Clitheroe and Nantwich successfully cancelled each other out in a game which simply failed to ignite. Clitheroe were playing with a back three including debutant Andy Teague and had the bulk of possession in the first half, with most chances of note coming from wing back Jacob Hanson. On 14 minutes, Hanson had a great run down the right and was bundled over on the edge of the box, only for the referee to wave play on, It was Hanson who had the best chance of the half on 27 minutes when Richie Baker slipped him through only for him to see his firm shot well saved. On 36 minutes, Hanson delivered a great cross into the box, only to see Sefton Gonzales’ attempted shot smothered by a brace of defenders.

The second half was more even and Nantwich had early chances as Clitheroe back pedalled. On 61 minutes, Danny Wilkins picked up the ball from a Baker corner, and after his shot was blocked his appeal for a penalty after he was taken down was waved away. Gonzales had a tame header saved on 70 minutes for the home side, but the best chance of the game fell to young home debutant Jack Massey who met a Wilkins’ cross with a flashing header which thumped against the woodwork with the keeper stranded. As the clock ticked down, Gonzales was primed in the box only for the keeper to pluck the ball from his head.

In the end, a disappointing game, which probably suited the visitors better as they prepare themselves for a big FA Trophy game.

Team: Burton, Hanson, Sloan, Teague, Lancaster Hall, Baker, Wilkins, Gonzales, Dent, Parny
Subs (used) Massey, Azam, Rouse
Subs (not used) Hussain, Davidson