it was competitive enough. Nice to see Scott grab a brace and I always like a clean sheet!!

After two very hard friendlies, the schedule has worked out well – 3 matches against NCEL opposition should aid preparations nicely. Barton Town on Saturday and there will likely be a few familiar faces amongst the opposition…

Finally, thanks to everyone who gave up their evening travelling to support the Owls – appreciated as always by the management and players.

Details:
Saturday 20th July – 3pm
Barton Town – friendly
The Easy Buy Stadium, Marsh Lane, Barton-on-Humber, DN18 5JD

Admission:
Adults - £5, Concessions - £3, Under 18's - £2, Children under 5 – FREE

UP THE OWLS!