A THRILLER at Shawbridge saw Clitheroe go behind three times, be reduced to 10 men but still take all the points to keep them at the top of the North West Counties League.

The Blues dominated the opening exchanges with Lee Cryer and Neil Spencer both going close, before the visitors took the lead with their first attack of the game on 13 minutes.

A low left wing cross from Mark Denham was deflected into the goal by a Clitheroe defender but the home side were quick to respond and less than a minute later Cryer headed home a Paul Stansfield cross.

A goalmouth scramble on 18 minutes led to Atherton going back in front, as Dave Conlon was on hand to force the ball home.

Again the Blues came back and on 25 minutes Chris Whittingham headed home from another perfect Stansfield cross.

The game took a further twist on 54 minutes as the Blues were reduced to 10 men, Neil Reynolds seeing red for a handball on the goal line. Anthony Johnson scored from the penalty spot to put the visitors in front again.

Atherton could have made the game safe on 67 minutes when Martin Stewart found himself clean through on goal, but Kris Richens managed to keep him out.

A deserved equaliser arrived on 75 minutes. A quick free kick from Spencer saw Stuart Parkinson drill a low shot home.

The final twist in this extraordinary game arrived five minutes from time. Cryer set up Steve McDonald, who saw his shot saved, but the ball broke kindly to Stansfield who fired home an important winning goal.

With Mossley being held to a draw by Alsager, the Blues are now four points clear at the top of the league and have a game in hand on their nearest challengers.

CLITHEROE...4

ATHERTON COLL...3