Clitheroe’s impressive nine-match unbeaten run came to an end as a well-organised Prescot Cables side left the Shawbridge with all three points.

The Blues were hit by a second half double by Aaron Rey as hopes of closing the gap on the top six in Unibond Division One North were temporarily halted.

Rey, who was the best striker on the pitch, struck in the 65th and 85th minutes before Danny Williams pulled one back in injury time for the home side.

But in truth, a draw would have been the fair result for Pete Smith’s side.

The first half was even in terms of chances, although the Blues shaded possession. But clear chances were limited so Nathan Taylor should have done better after a great run and cross from Zach Clark midway through the half. But keeper Danny Hanford came to Clitheroe’s rescue with a fine block just before the break. The second half followed a similar pattern but it was Prescot who carved out the first chance with Ryan Fisher clearing a shot off the line.

However, the game sprang to life in the 65th minute when Hanford completely missed his clearance and Rey rolled the ball home.

Clitheroe had a penalty appealed turned down soon after when Zach Clark was upended in the area then had a goal chalked off after Taylor’s effort was ruled offside.

Clark and Williams were now running the show on the flanks for Clitheroe but, against the run of play, Cables went 2-0 thanks to an acrobatic effort by Rey.

The striker was denied his hat-trick by the post before Williams pulled one back in injury time and Ryan Fisher had a good shot blocked by the keeper in the last play of the game.