CLITHEROE ripped apart the form book to produce a magnificent display and result against top-of-the-table Skelmersdale.

It was the Blues' first visit to Skem's Ashley Travel Stadium this season, and they must want to head there every week after thoroughly dominating the UniBond Division One (North) favourites.

Blues boss Neil Reynolds named an unchanged line-up, but they had to come from two goals down after 20 minutes.

First, Skem took the lead through Sean McConville's deflected effort, before Chris Almond doubled Skem's lead to send the home side into dreamland.

But the Blues hit back almost immediately, with in-form Craig Sargeson bagging a double.

Sargeson, who had scored in three of his previous five games, first netted from the penalty spot, following a foul on Paul Osborne, before firing home an equliser just three minutes later.

A frustrated Skem failed to put their noses back in front before the half-time interval.

And, after the break, it was Clitheroe who grabbed a third goal when Scott Redhead's cross evaded everyone to sneak in at the far post on 53 minutes.

The Blues then opened up a remarkable two-goal advantage on 77 minutes when Jonathon Smith rose highest to power home a right wing free-kick.

But Clitheroe were not finished yet and they scored a fifth with eight minutes left.

Carl Lomax saw his great volley saved at close range and Danny Toronczak reacted quickest to head home the loose ball at the back post.

The points were in the bag for the Blues, but United grabbed a third through Anthony Murt.