Clitheroe produced an incredible performance to beat Chorley 3-1 in the first round of the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy, in a result that showed real quality and intensity from the Blues against an opposition from two leagues above.

Clitheroe made a strong start, with a chance in the opening minutes down the right wing as Rio Alston pulled the ball back for Touray, whose shot was an easy save for the goalkeeper, but showed some nerves from Chorley against an emphatic Clitheroe side. It didn't take long for the Blues to find a way through, as Touray was played through by a great ball over the top, and after chopping back to attempt to get a shot away, he was brought down by the Chorley defender to win Clitheroe a penalty. Jason Gilchrist was the one who stepped up to take it, smashing it down the middle to give the home side the lead in a surprising opening to the game, but an undeniably well-deserved lead.

Touray was involved again soon after, played in behind once more, only for his shot to be blocked by a defender, sparking a flurry of chances for Clitheroe, including a couple of dangerous crosses from Jordan Windass that were unlucky to not result in a goal, however, did lead to a corner. Windass was going again almost immediately, this time driving down the right wing after a clever dummy from Touray before putting a cross into the box, which was turned into his own net by a Chorley defender to give Clitheroe a shock two goal lead inside 20 minutes.

Against a tough team, Clitheroe were putting up an incredible fight and were easily the better, playing with a high intensity and being all over Chorley throughout the first half. Windass swung another great delivery into the box from the right side, and Touray attempted an overhead kick, but the ball fell instead to Rhami at the back post, who managed to clip his effort just wide of the post. Freddie Machell then received the ball on the corner of the box after a quick exchange with Rhami and cut inside, only for his effort to be blocked by a Chorley defender, sparking loud shouts for handball that were quickly waved away by the referee. Nearing half time, Clitheroe remained in full control of the game, allowing Chorley barely any chances and keeping possession really well, hoping to carry that intensity into the second half. Machell then put another ball in behind for Alston, who produced some of his usual excellent footwork to cut in from the right before unleashing an incredible strike that bent towards the top left corner, only to be denied by the crossbar.

Half Time: Clitheroe FC 2-0 Chorley

Clitheroe continued to look strong at the start of the second half, though Chorley began to manage a couple of chances of their own, particularly making use of their physical presence at set pieces. Brad Ditch was booked for a late tackle, and the resulting free kick was converted by Chorley to pull one back for the visitors. Clitheroe responded quickly, with a great ball from Windass finding Gilchrist, who squared it to the edge of the box for Demi Rhami, but his effort went over the bar. Clitheroe made a change soon after, with Jake Carroll coming on for Ditch, probably a good decision given he was on a yellow card and not wanting to take any risks while holding onto this lead. Maine Walder was then shown a yellow card for a foul, though he barely seemed to have made contact with the player, leaving everyone confused as to why the referee had given the decision and what it was for.

Alston continued to be a threat down the right, producing some more unbelievable skill to go past four Chorley players at once before playing it into Touray, who forced a good save from the goalkeeper with a strong effort from distance. Clitheroe then made a triple change, bringing on Nathan Sandison, Harry Scarborough, and Jordan Carroll in place of Rhami, Gilchrist, and Touray. Clearly showing their depth on the bench, with them easily able to interchange players when needed without any drop off in quality. Sandison had an immediate impact on the game, clipping a dangerous ball into the box that was met by Alston's head from close range trying to glance it on, though it proved an easy save for the Chorley goalkeeper. Not long after, Jordan Windass swung in another excellent corner to the front post, and Jordan Carroll nipped in ahead of the goalkeeper to head the ball home and extend Clitheroe's lead late on.

Clitheroe made a further change, with Alston making way for Carter, as the Blues looked to see out the last few minutes of the game. From there, Clitheroe did everything they could to protect their lead, putting in some excellent defensive work to keep Chorley's attacks to a minimum. Sandison continued to look a threat going forward, twisting the Chorley defenders inside out and driving towards goal before just about getting a shot away, though it was narrowly saved by the goalkeeper. Harry Scarborough then went in behind and was bundled to the ground, winning a free kick in a good position. Jordan Windass stepped up from around 25 yards and got a good effort on target, but the goalkeeper made an easy save to keep Clitheroe from adding another to their tally for the night.

A brilliant result and performance from Clitheroe against opposition two divisions above them, with an early flurry of goals giving them the lead before an amazing effort saw the game out for them to progress into the next round.

Full Time: Clitheroe FC 3-1 Chorley

- Charlie Barnes