CLITHEROE are up to ninth place in Evo-Stik Division One North thanks to a Scott Bakkor hat-trick – two of which came from the penalty spot.

Bottom of the table Ossett Town, who have won just twice all season, were looking to pull of a shock result as they lead 1-0 on the break thanks to Fernando Moke’s 30th minute strike. But Clitheroe were on level terms seven minutes after the restart when Bakkor converted the first of his two spot kicks.

The Blues, who agonisingly missed out on the play-offs on the last day of the season, are on a fine run of form and Bakkor put them on their way to a third win in their last four outings with a second penalty just past the hour mark.

And Bakkor made sure of the points for Simon Garner’s team when he completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute.

Luke Sharry pulled one back in stoppage time but Clitheroe easily held on to secure the victory and move to within four points of the play-off places.

Ramsbottom United’s eight-match winning run came to an end as the curse of New Mills struck again.

The Rams have failed to beat the Millers in their last 10 attempts and so it proved again.

The broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when Danny Warrender headed home a Grant Spencer corner.

Jordan Hulme wrongly had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half and with 15 minutes remaining, the New Mills jinx struck again when Daryl Weston scooped the ball home from close range following a goal-mouth scramble.

While the winning run was ended, the Rams remain in a healthy 13th place with two games in hand over their rivals.

Padiham had a frustrating afternoon after their game at Radcliffe Borough was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.