CLITHEROE dropped a place to third in the North West Counties League Division One as Lee Sculpher's run of victories since his appointment as player-boss came to an end.

But Sculpher's men will be kicking themselves after failing to take maximum points at Abbey Hey.

"I suppose we have to be pleased with a point away from home," said Sculpher.

"We are now unbeaten in six games and we have to keep that run going and not worry about anyone else but we did have our chances and we just didn't take them."

Clitheroe took the lead on the hour mark when Chris Whittingham put Mark Stewart clear and he finished well.

The Blues had struggled in a disappointing first half of few chances but looked capable of withstanding Abbey Hey's onslaught after the goal.

Though the home side had a lot of pressure they rarely troubled stand-in keeper Mike Allinson.

But after 85 minutes Abbey Hey won a free-kick from distance and Allinson was left helpless by the quality of the dead ball strike.

The equaliser sparked Clitheroe into life as an attacking force once more but despite forcing the pace, and a series of corners, they could not find a way of extending their winning streak.

"We had a few chances which on another day we might have taken but conditions made it difficult for us," said Sculpher.

RESULT: ABBEY HEY...1 CLITHEROE...1