CLITHEROE threw everything they had at Skelmersdale but former Accrington Stanley keeper Rob Holcroft was the hero for the visitors.

The Blues hadn't played a NWCL first division game at Shawbridge since November and they made their return to the town - but left their shooting boots behind.

And the defeat means an even bigger uphill struggle for theBlues if they want to get back among the top teams challenging for promotion to the UniBond League.

Skem keeper Holcroft pulled off save after save to deny Clitheroe - and his team-mates took advantage of his great form to collect all three points.

"Obviously I am disappointed because we lost but I'm not disappointed with the way we played," said Clitheroe boss Lee Sculpher.

"The only thing that let us down was our finishing. But you have to give some of the credit to their keeper. Three or four of the saves he pulled off were absolutely magnificent.

"He was outstanding and without him we would have been talking about another victory."

In the first half Richard Fogarty moved smartly past a Skelmersdale defender but his shot was turned round the post by Holcroft.

Then Neil Spencer and Fogarty played a one-two and the former was through with only Holcroft to beat but the keeper saved.

After the break Neil Reynolds was denied with an effort from 20 yards and both Fogarty and Spencer had chances but couldn't beat the keeper.

Skelmersdale took the lead in the 64th minute when Clitheroe defender Martin Aspinwall headed into his own goal when attempting to clear a cross.

Then in the dying seconds, with Clitheroe piling forward looking for an equaliser, Skelmersdale broke clear and Graham Dodd made it 2-0.

CLITHEROE...0 SKELMERSDALE UNITED...2