The Ribble Valley based side were knocked out of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy at the semi-final stage by Lancaster City, whose superior quality ultimately proved decisive in a 3-0 defeat for Sean McConville’s men.

Jim Craig thought he grabbed the opener with 24 minutes on the clock when he converted a Joe Amison cross but it was ruled out for being offside in the build-up.

Clitheroe retaliated with a half chance that fell to Lewis Trickett shortly after but his tame effort was saved comfortably by Brad Kelly.
As half time approached, Lancaster started to show their class as they created two great chances both falling to Nic Evangelinos but Zac Hadi came to the rescue, denying the attacker on both occasions.

Evangelinos eventually found the net just before the interval in the third minute of stoppage, time when a loose ball found its way to the attacker who managed to convert his effort from close range.

Half Time: Lancaster City 1-0 Clitheroe

Things started poorly for the visitors in the second half, conceding again in the 54th minute after Anwar Murtesa gave away the ball cheaply on the edge of the area, allowing Steven Yawson to collect the ball and place it past Hadi to make it 2-0.

Harry Scarborough attempted to drag Clitheroe back into the game but saw his powerful headed effort blocked off the line by Ed Nolan.
However, it wasn’t to be for Clitheroe as the game was put out of reach for them in the 74th minute when Christian Sloan found Evangelinos, who completed his brace with a curled effort that beat Hadi to see the game end 3-0.

Full Time: Lancaster City 3-0 Clitheroe

The defeat sees Clitheroe exit the Lancashire Challenge Trophy at the semi-final stage. They will now have to turn to the league if they are to gain any honours this season. Clitheroe face a long away trip to Chasetown on Saturday 7th February as league action resumes.