CLITHEROE were crowned North West Counties League Champions after a dramatic victory on the final day of the season.

Knowing that only a point was required the Blues had one hand on the trophy at half-time as they raced into a two-goal lead.

Nantwich provided a late fright with two goals in quick succession midway through the second half before a late winner eventually sealed the title.

Gary Jackson opened the scoring for the visitors on 25 minutes when he latched onto a Martin Aspinwall through ball. Goalkeeper Heeps was quickly off his line but the Clitheroe striker guided the ball past him into the bottom corner.

Five minutes later and Heeps made amends for his early error when he saved well at his near post from a Jackson volley.

But Jackson scored his and Clitheroe's second on 35 minutes when he headed home from close range and the half-time scoreline allowed the travelling Clitheroe fans to start planning the evening's celebrations.

Nantwich began the second half positively and ensured they weren't going to make it an easy ride for Clitheroe.

Kris Richens was called into action on 56 minutes as he made a superb point blank reflex save from a Knight header.

Nantwich substitute Lawton saw an effort blocked and then the home side had a penalty appeal turned down following a possible handball in the area.

Lawton did reduce the arrears on 70 minutes as he lifted the ball over Richens. And nerves then began jangling five minutes later as Knight headed home an equaliser, although he was perhaps fortunate to be on the pitch after only receiving a yellow card for an horrendous tackle on Stuart Todhunter moments earlier.

Nantwich searched for a winning goal but Clitheroe held firm and a classic counter attack prompted the winner.

Steve McDonald's great run down the left ended with him crossing for Lee Cryer. His deft back heel fell straight to Neil Reynolds, who slotted the ball home to spark wild celebrations.

A great game produced the dream ending to the season and Clitheroe can now look forward to Unibond football as champions.

Delighted player manager Lee Sculpher said: "Making everything as difficult as possible is typical Clitheroe.

"We take everything right to the wire.

"But it's an unbelieveable experience and fair play to all the players for digging in and withstanding the pressure before scoring the winner.

"It was pleasing the way that goal came about as well because it was a move we'd worked on in training for a number of weeks.

"It was a fantastic finale and, I think the game ending in such an exciting way makes it more of a fulfilling experience. But at the final whistle I just didn't know what to do with myself.

He added: "The players have been excellent all season.

"Winning the title is a reward for everyone who works so hard for the club and the supporters as well."

NANTWICH TOWN ...2

CLITHEROE ...3