Clitheroe looked to carry their impressive form from the previous match into this always tight affair away at Mossley. Domaine Rouse continued at centre-back in place of suspended Andy Teague and new signing Matty Clarke, signed from Lancaster City in midweek, replaced Ben Collins at left back.

Mossley were quick out of the starting blocks and should have taken the lead in the very first minute. Hakan Burton parried a great shot and then the follow up header was sent narrowly over the bar from close range. Eden Bailey had Clitheroe’s first strike on goal but his effort was easily saved. Cameron Lancaster was subbed with a knee injury after 24 minutes, Matty Barlow came on and a defensive reshuffle took place. The home side enjoyed a good spell on top with ex-Blue Darren Holden prominent down their left wing. Clitheroe’s best chance came after 34 minutes when Sefton Gonzales chested the ball into Veron Parny’s path who burst through towards goal but his shot was high and off target. Generally the build up play by both sides petered out near goal and neither keeper was seriously tested as the first half ended goalless.

The second half continued in much the same way with most attacks breaking down with the final ball. Mossley were perhaps shading things and the referee continued to hand out yellow cards for often innocuous infringements. Veron Parny was subbed by Amaar Hussain in the 61st minute and he was soon making an impact. In the 64th minute he received the ball out on the right, found space and delivered a cross which evaded Eden Bailey but found the outstretched leg of Sefton Gonzales who finished smartly for his 95th goal in his 200th game.

The home side upped the tempo as they looked to get back in the game. They looked dangerous and Hakan Burton was called into action more and more. Clitheroe were clearing their lines and had a great chance to double the lead in the 85th minute when Sefton Gonzales narrowly headed past the near post from a corner. Mossley then went down the other end and equalised in the 86th minute with a fine run and low shot from outside the penalty area that flashed across Hakan Burton into the far corner. Both sides searched for a winner, the Blues best chance coming when Ross Dent latched onto another long clearance, he ran down the line and crossed just as he reached the corner flag. His cross found Sefton Gonzales in the box but he was tackled before he could get any meaningful effort on the ball. Six minutes of added time was played before the final whistle went for a 1-1 draw.

Team: Hakan Burton, Waqas Azam, Matty Clarke, Domaine Rouse ©, Cameron Lancaster (Matty Barlow), Will Hall, Simon Njaria, Emerich Poilly, Sefton Gonzales, Eden Bailey (Ross Dent), Veron Parny (Amaar Hussain). Subs – Matty Barlow, Amaar Hussain, Ross Dent. Not used – Jack Massey, Richard Baker.