Once again Simon Garner had to make changes, with Roberto Bonaminio starting his two game suspension and Ross Dent being unavailable. David Lynch returned to the bench after a week’s absence and Youth team captain Ryan Cattermole was also on the bench.

The Blues were also dealt a blow before the game even started, as Danny Brady turned his ankle in the warm-up. This meant a late re-shuffle with Seydou Bamba moving to centre half and James Walker came in at left back.

The Blues were close to taking the lead on 8 minutes, when Simon Garner’s in-swinging free kick was headed just over by Louis Mayers. On 16 minutes Sefton Gonzales ran with the ball in to the box and his shot skimmed the top of the crossbar.

It was the visitors who took the lead on 34 minutes. Connor Bower’s shot from 30 yards looked harmless enough but it deceived Peter Collinge and ended up in the back of the net.

Sefton Gonzales looked like he took a knock towards the end of the half and he was replaced by David Lynch at half time. Joey Mullen moved to right midfield to let Lynch resume his usual centre midfield role.

Half time 0-1.

Albion had the better of the possession early in the second half with the impressive Bower being instrumental in their attacks. On 59 minutes, he got through the Blues defence on the right and his low ball in to the box had to be quickly cleared by Danny Morton.

Joey Mullen had a good chance on the hour when picking up Garner’s long ball on the edge of the box. He drilled a shot across the goal, which just went the wrong side of the post.

Ryan Cattermole replaced Richard Burns on 66 minutes and filled in impressively at left back, as James Walker was pushed further forward.

The Blues were awarded a penalty on 68 minutes and it came from Cattermole’s long throw which reached Louis Mayers, who was fouled just inside the area. Jason Hart took the kick and hit it straight down the middle to level the scores.

Both teams had chances to win the game in the later stages. The best of which was in stoppage time when Albion’s Bower outpaced the Blues defence, but his shot across the goal went narrowly passed the post.

A disappointing game and a third successive draw, but the Blues are still on a decent run of form with just one defeat in their last nine games.

Clitheroe; Peter Collinge, Danny Morton, Seydou Bamba, Laquan Esdaille, James Walker, Simon Garner, Jason Hart, Joey Mullen, Sefton Gonzales (David Lynch 46), Louis Mayers, Richard Burns (Ryan Cattermole 66). Subs not used, Cory Bent & Alex Palffy.

Ossett Albion; Brett Souter, Steve Nicholson, Ross Hardaker, Adam Jones, Wes Milnes, Patrick Lindley, Nick Matthews (Ben Walker 78), Luke Sharry (Kane Reece 51), Adam Muller, Connor Bower, Tim Taylor. Subs not used, Ben Grech-Brooksbank, Lewis Trice & Neil Bennett.

Attendance 207

Referee: Paul Ince