CLITHEROE United are too good to be classed as underdogs.

And after another mauling of a Division One side, United are definitely the side to avoid in the President's Cup. Having already disposed of high-flying Colne United and cup holders Worsthorne, United added the scalp of another top flight team -- with the firey Thomas Bartlett grabbing a hat-trick.

The Division Two promotion certainties, who have lost just once all season, look well equipped to challenge for honours next season.

And in the same mould as Tranmere's Greg Challender and Cardiff City's Andy Legg, United have a long throw specialist in Nick Grogan -- whose hefty hurls lead directly to two goals.

But the first goal came courtesey of a fumble from Kelbrook keeper Andrew Williams who dropped the ball at the feet of Chris Pinnard who managed to scuff his shot before Geoff Young fired home from close range.

Bartlett was giving Kelbrook plenty of problems down the right and twice he set up Pinnard who dragged his shots wide.

At the other end, Daniel Paton looked lively and was a constant thorn in the side of Simon Hodgkinson and his defenders.

Blake Munns then spurned a great chance to level the tie when Mark Timmins set him up but he fired well over.

Just before the break, United's Damien Sweeney volleyed just wide before Pinnard forced a good save out of Williams.

Clitheroe extended their lead 10 minutes in to the half and this time it did come from one of Grogan's long throw which was met by the head of Bartlett.

But Kelbrook got back in the game in dramatic fashion when Mark Timmins unleashed from the halfway line to catch Mark Hargreaves off his line. The keeper was then lucky to stay on the pitch six minutes later when he dragged down Munns in the box. Hargreaves was booked and Paton scored from the spot.

But Clitheroe wasted little time in regaining the iniative and again it came from the long throw of Grogan which was this time met by Young to head home his second goal.

Kelbrook substitute Liam Garbutt volleyed just wide before United clinched victory when Bartlett scored with another header from Sweeney's inswinging free kick.

Bartlett completed his hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game when he powered home a free kick from the edge of the area.

Clitheroe United 5

Kelbrook 2

Clitheroe Utd

Mark Hargreaves (keeper) Little to do but embarrassed by Timmins' long shot...6

James Clegg (right back) One of the few who managed to get the ball down and play...7

Simon Coulter (left back) Supported attack well down the flank...6

Simon Hodgkinson (centre back) Solid and controlled the back line...7

Paul Clegg (centre back) Worked well alongside Hodgkinson in snuffing out Kelbrook attack...7

HThomas Bartlett (right midfield) Scored hat-trick and caused problems all day...8

Nick Grogan (left midfield) The man with the big throw. Could play a bit too!...7

Damion Sweeney (centre midfield) Schemer in the middle of the park. Played well...7

Nick Curtis (centre midfield) Effective game in midfield...6

Geoff Young (striker) Good game and scored twice...8

Chris Pinnard (striker) Played well but should have put away one of his chances...6

Kelbrook

Andrew Williams (keeper) Lack of height meant he struggled with crosses and high balls...6

Michael Hird (right back) Got stuck in and did a good job...6

Frank Shickle (left back) Given a tough time by Bartlett but played well...6

HJohn Whittaker (centre back) No nonsense defending and made some crucial tackles...7

David Stirk (centre back) Another defender who did a good job in the heart of the defence...7

Mark Timmins (right midfield) Scored wonder goal but did he mean it?...7

Steven Chew (left midfield) Started brightly but faded in second half...6

Ian Prell (centre back) Skipper played the holding role in the middle of the park...6

Steven Simm (centre midfield) Put himself about without really imposing himself on the game...6

Daniel Paton (striker) Looked lively up front and cooly converted penalty...7

Blake Munns (striker) Worked hard and earned penalty but really should have scored in first half...7

Subs

Liam Garbutt (midfield) Put himself about when he got on and did well...7

Liam Pickup (striker) Did not see that much of the ball...6

Kevin Hird (midfield) Former Burnley, Rovers and Leeds man showed he still has the quality...7