DESPITE playing their third game in less than a week, Clitheroe produced an excellent display at Shawbridge last night.

Lee Sculpher's men wasted no time in seeing off Atherton LR bagging all three goals in a tremendous first half.

They surged into the lead after just four minutes when Mark Stewart powerfully headed home from a Carl Greenwood corner.

After that impressive start the Blues took complete control and it was no surprise when youngster Gary Jackson - handed a rare start because of injuries - released Neil Spencer to double the advantage midway through the half.

Before the break the impressive Jackson added the third. He went down the left before cutting along the bye-line and curling the ball past the keeper from an acute angle.

The second half continued in a similar fashion with Clitheroe carving out a number of changes to extend their lead further.

But, as the half wore on, Clitheroe's punishing fixture schedule began to catch up with them and the visitors enjoyed their best spell.

"I was delighted with the performance because we played some excellent football ," said Sculpher. "Gary Jackson did well up front and young Andrew Taylor impressed in midfield."

There's no respite for the Blues as they travel to face Winsford tomorrow.

CLITHEROE...3 ATHERTON LR...0