Phil Brown’s men produced another fantastic performance at a rocking Shawbridge as they made it five successive league victories to stay second in the BetVictor North-West table.

Player of the month Connor Gaul set the Blues on their way to a hat-trick of home successes with a first-half penalty.

And three more goals in the second half sent most of the 355 fans home happy as the Blues’ bandwagon rolls on.

Ollie Wood was absent through suspension, but boss Brown was able to bring back on-loan Blackpool striker Owen Watkinson.

And the teenager produced a superb performance capped by the final goal.

Watkinson also had a major hand in the opener as it was his run that was stopped by a foul from Droylsden keeper Chris Thompson and Gaul slotted home his eighth goal of the season from the spot.

Terry Cummings then twice went close to doubling the lead with efforts saved by Thompson.

But the ex-Blues’ keeper was powerless to stop Clitheroe going 2-0 up with just over an hour gone with a classy goal.
Watkinson was again involved with an excellent cross which midfield man Craig Carney coolly tucked away.

And the Blues then underlined their domination 17 minutes from the end with a third goal to kill off the Bloods, Lee Neville deflecting the ball into his own net as Droylsden’s record of never having won at Shawbridge was extended.

Brown’s men had already opened up their biggest winning margin of the season but they weren’t finished yet as Watkinson got the goal he deserved five minutes from time when he slotted home to provide a fitting finale.

Team : Connor King, Danny Gray, Andrew Jackson, Tom Dean, Markell Foulds (Jordan Downing), Charlie Russell (c), Jacob Gregory (Charlie Mulgrew), Craig Carney, Owen Watkinson, Terry Cummins, Conor Gaul (Jake Connelly). Subs - Charlie Mulgrew, Jake Connelly, Jordan Downing. Not used - Paul Dugdale, Oliver Muir.
Attendance: 355