After being handed the opportunity to play in a more advanced role than usual, Clitheroe midfielder Ross Dent has been in fine form of late. In back to back wins for the Blues against Ossett Town and New Mills respectively, Dent has starred picking up two consecutive man of the match awards whilst also registering an assist and three goals. As a player who is usually more of a defensive ball-winner in the centre of the park, this is not a role that Dent will have been used to undertaking for the most part of this season, but he has certainly taken it in his stride and raised a few eyebrows.

With a crucial clash tomorrow night at Shawbridge against Brighouse Town, who currently sit just a point below Clitheroe, it will be interesting to see whether Garner opts to give Dent the chance to continue his excellent attacking form in that position. However, it must be said that having tucked away ten goals and picked up a maximum of six points in their last two games it is unlikely that the Blues will change a side playing with such confidence and momentum.

That said, Kurt Willoughby came on as a substitute against the Millers on Saturday and certainly staked a claim of his own for a start. Creating havoc in the final third whilst managing to find the net just a few minutes before the full time whistle, he has certainly raised one or two question marks as to how the team sheet will look on Tuesday night.

Provided Spennymoor Town fail to pick up all three points away at Prescot Cables, a win over Brighouse would take Clitheroe level on points with Burscough, who currently sit in the play-off places, so attentions will be focused upon other results as well as events at Shawbridge. Therefore, given the importance of this tie, Clitheroe will need their key players such as the in-form Ross Dent and prolific striker Sefton Gonzales to lead by example and tactical decisions made by Simon Garner regarding the team selection will be very closely scrutinised.

So as a Clitheroe supporter, there are a number of reasons to be both positive and optimistic at the moment and if the likes of Dent and Gonzales continue their impressive starts to the new year, there is no reason why the Blues can’t push for promotion this season. Whether or not they will take another emphatic step in the right direction tomorrow night remains to be seen, but they will undoubtedly benefit from the same level of support as they received from fans and spectators on Saturday. So get down to Shawbridge for this huge game and get behind the lads!

By James White