Vauxhall Motors 2-1 Clitheroe
Clitheroe were indebted to under 23 keeper Will Crisp for making his debut at short notice in a game which the Blues should have won but for a lack of composure on the ball. The game set off at a furious pace and it was Clitheroe who dominated, with most success coming down the right flank with Jacob Hanson and John McGrath causing problems. McGrath showed as early as 3 minutes in, but his twisting run came to nothing. Sefton Gonzales and Veron Parny were dropped in dangerous positions in quick succession, but the Blues could not capitalise on the opportunities. Both teams started to miss out their respective midfields and then on 23 minutes from nowhere, Vauxhall rattled the bar with a speculative shot. This jolted Clitheroe into life and five minutes later, Hanson and McGrath exchanged passes before Hanson dropped the ball on to Gonzales’ head to give Clitheroe the lead. The same combination threatened further down the right but the elusive second goal would not come. Vauxhall always looked to counter on the break and on 38 minutes, a low cross was almost steered goalward by a cheeky backheel. Then, as the game entered injury time, a Vauxhall cross into the penalty area spilled from Crisp’s grasp low down and a toe poke later meant the teams went in level.
The travelling Clitheroe fans expected a reaction in the second half, and whilst Clitheroe had many half chances, Vauxhall continued to make inroads. On 67 minutes a soft free kick was conceded on the edge of the Blue box and the resultant free kick was bent expertly beyond the wall. This signalled the home side camping in their own half, and they were relaxed as their yellow card count rose swiftly as they defended for their lives. Clitheroe tried to fashion an opening but with the number of bodies in the home box, their efforts became increasingly frustrated.

When the final whistle went, the Blues could reflect on a game of significant possession but insufficient clear cut chances.

Team: Crisp, Hanson, Holden, Baker, Pugh, Hall, McGrath, Wilkins, Gonzales, Rouse, Parny

Subs (used) Matthew Barlow, Jesus
Subs (not used) Lancaster, Dent, Kaiden Barlow