LATE goals were the order of the day at Shawbridge as Clitheroe moved to within a point of second-placed Skelmersdale.

Gary Jackson put the home team ahead on 31 minutes when he headed home his own shot which had rebounded off the keeper.

In a good first half display for Clitheroe, Jackson had two other good scoring opportunities as did Lee Cryer and Chris Whittingham.

Skelmersdale gave a good account of themselves, but the home defence kept chances to a minimum.

The visitors equalised on 70 minutes through skipper Rudd and then it all happened in the last four minutes.

Firstly, ace marksman Cryer put the Blues back in front with a bullet header after good work by Whittingham, Jason Jones and a precise cross from Adam Gardner. Back came the visitors on 88 minutes when Dugdale nipped in to make the score 2-2.

Not for the first time this season Clitheroe netted the winner in injury time. Neil Spencer, playing only his second game after a hernia operation, side-footed home from close range from a driven cross by Whittingham.

This gave Skelmersdale no time to reply as the final whistle was blown straight from the restart.

"A thoroughly deserved win," remarked manager Lee Sculpher. "A 3-2 scoreline flattered them really, we created loads of chances and played as well as we have done all season, at times," he added. "This keeps us in touch with the leaders after 16 games, ideally placed and in good form."

CLITHEROE...3 SKELMERSDALE UTD...2