Clitheroe, on the back of their impressive win against York City last time out, were looking for more of the same as they faced a Scunthorpe side full of confidence after winning their previous six games in all competitions.

The Blues created the first real chance of the game in the 20th minute when Harry Scarorough was played through on goal but Louis Jones denied him at the near post.

The Iron retaliated just four minutes later as Callum Roberts was prevented a goal by some Danny Wilkins heroics as the Clitheroe midfielder performed a diving header on the line to keep the score level.

The visitors hit back with another great chance just before half time after Josh Briggs fired a ball into the box, but Luke Gill somehow turned it over the bar from close range.

Half Time: Scunthorpe 0-0 Clitheroe

Scunthorpe ramped up the pressure in the second half and took the lead as a result, through substitute Danny Whitehall scoring a header at the back post with his first touch of the ball in the 57th minute.

Sean McConville’s men refused to go down without a fight however, as they equalised just eight minutes later after Josh Briggs found an onrushing Jack Morris in the box who tucked it home neatly in the 64th minute.

Ultimately, it was the home side who showed their pedigree late on as they took advantage of a Veron Parny mistake, leading to a swift counter attack ending with an easy tap in for Carlton Ubaezuonu in the 80th minute.

The game was then put to bed in the 89th minute when a Whitehall free kick found its way to a free Jean Belehouan who nodded in from close range.

Full Time: Scunthorpe 3-1 Clitheroe

Despite exiting the FA Trophy, there will be a real sense of pride and accomplishment on how far they reached in the competition. The Blues can now focus on their league campaign as the face Wythenshawe Town at home on Saturday.