LEE CRYER was the architect as Clitheroe consolidated their position at the top of the league with a superb performance.

The Blues took the lead on 20 minutes with a well crafted goal. A neat passing move resulted in Cryer slipping the ball to Paul Stansfield on the edge of the area. The midfielder had beaten the offside trap and with a clear run on goal rounded the keeper and calmly slotted home.

Barrie Hart caused Trafford problems during the first half down the left hand side and goalkeeper Nick Ward had to be alert to beat Hart to a through ball outside his area.

Trafford equalised on 27 minutes after Gavin Salmon received the ball on the edge of the area and smashed a stunning shot past stopper Kris Richens.

But the Blues went back in front within three minutes as another confident passing build-up saw Cryer provide the final pass. This time he played in Steve McDonald, who from the right of the area, chipped the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper to restore the lead.

Salmon could have drawn the scores level before half time but Richens saved well from the Trafford danger man.

Trafford thought they were back in the game when Richens spilled a second-half shot from Mike Turner. As the ball rolled towards the goal line, Richens recovered to bravely push it out for a corner as the Trafford forwards rushed in on goal.

The Blues scored their now almost customary last-minute goal from the penalty spot after the referee awarded a spot-kick for handball inside the area.

Mark Stewart confidently struck home to ensure the Blues deservedly returned to winning ways.

Meanwhile, the club have issued a statement following the resignation of chairman David Burgess.

Secretary Colin Wilson said: "After a meeting of the re-formed Clitheroe FC executive committee, the club wishes to record their appreciation of the efforts of David Burgess in his role as chairman over the last 18 months.

"David was a good ambassador for the club and was relentless in improving our profile. He also lifted fund raising to another dimension, attracting some of the biggest names in football - the likes of Kevin Keegan, Graeme Souness and Stan Ternent to Shawbridge for question and answer session in the clubhouse, and in the process put several thousand pounds in the club coffers. He certainly made a big impact during his short reign and the club are confident that he will at least still be involved in fund raising in some form.

"No immediate progress on a new chairman is envisaged. We wish to ensure that the right man is in place for what we feel are exciting times ahead for Clitheroe Football Club."

CLITHEROE ...3 TRAFFORD ...1