Spirited second half fight back proves in vain as Liversedge lose at leaders

The battle between the two high fliers lived up to expectations but it was Cleethorpes who showed their title credentials as they raced into a 4-0 half-time lead after a dominant display.

Jonathan Oglesby was denied an early chance when the Liversedge goalkeeper was alert to race out and prevent him latching onto a neat through ball before the home side went ahead after seven minutes.

Andy Taylor produced a sublime header from a Liam Davis cross and it sparked a spell which saw Cleethorpes take control with four goals in 17 minutes.

Four minutes later Taylor’s shot rebounded off a post but Oglesby was alert to slot home the rebound and double his side’s advantage.

Taylor tapped home his second to put Cleethorpes 3-0 ahead after 16 minutes and Town almost struck again but Oglesby pulled his effort wide when well placed.

Liam Davis was fouled in the area and Peter Winn stepped up to send the goalkeeper the wrong way from the resulting penalty as Cleethorpes hit a fourth goal.

Liversedge prevented Cleethorpes from adding to their lead in the final 20 minutes of the first half before they mounted a fight back after the break.

Sedge had an early second half chance but shot straight at the Town goalkeeper before Adam Porritt produced a smart finish to pull a goal back after 53 minutes.

Just four minutes later, Sedge had real hope when Joe Walton capitalised on a mix up in the Cleethorpes defence to pull a second goal back.

Liversedge created further chances, the best of which saw their centre half venture forward for a corner only to head over when well placed.

Both sides had further chances in an end to end final quarter but no further goals were added and Cleethorpes held on for victory which maintained their unbeaten run in the league.