CLITHEROE'S hard work was unlucky to be rewarded as they went down 1-0 at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

The game's turning point came on 62 minutes when Russell Clarke was shown a red card for commiting a foul as the last line of defence.

From the resultant free kick, Wayne Bullimore curled home what proved to be the winning goal.

Clitheroe created chances of their own, a goalbound Gavin Cooper header being blocked and several long range efforts from Gary Jackson forcing saves from the home goalkeeper.

A deserved draw was almost salvaged in the closing stages following a strong run from Paul Stansfield. His run and cross was turned towards his own goal by a Stocksbridge defender but somehow the goalkeeper managed to prevent the ball crossing the line.