WITH league leaders Mossley involved in FA Vase action, the Blues reduced the gap at the top of the league to just three points with two games in hand.
Clitheroe were quickly out of the blocks and opened the scoring after just two minutes. Neat play between Neil Reynolds and Chris Whittingham resulted in Lee Cryer shooting home from close range.
Then a sensational burst of three goals in five minutes secured victory for the Blues.
On 40 minutes good work from Steve McDonald saw him set up Barker, and from 25 yards out he crashed home a thunderous first time shot into the top corner.
The third goal arrived just a minute later, Stuart Todhunter slotting home from the penalty spot after Whittingham had been fouled.
A mistake from the visiting goalkeeper on the stroke of half-time saw the Blues get their fourth goal of the afternoon. Despite initially saving Barker's shot he recovered only to punch the ball into his own net, under pressure from Cryer.
McDonald added goal number five on 53 minutes as he fired home from the edge of area.
A couple of defensive lapses late on saw Scott Sugden and Darren Jones net for Squires.
CLITHEROE...5
SQUIRES GATE...2
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article