CLITHEROE battled back from their FA Vase disappointment with an all-action display to defeat Skelmersdale United in the Worthington Trophy quarter final.

A crowd of over 200 saw the Blues win through to a two-legged semi final derby against second division Padiham, just three days after losing 3-1 in extra time to Devizes in the last 16 of the Vase.

Jason Jones hit a post and Chris Whttingham forced Robbie Holcroft to make a save.

The visitors had their moments and were unlucky not to take the lead when Chris Lee headed against the post.

The deadlock was broken on 49 minutes when Gary Jackson picked the ball up just inside the Skem half, outpassed two defenders and shot low past Holcroft into the bottom corner.

Skem equalised five minutes later when Clitheroe failed to clear the ball and Peter Holcroft shot past Kris Richens from 18 yards out.

Back came the home team and despite having two penalty appeals turned down they regained the lead through man of the match Jason Jones with a sweet shot past Holcroft.

The tie was put beyond the visitors when Whittingham broke clear on the right, passed inside to Andy Cowking, whose shot was parried by Holcroft only for Jackson to follow up from six yards to stab the ball home.

In what should be a crowd-pulling semi, Clitheroe are at home to Padiham on Saturday February 22, with the second leg a week later. The final will be played at Gigg Lane, Bury.

CLITHEROE...3 SKELMERSDALE UTD...1