Report

Consett’s inconsistent recent form continued tonight when they lost 4-0 to league leaders Cleethorpes Town at a freezing Belle View Stadium.

The Steelmen gave almost as good as they got in a fairly even first half, but couldn’t take the chances which came their way, and were made to pay by a clinical visiting side.

Cleethorpes scored with their first three shots on goal, to put them well in control, and added a fourth right at the death to underline why they’re the league’s top scorers and have only lost twice this season.

It could have been so different if Consett had taken a golden opportunity in the 11th minute. Some great play by Donny Holdsworth saw him get to the byline and pull the ball back for Wil Shaw, whose shot cannoned back off the crossbar.

Three minutes later the visitors took the lead. A long ball by keeper Ollie Battersby was headed on by Josh Walker, and Adam Haw twisted and turned in the box before finishing past Harry Moss.

In the 17th minute Cleethorpes doubled their lead. A half-cleared corner fell to centre-back Ben Middleton on the edge of the box, and he lashed the ball into the top corner.

Consett responded well, and went close again on 28 minutes when Calvin Smith hit a rasping drive from 25 yards which fizzed past the left-hand post.

Again, a missed chance would prove costly, as Cleethorpes increased their lead on 32 minutes. This time Josh Walker‘s initial shot was saved by Moss, but the striker reacted quickest to fire home the rebound to make it 3-0, and that’s the way it stayed at half-time.

Cleethorpes started the second half well, with their high press making it difficult for Consett to get out of their own half at times.

The visitors had chances to add to the scoreline through Walker, a Connor Smythe free-kick which was saved by Moss, and Curtis Bateson, who fired inches wide.

At the other end, Isaac Walker brought a save out of Battersby with a low shot, but a defender intervened before the lurking Holdsworth could pounce on the loose ball.

Haw was in the mood for more goals, and Moss twice made good saves to deny him, but there was nothing he could do about Cleethorpes’ fourth goal, which arrived in the fourth minute of added time.

Walker played a reverse pass to sub Will Annan, who rifled the ball home for a final score of 4-0, sending the visitors three points clear at the top of the table.