Clitheroe headed into this one looking to build on their outstanding 9-1 win against Darlaston Town last week. Runcorn, however, proved a much sterner test as the Blues edged a 2-1 victory over the Merseyside high flyers.

It didn’t take long for Clitheroe to take the lead as Danny Wilkins played an inch perfect cross field pass to Josh Briggs who controlled it well before slotting it past Yusuf Mersin in the 12th minute.

Harry Scarborough had the chance to make it 2-0 just ten minutes later when his curled effort from the edge of the area almost crept in at the far post but Mersin managed to tip it wide at full stretch.

Runcorn’s first real chance of the game resulted in a goal just before half time after a goalmouth scramble fell to Matthew Rain, who blasted home from close range via a deflection off Cameron Lancaster.

Half Time: Clitheroe 1-1 Runcorn Linnets

It didn’t take long for the Blues to retake the lead after the restart, as a long ball straight from kick off fell kindly to Scarborough, who fired a half volley into the bottom corner in the 46th minute.

The visitors searched for a second equaliser and almost found it in the 59th minute, when a looping Declan McLoughlin free kick beat the wall but crashed back out off the post.

Runcorn’s chances of salvaging something from the game were boosted in the 77th minute when Clitheroe were reduced to ten men after Anwar Murtesa was shown a red card for a second bookable offence.

The Yellows piled the pressure on with their man advantage, but Zac Hadi produced a superb late save to deny Ryan Brooke from close range in the 90+2nd minute, ensuring Clitheroe walked away with all three points.

Full Time: Clitheroe 2-1 Runcorn Linnets

Clitheroe’s statement victory over Runcorn sees Sean McConville’s men climb to 11th place in the Northern Premier League West table as they look to mount a late push for the play-off spots. Before then, however, they turn their attention to potential silverware on Tuesday night, when they face Lancaster City in the semi-final of the Lancashire Challenge Trophy.