Recent weeks haven't gone Clitheroe's way but still maintained their top six spot but it looks to be a more difficult end to the season despite a good performance against the visitors.

The first 15 minutes seemed like Clitheroe wanted no part of it and were instantly punished when a failure to defend a cross led to Graeme Armstrong heading Shields into a very early lead.

The following 10 minutes led to believe it would be a long afternoon for the Blues but they slowly clawed back into it.

Half-chances started popping up and Caldon Henson must have thought he'd found an equaliser when he drove a powerful shot towards goal but forced a good save.

Shortly after some good work by Joe Mitchell found Danny Brady unmarked in the area but his header glanced over.

Straight after this from a corner a similar scenario Mitchell finds Rowlands in the box but his effort was just tipped over.

As half time approached you just wondered whether that one bit of luck would go Clitheroe's way.

The second half drew much fewer chances for both sides with Clitheroe taking control of possession.

Nonetheless a few half chances for both sides but nothing clear cut however it took until the final ten minutes for the Blues to really go for it but no matter how much they pressed, the Mariners stayed compact and defended well and got rid of any danger.

Full-time: Blues 0-1 South Shields.