Clitheroe 0 St Helens 1

TIRED Clitheroe were unable to shake off the effects of their FA Vase exit as they bowed out of a cup competition at the quarter-final stage for the second time in five days.

A second-half goal from Gary Laird was enough to send the Blues out of this North West Trains League Challenge Cup replay as the home side failed to make their possession count.

And manager Steve Parry admitted that last weekend's trip to Tiverton had taken its toll. "It definitely did. We were very quiet before the game and just didn't seem able to lift ourselves," he said.

Clitheroe were not without their chances, however, and having fallen behind when Laird headed home a free-kick they camped around the St Helen's penalty area in search of an equaliser.

However, Brian Welch, Dave Gardner and Mark Stewart were unable to find a way past impressive St Helens keeper Mike Allison and secure the kind of late reprieve Clitheroe enjoyed in the first meeting.

Stewart saw the best chance slip away two minutes from the end when he a great run took him clear of the defence but with just Allison to beat he side-footed wide.

The Blues' last chance of silverware now rests on the Floodlit Trophy when they will be out to avoid a hat-trick of last eight disappointments against Atherton Collieries.

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