CLEETHORPES Town go into the busy Christmas period in decent form – despite losing 3-2 at Shirebrook on Saturday.
It was a first defeat in seven league matches for Andy Liddle's men, who face Askern Villa this weekend.
The home side's pressing style of play proved too much for the Owls who were on the back foot from the start.
However, it was the visitors who created the first chance of the game when Marc Cooper's effort was saved.
Jonathan Oglesby's half-chance failed to hit the target before Jason Flint laid the ball off to Cooper again, who was denied by another save.
The home side drew first blood thanks to a long ball up field from deep inside their own half. The ball found their forward, who nodded home.
After a couple of half chances themselves, the Owls conceded again. This time the ball was headed in from a well delivered corner.
After the interval, Cooper was well positioned and found himself through on goal, but his effort went wide.
Clee's efforts were finally rewarded as Darren Hanslip's, pictured, effort proved too much for the hosts.
Lawrence Heward then had a shot saved before Flint failed to connect with Mitchell's chipped cross.
Scott Drury was called into action to save bravely at the feet of a Shirebrook attacker. However, the goalkeeping heroics weren't to last as the home side broke through and restored their two-goal lead.
The Owls pulled one back after Flint's darting run into the box saw him upended and a penalty given. Tim Lowe reduced the deficit.
Cleethorpes were unable to find the equaliser, though, and the result sees them remain third.