Own goal gaffe ONE of the most bizarre own-goals imaginable helped Clitheroe move into the North West Counties League First Division's second spot.

Leek's Lee Pugh somehow managed to lob his own goalkeeper from 40 yards as Clitheroe made it seven points out of their last nine in three away games following their FA Vase triumph at Chippenham last weekend.

Clitheroe boss Dave Burgess, delighted with the character his side has shown after a gruelling few days, said: "The own goal had to be seen to be believed -- I doubt whether anyone could have done it if they'd have meant to!

"We had some tired legs on Saturday but every credit to the lads to win so comprehensively in what was the fourth game in seven days."

The consistent Neil Spencer picked up a pass from Carl Greenwood to shoot Clitheroe ahead on 13 minutes.

Then came Pugh's amazing gaffe after 18 minutes before, on the half hour, Gary Jackson was sent clear by Spencer to add a third.

Neil Robinson scored from a free kick before half time to give the home side hope but Clitheroe continued to surge forward, hitting the woodwork three times.

"We could well have had double the number of goals to show for our efforts and it was a very impressive performance" added Burgess.

The Clitheroe boss though, has headaches leading up to the Vase semi-final first leg with Taunton this coming Saturday.

Lee Cryer and new signing Nathan Peel are both struggling with hamstring injuries while captain Barry Hart will also have intensive treatment on a calf strain.

A BIZARRE own-goal helped Clitheroe warm up nicely for Saturday's FA Vase semi final at Taunton.

Leek's Lee Pugh somehow managed to lob his own goalkeeper from 40 yards to make it seven points from the last three games to take the Blues second in NWCL Division One.

Burgess said: "We had some tired legs on Saturday but every credit to the lads to win so comprehensively in what was the fourth game in seven days."

Neil Spencer picked up a pass from Carl Greenwood to shoot Clitheroe ahead on 13 minutes. Then came Pugh's amazing gaffe before Gary Jackson added a third.

Neil Robinson scored just before half time to give the home side hope but Clitheroe continued to attack, hitting the woodwork three times.

Burgess has headaches leading up to the Vase semi-final first leg with Taunton this coming Saturday.

Lee Cryer and new signing Nathan Peel are both struggling with hamstring injuries while captain Barry Hart will also have intensive treatment on a calf strain.