THE North West Counties League's biggest attendance of the season, 527, saw Mossley return to the top of the Division One table with a polished performance.

Their neat and quick passing was the key, often caching the Blues on the break, but Clitheroe will feel unlucky with the final scoreline and with a little more quality in the final third they could have taken something out of an entertaining game.

The visitors took the lead on 10 minutes, following poor Clitheroe defending at a corner. The ball managed to make its away across the penalty area where the unmarked Mark Phillips was able to shoot home.

Clitheroe did create a few half chances of their own, Neil Spencer and Paul Stansfield both headed wide when well placed and Glenn Ainsworth was unlucky when his effort forced the Mossley keeper into a good save.

Mossley almost doubled their advantage on 47 minutes but Simon Heaton's header was superbly tipped over the bar by Kris Richens.

Richens, however, will have been disappointed with Mossley's second goal as a weak shot from Heaton appeared to go under him to double the advantage.

Moments later though the Clitheroe keeper was in great form to tip over a rasping free kick from Steve Tobin.

A Mossley counter attack sealed the game with their third and conclusive goal. Substitute Josh Howard skipped past Russell Clark and fired home from a tight angle.

A local power cut put out some of the floodlights but the referee was happy for the game to continue, much to the delight of the visitors.

CLITHEROE...0

MOSSLEY...3