Clitheroe faced a stern test in the build-up to this one, coming up against an in form Bamber Bridge side who had won four of their last five matches. However, Sean McConville’s men arrived in a confident mood following a commanding 4-0 victory over Wythenshawe at the weekend.

A quiet first half followed, with the visitors providing the only real attacking threat as Josh Briggs and Jack Morris both forced Aiden Dowling into action but the score remained level at the break.

Half Time: Bamber Bridge 0-0 Clitheroe

The second half saw the game spring into life, with Bamber Bridge carving out the first clear opening when Ewan Bange broke through one on one with Oliver Bellizia, only to see his fierce effort crash against the crossbar in the 48th minute.

The hosts went close again just a minute later as Olly Molloy found himself clean through on goal, but Bellizia stood tall to deny what looked a certain opener.

Against the run of play, Clitheroe took the lead in the 51st minute when a goalmouth scramble fell kindly to Veron Parny, who reacted quickest to fire past Dowling from close range and break the deadlock.

The visitors doubled their advantage soon after as Sekouba Sanogo delivered a teasing cross towards the near post, where Harry Scarborough surged forward to glance a header beyond Dowling.

Clitheroe’s blistering spell continued as they added a third inside five minutes, with Scarborough completing his brace after Jordan Windass picked him out at the near post for a simple finish.

Full Time: Bamber Bridge 0-3 Clitheroe

The win sees Clitheroe advance to the semi-final of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy, with their next opponents yet to be confirmed. Attention now turns back to the league, where the Blues will look to build on their recent momentum and growing confidence when they travel to Newcastle Town on Saturday.