The Blues were looking to build on their previous victories against Wythenshawe and Bamber Bridge with an away trip to Staffordshire-based side Newcastle Town. However, the hosts had other ideas as they held Sean McConville’s men to a draw.

It was a bright start for Clitheroe as Leon Creech came close in the fourth minute after Josh Briggs found him at the near post but the striker was unable to convert.

The visitors threatened again just 10 minutes later when Veron Parny’s inviting cross towards the back post was met by Briggs, whose powerful header thundered off the bar.

With Clitheroe dominating play, Brad Ditch nearly grabbed his first goal for the club as his 25-yard strike whistled just past the post.

However, against the run of play, Newcastle Town snatched the first goal of the game after Lewis Bowen’s lofted through ball met Timothy Grice who slotted his effort past Oliver Belizzia into the bottom corner in the 42nd minute.

Going behind galvanised Clitheroe as it only took them three minutes to respond when Jack Morris drove the ball forward before squaring it to Creech for an easy tap into an open net, leaving the score level at the break.

Half Time: Newcastle Town 1-1 Clitheroe

The game opened up in the second half, with end-to-end action, starting with a Briggs chance that was fired straight at Joseph Slinn in the 48th minute.

The home side had a golden opportunity to take the lead once more in the 61st minute as Grice and Belizzia met once more but this time the Clitheroe shot-stopper came off his line quickly to deny the veteran attacker.

The best chance for the Blues to gain an advantage in the second half fell in the 70th minute after Morris fired his first time attempt agonisingly over the bar from close range.

Grice, still searching for his second of the game, was denied again by Belizzia with 10 minutes to go after the two went one on one again but the keeper got the better of the two by making himself big.

Full Time: Newcastle Town 1-1 Clitheroe

With the game ending in a draw, it will be seen as a missed opportunity for McConville’s side considering their opponents league position and recent form. Regardless, the Blues go again on Tuesday evening where they travel to Trafford.