CLITHEROE capped a memorable night at Shawbridge with a stunning strike from Daryl Avery to book themselves a glamour tie against Kettering Town in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

In what turned out to be an arm wrestle of a game against Southern League Premier Division outfit Halesowen Town, an understrength Blues side, missing key players James Dean, Paul Lamb and Simon Garner, contested every tackle all night long.

In the first half chances were few and far between thanks to strong work from both defences, with Clitheroe centre backs Chris Matthews and Greg Anderson, in particular, outstanding.

After the break the Blues got on top and their pressure was rewarded with an absolutely stunning strike, just 10 minutes from time.

Craig Sargeson chased a long ball into the box, and when it was only partially cleared, Avery was on hand from 30 yards out to rifle an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner.

Halesowen went in desperate search of an equaliser, but their siege on the home goal came to nothing as goalkeeper Paul Horridge marshalled his defence well to keep them out.

Clitheroe chairman Carl Garner said: "This is a fantastic result. For a club of this stature it's just phenomenal.

"Chris has been under some pressure from the fans, but I've always known he's capable of bringing success here."