With a Syndicate Trust semi-final on the horizon against Leyland Albion, Thomas Bartlett’s men will be looking to extend their run of wins to eight matches against a side they have already beaten once this season.

In fact, the victory came just over a month ago when the Blues travelled to Smithy Row and defeated their opponents 7-2, in the earlier rounds of the aforementioned Trophy.

With Hurst Green away this weekend and Langho away the week after, Clitheroe Youth have not played a home game at Shawbridge since the 7th December 2014. Meaning after the Langho fixture, the team will have played five away games in a row.

Luckily for the side, they excel on the road. Having played seven times away from Shawbridge this season, the Youth side have won six and lost just once, scoring twenty-nine and conceding just six times.

The goals definitely haven’t dried up either and the deadly strike force of Eddy Drake and Levi Barnes have scored goals a plenty in recent weeks. The whole team in fact have racked up fifteen goals during their last three away fixtures.

Despite playing just two league games in the last eight weeks, the Blues are still in a strong position to win the league title. Having played less games than every other side in the league, Clitheroe Youth sit six points of top side Bolton Lads & Girls Club with four games in hand and five points off Ramsbottom United in second with two games in hand.

The recent in-form man for the side is defender Tom Jackson. Having made his debut for the senior team last weekend against Scarborough Athletic, Jackson has featured in every single game for the youth team this year, chipping in with four important goals in the process.

The defenders pace, composure and agility has made him a prized asset for Bartlett’s men and Jackson deserves a lot of credit for helping Youth side record six clean sheets this campaign.

Clitheroe Youth player Tom Jackson commented on the importance of winning and knows Hurst Green will be a tough contest for his team;

“We know Hurst green will be tough opposition as they are up there in the league with us. However we know it is a must win game if we want to go on and challenge for league. It's great to be back after the break can't wait to get on the pitch this Sunday.”

Our opponents Hurst Green sit two places (5th) and three points (12 points) behind the Blues, having played a game more in the league.
After an impressive start to the season that saw the Blues pick up eight wins from their first nine games, Hurst Green have slipped up since and have won just two of their last seven games. Including defeats in their last four fixtures.

The sides defence is the worry going into the game, having conceded seventeen times in their last four fixtures.

Up top the biggest goal threat will come from forward Oliver Shipston. Shipston has scored ten times in his fifteen games for Hurst Green this season, including three times in six league games.

A win for Clitheroe Youth would not lift them higher than third, however with Ramsbottom United in cup action and Bolton Lads & Girls Club facing a tough home fixture against Langho, it would give the side a platform to chase the leading pack.

On the other hand, three points for Hurst Green could see them jump into fourth position and sit on the same points as Bartlett’s men, however due to their inferior goal difference it would take a twenty one goal swing for them to climb up to third.