Cleethorpes Town secured a 2-0 victory over Bamber Bridge in their Step 3 season opener on Saturday. The home side took control early in the match, with midfielder Lewis Hey and forward James Blunden both finding the net to secure all three points.

Cleethorpes began the game on the front foot, maintaining possession and creating several scoring opportunities. In the fifth minute, Joe Ackroyd tested the Bamber Bridge defense with a shot that was blocked by a defender. The breakthrough came just before halftime when Lewis Hey, playing against his former club, capitalized on a well-constructed move. The left-winger curled a precise shot from inside the penalty area into the corner of the net, putting Cleethorpes ahead.

Shortly before the interval, Callum Ainley appeared to add a second goal for the hosts, but it was disallowed for an obstruction call against the Bamber Bridge goalkeeper, Goodness Gospel-Eze.

The second half saw a more competitive response from Bamber Bridge, who showed greater energy and began to challenge Cleethorpes more effectively. Despite this increased pressure, the visitors managed only one shot on target, which came in the 67th minute but was comfortably saved by Cleethorpes’ goalkeeper Ollie Battersby.

Cleethorpes extended their lead soon after, as James Blunden headed home from a right-sided inswinging corner, effectively sealing the win. In the latter stages, substitute Devon Brockie came close to adding to the advantage, hitting the woodwork twice, while Bamber Bridge’s Jamie Allen also had a notable attempt on goal.

The victory provides a strong start to Cleethorpes Town’s campaign as they seek to build momentum in their Step 3 division.