Edwards fired home with virtually his first touch in a Clitheroe shirt as David Lynch’s men secured a first Shawbridge win of their pre-season programme.

Sefton Gonzales followed up his double at Hurst Green with a typical headed strike after the break.

And David Lynch’s men had late chances to make it a more convincing victory against a youthful Fleetwood Academy line-up.

The visitors – watched by Town's first-team management duo of Simon Grayson and David Dunn – made it a competitive outing before tiring late on.

And in some lively opening exchanges an injury to Terry Cummings provided the Blues' only setback of the night.

Skipper Billy Priestley was also absent as he recovers from a knock picked up at the weekend, which allowed youngster Jack Burrows to show his potential with an impressive outing at centre-half.

Player-manager David Lynch also got some valuable game-time into his legs before he made way early in the second half for Alex Turner, who made his second appearance since becoming the latest summer signing.

The Blues couldn’t have asked for a better start as Edwards announced his arrival.

A flick-on by Gonzales was met by Danny Pilkington who ferried the ball into the path of the new boy to drill a shot into the bottom corner from 15 yards.

Clitheroe didn’t have it all their own way, though, and didn’t threaten again until Gonzales saw a shot blocked by keeper Joel Coleman.

But it was a more dominant second-half showing from the Blues as they stepped it up.

And their second goal 12 minutes after the break came from an excellent move as Pilkington and Gary Stopforth combined for Stopforth to deliver a magnificent cross which Gonzales met with a header he expertly steered into the far corner.

The Blues could have added to their tally but substitute Fleetwood keeper Harry Wright made a couple of fine stops, including one from Kielen Adams as the Blues’ frontman battled to open his pre-season account 10 minutes from time.

Next up for the Blues is a trip to Barnoldswick Town on Saturday before Lynch’s side faces Ashton United in their semi-final of the four-team Lockstep Trophy at Shawbridge on Wednesday, 21 July (KO 7.45pm).

Lancaster City (who will host finals’ day) face Burnley’s U23s in the other semi-final after the Clarets replaced Nelson in the competition.

Clitheroe: Thompson, Cummings (Latte 15), Burrows, Smalley, Lonsdale (Pennington 75), Stopforth (Fenton 65), Wilkins, Lynch (Turner 50), Pilkington (Brickell 58), Gonzales (Adams 60), Edwards.

Picture: Jack Carysforth