Simon Garner made just one change from last week's F.A Trophy win against Droylsden, with Cory Bent returning to replace Matt Fearon. New signing, Ryan Charnley from AFC Fylde was on the bench.

The Blues started brightly and had most of the early possession. With just seven minutes on the clock, a nice passing movement saw Cory Bent lay the ball off to David Lynch and his shot from a tight angle took a deflection to give the Blues a 1-0 lead.

Sefton Gonzales had a good shot over the top on 11 minutes as the Blues continued to dominate the early stages. On 26 minutes Roberto Bonaminio was booked for a couple of fouls in quick succession.

The home team's first effort on target came on 27 minutes, when James Burke curled a free kick which came back off the crossbar. The Blues second goal came on 33 minutes with Gonzales keeping his composure despite being held back by Brighouse keeper Jacob Giles. The referee could have given a penalty, but Gonzales managed to lay the ball back to Sam Dickinson who finished well.

Goal number three was just two minutes later, this time Gonzales made no mistake with a first time shot from the edge of the box.

Brighouse pulled a fortunate goal back right on half time, when Ernest Boafo's shot took a wicked deflection which diverted it past Andrew Dawber.

Half time - Brighouse 1 Clitheroe 3

Cory Bent caused the Brighouse defence problems all afternoon with his lightning pace and on 50 minutes, he took off down the right and hit a low ball across the goal just eluding Sefton Gonzales.

Ryan Charnley replaced Sam Dickinson on 65 minutes and the new signing from AFC Fylde, played up front alongside Gonzales.

Brighouse were much more threatening in the second half and their pressure paid off on 74 minutes, when Boafo scored his second to make it 3-2.

Danny Wilkins returned from suspension to replace Cory Bent on 76 minutes. With Brighouse looking for an equaliser, the travelling Blues fans nerves were calmed on 83 minutes, when Danny Morton calmly finished the move he started with a surging run in to the penalty area.

Alex Ralph replaced Richard Burns on 86 minutes, as the Blues played out the remainder of the game for an excellent victory.

Team: Andrew Dawber, Danny Morton, Seydou Bamba, Roberto Bonaminio, Danny Brady, Simon Garner, Richard Burns (Alex Ralph 86), David Lynch, Sefton Gonzales, Sam Dickinson (Ryan Charnley 65), Cory Bent (Danny Wilkins 76). Subs not used: James Walker & Adam Freeland.