Blues defeated in local derby

One change from the starting line-up at Ossett Town was Danny Morton replacing the injured Simon Garner. This saw a formation change with Morton playing on the right side up front and James Walker reverting to left back.

The match started in bright sunshine and it was the Blues who had the first opportunity. On 6 minutes a well worked one-two between David Lynch and Liam Hutchinson saw Lynch's shot forcing Brig goalkeeper Lee Dovey to dive to his left to make a good save.
Shortly afterwards Chris Marlow shot across the goal for the visitors.

Brig took the lead on 12 minutes when Alistair Waddecar attacked down the right and sent an inch perfect cross for Marlow to send a powerful header in to the back of the net.

For the remainder of the first half they controlled the game and increased their lead on 26 minutes. The Blues defence were unable to clear the ball out of the box and it reached Matty Kay whose powerful shot from 20 yards made it 2-0.

Lack of goalscoring opportunities created prompted Simon Garner to make a change at half time, bringing on Dom Mulkerrin on the left wing to replace Roberto Bonaminio. The change of formation was positive and Blues looked more comfortable going forward.

On 57 minutes, Lynch's cross from the right saw a looping header from Peter Dunkerley come off the crossbar but it wasn't long before Blues pulled a goal back. On 59 minutes, Morton's free kick found Adam Freeland to score with a well taken header.

Danny Wilkins saw a decent effort go over the top on 73 minutes. Brig then came strong again and Waddecar's free kick on 78 minutes forced Matt Green to make a good save. Two minutes later, Waddecar once again got round the Blues defence to send a shot across the goal failing to reach one of his oncoming team mates.

Sub Danny Brady had a decent shot deflected for a corner on 83 minutes just before Blues best effort to level the scores. Good play from Mulkerrin saw him send a superb ball in to the box which Lynch got his head to and Brig keeper Dovey save brilliantly.

With just five minutes remaining Steve Mercer received his 2nd yellow card for a late challenge, so that left Blues down to ten men for the remainder of the match. Brig nearly scored a third late on, but the ball was cleared of the line by Mulkerrin.

A much better second half from Blues, but Brig held on for the points.

Clitheroe team: Green, Aspin (Burns 67), Walker (Brady 70), Freeland, Mercer, Bonaminio (Mulkerrin 46), Morton, Lynch, Hutchinson, Wilkins, Dunkerley. Subs not used: McLean, Collinge.

Referee: K.Haycock
Attendance: 237