ROCK bottom Great Harwood gave Clitheroe a real run for their money - only to lose out to a fluke winner from the home side in front of a crowd of 221.

Relegated Harwood - it has now been confirmed they will be playing NWCL Division Two football next season - have got used to the losing feeling this season - Saturday's was their 28th reverse and they have conceded 99 goals in the process.

But they showed great character in their final NWCL First Division outing to even win a tribute from the Clitheroe management.

"Harwood surprised us and could do well next season if that spirit is maintained," said Lee Sculpher, the Clitheroe player-boss who had rather a big say in the winning goal. For it was from a Sculpher right wing cross on the stroke of half-time that the ball struck an unsuspecting Harwood defender to scream home.

"I really can't claim credit for it for my cross certainly wasn't going in," admitted Sculpher. "It was an untidy match on a difficult pitch with a strong wind making life really difficult; you might call it typical end-of-season stuff.

"They put five across midfield and we matched them so the ball was in the air a lot and the tackling was pretty fierce at times.

"Good football was at a premium but we were obviously glad to come through and take the points."

Clitheroe had goalkeeper Kris Richens, a consistent performer this term, to thank for keeping Harwood at bay.

He turned a first half shot on the turn from the rejuvenated Harwood frontman Paul Walker around a post.

Clitheroe tried to build on their lucky lead but despite a couple of crosses from young substitute Chris Heslop there was no end product.

The Ribble Valley lads, hampered by a lengthening injury crisis in the latter stages of the season, also lost Adam Gardner with a twisted ankle.

"That eight senior players on the sidelines now, " groaned Sculpher.

"I am struggling to get a team out at home against Salford tonight but, thankfully, the young lads who are getting chances are doing really well.

"In fact, young midfielder John Fagan was man-of-the-match on Saturday and he looks a great prospect."

After entertaining Salford, Clitheroe close their season at Warrington on Wednesday night.

CLITHEROE...1 GREAT HARWOOD...0