Flett finds the net for Owls

CLEETHORPES TOWN were made to dig deep to progress into the last 16 of the FA Vase against the competition’s lowest-ranked surviving side Billingham Town.

The Lincolnshire-based visitors got off to a quick start when captain Alex Flett led by example to give his side the advantage, advancing from midfield to calmly find the net after just nine minutes.

The Owls, who had won nine of their last ten games, went on to cement their lead through top scorer Brody Robertson.

He made it three goals in three Vase appearances to give his side breathing space, slipping the ball under Teessiders keeper Tom Dawson.

Billingham came out in resurgent fashion after the break, the Northern League side producing a spirited fightback with top scorer Craig Hutchinson seeing much more service.

Cleethorpes of the Northern Counties East had to defend heroically at times before they were finally breached with a goal their hosts fully warranted.

Chris Dickinson found the net midway through the half when his effort fortunately found its way past Owls keeper Liam Higton.

An entertaining tie ended with chances at both ends, the biggest of them falling to Billingham substitute Gary Redmond.

He passed up the opportunity to take the tie into extra-time when he put his header wide of the post. STAR MAN: Alex Flett (Cleethorpes Town) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★