Cleethorpes Town

FA Vase 5th Round
Cleethorpes Town 3
Atherton Colleries 2
atten 588








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This is what the Vase is all about. Two teams flying high in different leagues, both with good wining records to protect and both half decent. Once again the traveling Colls 'barmy army' made a massive contribution to the occasion. Lots of inflatable instruments on show , fancy dress costumes, green wigs and 'Marcal Marceau' look-a-likes and plenty of noise. 

Colls took an early leave via a headed own goal after superb in-swinging free kick was delivered perfectly with power and pace. Colls pushed forward and could/should of have at least two more before making it 0-2 as a result of a quick break. But the tipping point of the match came moments before HT as Cleethorpes grabbed an unlikely goal. Then within ten minutes of the restart it they well level at 2-2. 

But as the second half unfolded Cleethorpes were first to virtually every ball and Atherton produced very little. Colls captain missed a sitter , mainly through fatigue. As extra time beckoned Cleethorpes got a corner and somehow the ball trickled in the net for the winner. But Colls had one last throw of the dice and very nearly scored an unlikely equaliser. 

The Colls bench were devastated but in truth based on the second half alone Cleethorpes deserved the victory and a place in the QF
I suspect it didn't help matters that they could hear the celebrations in the adjoining changing rooms.

Classy touch from a young Cleethorpes ball boy who gave an Atherton Collieries young lad a big 'hard luck' hug at the end - lovely gesture. 

Atherton players devastated after conceding a last gasp goal

Deflated ...