A late Danny Mahoney wonder goal capped a remarkable second-half performance as Clitheroe inflicted defeat on much-fancied New Mills.

Mahoney’s moment of magic was the forward’s second goal of the afternoon after earlier stroking home a penalty to cancel out Luke Horrocks’ opener.

New Mills were by far the better side in the opening stages of the game and could quite easily have been two or three goals up early on.

The Millers’ dominance paid dividends on 12 minutes as James Hampson played in Horrocks whose shot found the net despite Hakan Burton initially getting a foot to the ball.

New Mills missed a golden opportunity to double their lead moments later as Carlos Meakin cleared the bar with a free header.

Clitheroe rallied towards the end of the half and equalised from the penalty spot after 42 minutes as debutant Chris Mason was brought down by keeper Adam Halton.

Mahoney dispatched from the spot-kick low to Halton’s left for his third goal in as many games as the Blues reached the break on the level terms.

The second period could not have been more different to the first and had Clitheroe not left Church Lane with three points there would have been a degree of disappointment.

After nullifying the threat posed by New Mills, the visitors created a catalogue of chances in the final 25 minutes of the match.

The Clitheroe tide was unrelenting with Danny Bell, Jack Higgins and Daley Woods all going close to scoring.

With four minutes remaining, Mahoney won the game for the Blues, launching a spectacular shot from the halfway line which sailed over the stranded Halton.

This strike, by a player who has made a real impression since joining the club last month, is already a strong contender for goal of the season.