CLITHEROE face an early top of the table battle when they welcome Fleetwood to Shawbridge tomorrow.

The NWCL Division One side were setting the pace until Fleetwood's midweek win over Ramsbottom moved them into pole position.

Meanwhile second placed Clitheroe came back from two goals down to draw with Atherton LR and preserve their unbeaten start to the season.

"I was very worried that we would lose that one but we did well to comeback," said Clitheroe player/boss Lee Sculpher.

"But we should have been four-up at half-time, we just didn't take our chances which we know we have got to do. They rarely threatened us in the 90 minutes but had two free kicks which they scored from.

"We are glad to preserve our unbeaten run although the lads aren't really talking about it too much yet. I think when it gets into double figures then they might start feeling the pressure a bit more as every club will want to take our scalp."

It was a slight knock to the start of the season but Sculpher is confident his side can seal a win tomorrow - which will keep them well up there in these early months.

"It is interesting at the top at the moment even at this early stage of the season.

"Last year Kidsgrove and Prescot ran away with it but it is better with a more open league.

"Fleetwood have started off well, they will be a strong, well-organised side and it will be a physical encounter.

"We have another two tough games after this with Mossley and Salford and if we come through those I will be very pleased."

And he has been delighted with new boy Lee Buggie, the striker he has on loan from Accrington Stanley, who got the first goal back midweek.

"He scored with his first touch, an inspired subsitution," joked the player/boss. "We have him for the next month, we are pleased to have him and hopefully we will reap the benefits.

"He has got a goal so it eases the pressure on him a little bit. He can now show us what he can do."