A slow burning fuse of a match finally burst into life deep into the second half and Clitheroe nicked the win with seconds to spare, to set up a third meeting this season with Prescot Cables.

Clitheroe seemed hungover from the exploits of their midweek win against Workington and had little to offer in terms of attacking options in the first half. That said the first chance fell Clitheroe’s way within two minutes when Jacob Gregory hared down the left and laid the ball to Cole Lonsdale, whose superb drive was well tipped over. The rest of the half was dominated by the visitors, and Connor King had to be alert when he saved well from a Route 1 clearance and shot. On 32 minutes, the visitors had a great in swinging corner cleared off the line as the home defence were put under pressure. Two minutes later, Sheffield took the lead, as Lee Cooksey whose header from a left wing cross had been blocked, picked his spot with the follow up header.

Clitheroe were still flat in the second half but slowly came back into the game as the weather took a turn for the worse. Sheffield had a great chance to double the lead on 66 minutes, but their shot whistled invitingly across the face of the goal. One minute later, Clitheroe were level from a fine goal, as Conor Gaul lifted the ball over the first line of defenders, with Ollie Wood cushioning his header beyond the defenders for Oscar O’Neill to nip round the back and to slot home. Clear cut chances were still hard to come by, but as directions to Sheffield for the replay were being discussed by fans, Connor Gaul went on a jinking run at close quarters past two defenders before slotting home, to spark wild scenes as the referee shaped to blow for full time.

Team : Connor King, Andrew Jackson, Cole Lonsdale, Oliver Muir, Markell Foulds, Oscar O'Neil (Charlie Mulgrew), Terry Cummins, Charlie Russell (c), Ollie Wood (Jack Price), Conor Gaul, Jacob Gregory (Jake Connelly). Subs - Jake Connelly, Charle Mulgrew, Jack Price. Not used - Danny Gray, Cameron Terry.