FLEETWOOD had the referee to thank for an unexpected three points as Clitheroe went down to a disappointing home defeat in last night's North Western Trains League Division One clash.

Any hopes of a home win were dashed by a hat trick of second half penalties from Stuart Diggle, and Dennis Hill was sent off late on.

Steve Parry's men started well enough, a goal up at half time thanks to an instinctive finish from Dave Worthington.

However, just after the break Clitheroe gave away a needless penalty to allow Diggle to pull the game level.

The home side were soon back in front however, Hill delivering a penetrating cross into the area which was met by the head of Worthington, who nodded in his second of the game.

However, after a second penalty had been converted by Diggle, the game deteriorated into something of a farce.

After a foul on the goalkeeper, Fleetwood had the ball over the line when Hill scooped the ball out with his hand. Both sides assumed the goal had been given but the referee disallowed the goal, instead awarding a third penalty and brandishing a red card for Hill, and Diggle scored his third from the spot.

Then minutes before full-time the ref awarded a fourth penalty, this time to Clitheroe after the Fleetwood full-back cut out a cross with his chest. The referee insisted it was hand ball, but with regular penalty taker Hill off the pitch, Barry Hart hit the post.

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