A much changed line up from last Monday’s Lancashire Challenge Trophy final saw recalls for Alex Palffy in goal, James Walker moving to left back, Laquan Esdaille replacing suspended Roberto Bonaminio, Richard Burns replaced Cory Bent and Ross Dent for Simon Garner. Also on the bench was new signing Callum Carter, from local football.

The Blues were the better side first half and carved out some good chances. Louis Mayers with a curling free kick on 15 minutes, forced Farsley keeper to dive to his right to force a corner.

Two minutes later it was Mayers again who shot over from long range and on 25 minutes, he again came close with a shot from just outside the area.

Farsley’s best efforts came from when Adam Priestley broke clear down the left, but his shot was well blocked by Danny Brady and the ball went out for a corner.

Half time 0-0

On 52 minutes, a good chance for Farsley came when Robbie O’Brien’s long range shot was well saved by Palffy.

Sefton Gonzales as usual was causing the opposition defence a few problems and he came close on 55 minutes, when he headed Zack Dale’s corner just over the bar.

The Blues made a double substitution on 61 minutes with Ryan Cattermole replacing David Lynch and Jason Hart for Zack Dale.

The defining moment of the game happened in a crazy thirty second spell in the 63rd minute. Sefton Gonzales looked to have been clearly pushed by a Farsley player, but play continued. A long ball found Aiden Savory who was one of two Farsley players who looked well offside. He ran in to the box only to be adjudged to be fouled by James Walker. A penalty was awarded much to the dismay of the Blues players and supporters. Lewis Nightingale converted the spot kick to give Farsley the lead.

Six minutes later Farsley scored their second goal. Substitute Alan Welsh received the ball on the left and despite being shadowed by Esdaille, he hit a superb curling shot in to the top corner giving Palffy no chance.

On 72 minutes saw the Blues best chance of the second half with Brady’s header from a corner was well saved by Taylor.

A blow for the Blues on 85 minutes when Brady picked up an injury and he was replaced by debutant Callum Carter.

James Walker had a good effort go wide in stoppage time, but Farsley hung on to claim the points.

Simon Garner was pleased with the team's performance despite the defeat, but the main talking point was that controversial opening goal for the hosts.

Clitheroe: Alex Palffy, Danny Morton, James Walker, Laquan Esdaille, Danny Brady (Callum Carter 85), Ross Dent, Zack Dale (Jason Hart 61), David Lynch (Ryan Cattermole 61), Sefton Gonzales, Louis Mayers, Richard Burns. Sub not used, Seydou Bamba.

Farsley: Tom Taylor, Mike Aspin, Alex McQuade, Robbie O’Brien, Matt Dempsey (Andy Welsh 56), Spencer Harris, Lewis Nightingale (Kyle Hancock 80), Ross Daly, Adam Priestley, Aiden Savory, Ryan Serrant. Subs not used, Josh Grant & Jake Lofthouse.

Attendance 153

Referee: N.Gibbons