Skelmersdale United 0 Clitheroe 1
Att. 117

Clitheroe deservedly took three points from hosts Skelmersdale on the plastic at Burscough’s ground with a hard fought win by a margin, which probably should have been greater.

In the slightly unreal minimalist surroundings and with a small crowd, it was initially hard to adjust, but Clitheroe quickly imposed themselves, particularly through Jamie Edwards, who in the first half was outstanding. In the 9th minute, Edwards raced after a deep ball and the keeper was lucky to grab the ball at the second attempt on the edge of the box. Minutes later, Edwards’ appeal for a penalty was turned down and the ball ricocheted round the box before being cleared.

Any chances Skem had came mainly down their right and as is the way on plastic, any long raking balls headed quickly to that corner of the pitch. Chris Thompson was called upon to make a good save through a forest of legs on 26 minutes, but the Blues were very much still in the ascendancy. On 28 minutes, Edwards had a great run down the left and he slipped the ball to Sefton Gonzales, who in turn squared it into the box for another rash of attempts saved by desperate tackles.

Minutes later, Edwards did it all himself as he ran 50 yards and then narrowly curled the ball beyond the post in what would surely have been the goal of the season. On 34 minutes, Clitheroe had the biggest chance when Gonzalez dispossessed a player who dwelt on the ball and found himself one on one with the keeper, who saved with his legs. There was still time for Terry Cummings to scream over a shot as he went on a marauding run, bit it stayed goalless at half time, despite the cast iron chances.

In the second half, the play became scrappier and Skem had their own small purple patch, but Clitheroe deservedly took the lead on 76 minutes, when after a free kick was awarded for a clumsy foul on Bailey Sloane near the corner flag, Richie Baker floated in a pin point cross to joint manager Billy Priestley, who thumped home his header from 6 yards. There were some nerves then as the clock ticked down, but the points went to Clitheroe, who are perhaps finding their plastic legs for the rest of the season.

Team : Chris Thompson, Terry Cummings, Bailey Sloane, Richard Baker, Billy Priestley, Jack Burrows, Jamie Edwards, Danny Wilkins, Sefton Gonzales, Ross Dent (c) (Callum Leigh), Max Cane (Reece Webb-Foster). Subs - Callum Leigh, Reece Webb-Foster. Not used - Joel Byrom, Lewis Richmond, George Bristol.