CLITHEROE defenders Barry Hart and Gary Rishton were both on target last night as the Blues picked up yet another three points in a classic game of two halves.

The first 45 minutes was all Clitheroe. The home side poured forward into the Abbey half with the visitors getting little more than a sniff of possession.

In the very first minute of the game Dennis Hill missed a gilt-edged chance to put Steve Parry's side one up, setting the tone for a game of wasted opportunities.

Ten minutes later the Blues were ahead. Hart slotted home the first of his side's two goals, the only surprise being that it had taken so long for the ball to hit the back of the Abbey net.

Midway through the half Rishton doubled Clitheroe's advantage, rounding off a good move to make it 2-0.

The second half was quite a different story. This time it was Abbey's turn to dominate, but rather than probe for openings in the home side's back line, they seemed content to play keep-ball in the middle of the park.

The visitors could have gone top of the FNWTL Division One had they pulled off a win in this fixture, however, it is difficult to see how they attained that status on this performance. What chances the visitors had were sliced high and wide.

Clitheroe were very disciplined and kept their opponents away from the goal area well.

The Blues have now climbed into the top five in the division by continuing their recent excellent sequence of results.

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