CLITHEROE kept their title hopes alive with an impressive 3-0 win away at Newcastle.

"We played really well, particularly in the second half," said manager Dave Burgess.

His side took the lead after just 14 minutes when a long throw from Mark Stewart was flicked on at the near post and Lee Cryer headed home.

It was 2-0 three minutes later. Stewart went down the left and squared the ball for Neil Reynolds, who finished neatly with a shot into the corner.

Lee Sculpher was impressive at the back to make sure the home side didn't find their way back into the game.

Burgess's men have only conceded four goals in their last 11 league games.

The only scare came at 2-0 when Chris Richens made a fine save when Newcastle had broken through.

On the hour the points were wrapped up but there was a stroke of luck about the goal.

Neil Spencer's run down the right appeared to have been ended by a fine defensive tackle but the ball hit the referee and deflected back into Spencer's path leaving him clean through and he took full advantage.

Clitheroe are at home to Glossop North End in NWCL Division One tomorrow.