Clitheroe produced one of the biggest results of the FA Trophy third round as they knocked out National League side York City on penalties at the Loom Loft Stadium. Despite a three-division gap between the sides, the Blues matched their visitors throughout before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout.

Clitheroe showed no signs of being intimidated in the early exchanges and were the first side to threaten when Jack Morris floated a dangerous cross into the box which was headed clear for a corner by Callum Howe.

York went closest to opening the scoring late in the first half when a loose clearance allowed Joseph Grey a sight of goal, but Cameron Lancaster reacted well to block and keep the sides level at the break.

Half Time: Clitheroe 0-0 York City

The tempo increased after the restart and Clitheroe created a strong opening when Luke Gill tested George Kenworthy, who produced a smart save to deny the home side.

York retaliated by coming agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute after a long range Alex Hunt free kick struck the crossbar from 25 yards.

The match opened up as chances came at both ends, with Veron Parny going close for Clitheroe before York threatened on the counter, only for Grey to fire over.

The breakthrough finally arrived late on when substitute Leon Creech capitalised on space outside the area and fired home a wonderful strike from distance to give Clitheroe a late lead in the 89th minute.

York had other plans however, as the Yorkshire side forced the game to go to penalties with Ollie Pearce finding the bottom corner to level the score and silence the home crowd in the 90+9th minute.

Ultimately, the match went to penalties in front of the packed Loom Loft Stadium, where Clitheroe kept their cool and won 4-3, with help from a fantastic save from Zac Hadi to deny Newby’s penalty before Grey blazed his attempt over the bar, sealing the visitors fate.

Full Time: Clitheroe 1-1 York City (4-3 on pens)

This unbelievable win sees Clitheroe’s historic FA Trophy campaign continue after a performance full of grit and belief.