Victory takes Clitheroe through to the last 32

CLITHEROE...5

NEIL Spencer hit a hat-trick to guide Lee Sculpher's men into the last 32 of the FA Carlsberg Vase.

"It was a terrific performance from Neil and from the side as a whole," said a delighted Sculpher, who had had Eagle Bitter United Premier League side Cognehoe watched a couple of times since the draw had been made.

"The attitude was spot on right from the first whistle and Neil and Lee Cryer were a constant threat."

Congenhoe can consider themselves unlucky to come up against the Clitheroe pair because it was the first time they had played together for 10 weeks because of injuries.

And the spying missions clearly paid off.

The lively Spencer started the rout in the 10th minute when a Lee Cryer effort was palmed into his path.

The home side came back and 10 minutes later were level when the ball broke kindly to a forward in the area and he finished well.

The equaliser produced the best spell of the game for the home side but it didn't last long.

On 35 minutes the home side's keeper again parried a shot from the edge of the box and Cryer pounced to crack the rebound home.

On the stroke of half-time Mark Stewart's glancing header from a corner made it 3-1 and put Clitheroe firmly in command.

On the hour mark Spencer grabbed his second with the goal of the game.

A sweeping Clitheroe move from deep inside their own half ended when Jason Jones crossed for Spencer to volley home from eight yards out.

With 20 minutes left Cogenhoe were awarded a penalty but the failed to reduce the arrears when they missed it.

After 80 minutes Spencer completed his hat-trick when Lee Cryer beat two players and rolled the ball into Spencer's path.

"We dominated the game totally," said Sculpher. "Even though we scored five we could have had a few more. Their keeper pulled off quite a few decent saves.

"They had one decent spell just after they had scored but other than that we dominated.

"A home draw would be nice but we have had plenty of experience on the road in cup competitions recently and we've done well."