In their final home outing of the campaign, Clee were held to a 0-0 draw by a battling Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday afternoon at the Myenergi Stadium.

In truth, chances were fairly limited, with the two combatants largely cancelling each other out.

Due to injuries, suspensions & unavailability, the management duo were forced into three changes from the team that thrashed Belper Town 5-0.

Jon Oglesby, Dan Gallimore and Will Annan all got the nod in the following side:

Keeper: Ben Bottomley
Defence: Jon Oglesby, Paul Walker, Dan Gallimore, AJ Adelekan
Midfield: Harvey Tomlinson, Alex Flett (c), Sam Kay
Attack: Will Annan, Josh Walker, Curtis Bateson

Subs: Harley Thompson, Tim Lowe, Liam Dickens, Max Adamson, James McKeown (gk)

The contest got underway in bright sunshine and, in the first meaningful action, Bateson nearly created an own goal.

There was a great piece of trickery from the winger near the by-line and the cross was sliced towards the net by Phillipson. However, Townsend pulled off a smart stop with his boot to spare his colleague’s blushes.

Steels responded by having two decent opportunities to break the deadlock.

Firstly, O’Connor shot over the bar when well placed and then Poole would have been slightly disappointed to not hit the target. The forward planting a firm header into the side-netting.

At the other end, the dangerous Bateson had the best moment for Clee, but the fierce half-volley flew too high.

HT Cleethorpes Town 0 Stocksbridge Park Steels 0

The second period produced precious little in the way of goalmouth action for the Owls’ faithful to get their teeth into.

Tomlinson pulled an effort wide in the 55th minute and, for the visitors, Turner forced keeper Bottomley into a decent save.

Clee were edging the possession statistics as we approached the conclusion. The decisive moment never arrived though and a draw was about fair overall.

FT Cleethorpes Town 0 Stocksbridge Park Steels 0 Attendance: 302

To be fair, it was not a match that will live long in the memory banks!

Nevertheless, the 3rd clean-sheet on the trot is not to be sniffed at. In fact, 6 shut-outs from the last 8 fixtures is something for the lads to be proud of – well played.

On we go to the final day and a trip to Ossett, who may need points to cement their step 4 status. It should be a good game… hope to see you there!

(Picture credit: AC Perspective / AC Sports Photo – X: AC_Perspective)

UP THE OWLS!