Clitheroe boss Peter Smith has strengthened his Blues squad ahead of their forthcoming assault on the UniBond League First Division North – and in addition to four new faces, there are some 10 further players on trial at Shawbridge.

The manager has added tough defender Kevin Brown to his ranks from Rossendale United and has also taken Zak Clarke from Dark Lane.

Gavin-Lee Ellison has moved from Chorley and striker Alan Coar has quit Lancaster City in order to return to East Lancashire.

“We have been busy and still have 10 lads on trial,” said chairman Carl Garner. “And we have decent hopes for the season, although we know it will be tough.”

Clitheroe play their first home friendly tonight as they face Shelley from Huddersfield at Shawbridge (7.45pm) before entertaining big spending UniBond Premier outfit Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday (3pm).