FOR the second week running Clitheroe threw away an early lead and suffered defeat in NWCL Division One - this time at home to Newcastle Town.

A goal after only six minutes from Mark Stewart gave the Blues a perfect start. A free kick by Jason Jones was saved by the keeper, but the lively Lee Cryer chipped the loose ball to the far post where Stewart was well placed to head into the net.

Shots by Martin Aspinwall, Jason Jones and Cryer all went close, but as the Blues could not extend their lead, Newcastle came more into the game and equalised after 25 minutes with a 15-yard shot past stand-in keeper Lee Kennedy.

Lee Buggie was next to go close for Clitheroe when his shot from just inside the box came back off the post. Chris Whittingham also made the visiting keeper save well.

The visitors took the lead 10 minutes into the second half when the full back found space on the right and coolly lifted the ball over Kennedy into the net.

This spurred Newcastle on and although Buggie should have equalised when he took too long to shoot and his effort was blocked, the visitors kept the Blues attacks to a minimum.

A fine reaction save from a Cryer shot from six yards after 75 minutes kept the visitors in front and the frustration from the home players began to creep into their play.

Substitute Gary Jackson wasted two good chances as the Blues pushed for an equaliser, but Newcastle held on and secured the three points with a 2-1 victory.

CLITHEROE...1 NEWCASTLE TOWN...2