NOT the pre-final result Clitheroe were hoping for but it’s the one they got, despite the frightening score line Blues fans do have positives to take to The Macron.

It took a mere five minutes for the first goal, Zac Dale running down the left hand side, whipping a ball to the far post and finding the forehead of Ross Dent . A positive start for a revised Blues starting eleven, absent of Sefton Gonzales, Danny Morton, Danny Brady and Seydou Bamba. Altough a debute was given to young Tom Jackson at right back

However it took The Moors only four minutes to equalise as Shane Henry’s free kick on the edge of The Blues’ box was saved but not retained by goalkeeper Peter Collinge, falling into the path of the approaching Liam Henderson who despatched with ease.

Moments later in the 12th minute Simon Garner’s men found themselves behind through Andrew Stephenson’s driven ball across the six yard box found the feet of a helpless Laquan Esdaille ,who could do nothing to prevent the ball ricocheting from his feet and across the line.

Clitheroe were now a side under pressure as Spennymoor smelt blood, controlling possession in the following ten minutes, cumulating in a 33rd minute third goal for the home side when Shane Henry exposed the defence with his pass across goal into the corridor of Henderson’s run who didn’t fluff his lines and put the promotion side three – one up.

Despite going in at half time two goals down Simon Garners men worked hard in the half, young Ryan Cattermole and winger Zac Dale impressed in both defence and attack,

The second forty-five-plus of this match began with the introduction of Jay Hart and Danny Morton replacing Louis Mayers Roberto Bonaminio. This would be Hart’s first appearance since recovering from a foot injury sustained against Scarborough.

Despite the half time swaps The Moors stretched they lead after only a minute, Andrew Stephenson this time with a lob over Collinge following a slow start from The Blues.

Stephenson would be denied his second in the 49th minute; his goal after Collinge’s save was disallowed, the linesman adjudging him to be offside. A minute later Anthony Peacock was unfortunate to see his shot rebound off the post and into the grasp of Collinge.

Brilliant play for Henderson however gave the home side that fifth goal they were searching for, 56th minute battling past Esdaille and pushing Morton out the way the front man got his hatrick after a neat finish past The Blues’ keeper Collinge.

Stephenson wouldn’t have to wait long for his actual second of the encounter, The Moors’ number nine shot was saved my Collinge back into the forward’s path who calmly added a sixth to the score line on 64th minutes.

Despite the four goal difference Clitheroe had their moments, Jay Hart unlucky to have his first time strike rise over the bar of Luke Coddington’s goal.

Hatrick-hero-Henderson was taken off to rapturous applause on the 66th minute mark and it took his replacement Michael Roberts a meagre minute to score with his first touch. 7-1 was now thje damage.

The Blues responded this time though, seconds later in the 68th Ross Dent secured a second for himself and the Blues, the number 10’s shot on target was deflected but not blocked finding its was past Coddington.

Blues fans would be treated to a third for their side as a returning from injury Jay Hart directed his free kick sublimely past Coddington and into the keeper’s top right.

Nevertheless, it would be The Moors who made the final mark on this match, wholesome home side build up play resulted in Nathan Fisher finding himself in front of goal, he rounded off the scoring with ease.

Despite the eight - three result The Blues can be positive, scoring three goals against promotion fighting Spennymoor is an achievement, and the resting of key players meant this match was never going to produce the best Blues performance possible.

The result hands Clitheroe their heaviest loss in the Evo-stik First Division North this season, though The Blues remain in 13t. whilst Spennymoor stay in sixth, pushing for a play-off place.

Clitheroe’s Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy against Chorley FC at The Macron is on Monday night, you can pay on the gate at The Macron:

Adults – £8.00
Concessions – £4.00

The Teams:

Clitheroe:

Peter Collinge, Tom Jackson, James Walker, Laquan Esdaille (OG, 12), Roberto Bonaminio (Morton, 45), Laquan Esdaille (OG, 12), Ryan Cattermole, Richard Burns, David Lynch ©, Louis Mayers (Hart, 45, G 79), Ross Dent (G, 5, 68) Zac Dale (Garner, 53)

SUBS: Danny Morton, Sefton Gonzales, Jason Hart, Simon Garner, Alex Palffy

Spennymoor:

Luke Coddington, Kallum Gritffiths, Chris Mason © (Groves, 66), Robbie Briggs, Joe Tait, Stephen Capper, Andrew Stephenson (G 12, 64), Shane Henry, Liam Henderson (G 9, 33, 56. Roberts, 66, G 67) Nathan Fisher (G 90), Anthony Peacock

SUBS: Gavin Cogdon, Michael Roberts, John McReady, Lewis Dodds, Dan Groves

Attendance: 456