Robertson at the double as Clee take the points
OWLS STAY FOURTH AND IN THE HUNT FOR PROMOTION
CLEETHORPES Town recorded their seventh straight victory on the road following a battling display which saw them run out 2-1 winners at Frickley Athletic on Saturday.
Two goals from top scorer Brody Robertson sealed the win which keeps The Owls fourth in The Northern Premier League Division One East table, two points behind third-placed Shildon and seven points clear of Dunston UTS, who sit fifth.
Clee demonstrated how much they have matured as a team by standing up for themselves in testing conditions and producing the quality when needed.
There was one enforced change in the Owls’ line-up with Loz McKay coming in for defender Oli Donald
Dave Smith’s men started brightly with Josh Venney going close after only three minutes.
Frickley launched their first attack of any note after 17 minutes, but Jordon Cooke saved the day with an excellent covering tackle.
Two minutes’ later, in-form striker Brody Robertson opened the scoring with a rocket from 18 yards out which gave the Frickley keeper no chance.
Defender Tim Lowe hobbled off after 25 minutes with a foot injury to be replaced by Josh Smaller.
The Linden outfit continued to show plenty of attacking spirit and caused problems in the home side’s defence.
However, on the stroke of half-time, Frickley equalised from an in-swinging corner which Tom Jackson palmed away only to see striker Bradley Beatson hook the ball into the net from close range.
The second half was a much closer affair with Frickley looking to gain the upper hand roared on by the home fans.
Tackles were flying in from both sides as tension around the ground moved up a gear.
Midfielder Sam Topliss hit a rasping drive just over and skipper Alex Flett went close with a fine effort.
Five minutes from time, it was that man again, Robertson who slid in to guide the ball under the keeper and make the final score 2-1 for The Owls.
Boss Dave Smith said: ”It was a great three points and a tough battle.
“We were really good in the first half, but Frickley were really good in the second half to make it a more even game.
“We had two moments of quality that won the game.
“We’ve got a great away record, proved that we can mix it and are now standing up to the battle and showing quality when we need to.
“I was really pleased with Josh Smaller who came on as a substitute. He’s a young player with a lot of talent and he’s going to be a big player for us.
“Brody Robertson’s first goal was a ‘worldy’ and his second showed he can score in pressure situations. He is scoring goals for fun.”
The Owls welcome promotionchasing Dunston UFC to The Linden on Saturday (3pm).