THE Lee Cryer-Neil Spencer partnership signalled the end of Cogenhoe's Vase dreams - now boss Lee Sculpher will hope it can boost Clitheroe's League bid.

The front pair, whose partnership helped the Blues to the runners-up spot in NWCL Division One last season, came together for the first time since the start of the season last week.

And they shot five past Cogenhoe to seal a place in the last 32 of the FA Vase, where they face a trip to Abingdon Town in Oxfordshire.

Now the Blues duo need to do it at fellow promotion chasers Salford City tomorrow to get their League run back on form.

"They can read each others games and work well together," said the Clitheroe chief. "The Cogenhoe game was a boost but now we need them to do it in the League.

"We haven't won for three games in the League and we need to get on a run soon.

"Salford are big spenders but they hold no fear as it was the same position last season and we beat them both times.

"Salford's pitch is not bad and it is quite wide which should suit us."

Over Christmas, the Blues face two local derbies - Ramsbottom and Great Harwood - before playing leaders St Helens.

"It will be a test but we are still in with a shout as is most teams that are up there. We just need St Helens to go through a bad patch," added Sculpher.

Chris Whittingham is unavailable with an ankle injury while former Stanley skipper Jay Flannery is training at Shawbridge.

Clitheroe's AGM is tonight at 8pm at Shawbridge.