Cleethorpes Town 1-1 Steels

22/01/2025Last Updated: 22/01/2025

619 1 minute read

Stocksbridge Park Steels fought hard and came away with a point against title challengers Cleethorpes Town.

The Steels knew facing a team that could go top with a win would be a tough task, but started quickly to take advantage of any rustiness the Owls might have after going 20 days without a match. This gave Tommy Marshall a big chance as Connor O’Grady’s header back to the keeper fell short and the winger latched onto it. However given so much time and space on the ball, he was caught in two minds and then failed to get past the onrushing Ollie Battersby who was able to make the save.

Eventually, Stocksbridge’s pressure paid off. The Steels got space down the left wing and flung in a cross into the box. James Morris was left completely unmarked and sent his header into the bottom corner with enough power that even though Battersby got a hand to it, he wasn’t able to stop it.

Cleethorpes started to turn the game in their favour as the first half came to a close, but Stocksbridge were able to hold on to the half time break.

In the second half through, the Owls continued to chuck everything at the Steels defence as they looked to equalise. However, Ben Townsend put in a great performance, pulling off several reflex saves to keep Stocksbridge in the lead.

However, it wasn’t to last. Cleethorpes continued their barrage and after an initial effort was cleared off the line by Paul Iggulden, the ball was recycled to substitute Nicky Walker. He had only been on for less than a minute, but his powerful effort made it’s way into the bottom corner and Cleethorpes were level.

There was still some time to go, so Cleethorpes felt confident that they’d go on to get the win. They would push forward though Silas Valladolid-Collins’ pace caused problems on the counter attack which meant Stocksbridge did get chances to re-take the lead. Following one final stunning save from Townsend when he made a reflex save from a header three yards out, the game would finish as a draw.

22/01/2025Last Updated: 22/01/2025

619 1 minute read