CLITHEROE produced a fine all-round performance to secure victory over UniBond League side Radcliffe Borough in the first round of the Marsden Challenge Trophy.

Neil Spencer was the the NWCL Division One hero with a goal in each half to make sure Lee Sculpher's men progressed into round two.

"It was an excellent win for our lads and one they thoroughly deserved," said player/boss Sculpher, who admitted his first thought was to avoid a 'hammering' which higher division clubs can sometimes dish out.

"They weren't at full strength but you can only bat what is put in front of you and I am delighted with how we went about it.

"We controlled the game for long periods and at the back we were very secure.

"They never really had a chance."

Spencer had been guilty of missing two half chances before grabbing the opener on 35 minutes.

He was first to react to a cross from the right flank and slotted the ball under the Radcliffe keeper.

His second came on 55 minutes following good worked from Richard Fogarty.

This time Spencer wrong-footed the keeper before finishing.

"We decided on a game plan beforehand and part of that was to make sure we did not give away an early goal," said Sculpher.

"It worked a treat and we were very positive going forward.

"Mark Stewart and Jason Jones linked up very well on our left hand side and caused them plenty of problems.

"Despite Saturday's result we are hitting a decent bit of form at the moment."

Clitheroe are in league action on Saturday at Congelton Town.

CLITHEROE...2

RADCLIFFE BOROUGH...0