CLITHEROE 2 CLITHEROE waltzed through this FNWTL Division One clash in style as Skelmersdale's unbeaten home record was shot down in flames.

The Blues are now unbeaten in five games after goals from Paul Whalley and substitute Ian Gade gave Steve Parry's side the three points.

Clitheroe could have moved into second place above Newcastle Town, but the unbeaten Potteries club also won last night, leaving Parry's men snapping at their heels in third.

However, despite their recent run of form, the Blues could see their lofty position become a mediocre mid-table one should teams below them take advantage of their games in hand.

Clitheroe opened up the Skelmersdale defence several times before Whalley's strike on the half-hour opened the scoring. The striker latched on to a cross from the left hand side to stab home Clitheroe's first.

The game remained at 1-0 until five minutes from time when a weak backpass only found Gade, who gleefully rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home to secure the victory.

Watching on the sidelines, Hill was not worried about the possibility of Clitheroe slipping down the league.

"Other teams have to win those games in hand," said Hill. "I'm sure they would rather be in our position and have the points in the bag."

Hill will be missing from the side again on Saturday when Clitheroe travel to Morpeth for their FA Vase second round tie.

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