Walker blasts Town to win at Brighouse
NATHAN Arnold’s tenure as Cleethorpes Town’s manager got off to a winning start with a battling 2-1 victory over Brighouse Town.
The Owls took the lead through Curtis Bateson on the half hour, but the hosts equalised on the stroke of half-time.
However, a Paul Walker blockbuster sealed all three points for Clee.
The result moves the Linden outfit up to third in the Northern Premier League Division One East after 15 matches and cements their place in the fight for promotion.
Arnold’s men started brightly and soon began to apply pressure on the home defence.
Bateson’s shot flashed just wide on 27 minutes, but he made no mistake following up Will Annan’s clever chip three minutes later to make it 1-0.
Sam Topliss cleared off the line five minutes before the break as Brighouse fought hard for an equaliser which came bang on half-time when Javelle Clark smashed the ball home following a goalmouth scramble.
The Owls went all out for the winner and were rewarded when Walker burst through the inside right channel and fired a rocket into the roof of the net with 10 minutes left.
Boss Arnold said: “It was all about the result in our first game together and it was all about the three points.
“It was also important to get back to winning ways as we have suffered a little bit in recent weeks, so we wanted to make sure we were nice and solid. Brighouse probably played above where the league table suggests, and I thought they were good.
“I’m delighted with the win. It’s been my first game. I’ve had a few opportunities with the players in a short space of time and it’s been really positive and well received.
“I’m delighted to be here in this part of the world.”
On Saturday, the Owls welcome fourth-placed Hebburn Town to The Linden who were hammered 6-1 at home to title favourites Worksop Town on Saturday.