CLITHEROE'S new player-boss Lee Sculpher made it three wins out of three as his side climbed to third in the North West Counties League Division One.

And Sculpher was delighted with his side's performance.

"It was a tough game for us because they were a very good side and make it difficult," he said.

"But we are beginning to produce the kind of form we showed last season. We have to build on it now and keep the run going."

Sculpher's men were in front after just 15 minutes when the impressive Neil Spencer had a surging 40-yard run ended illegally in the penalty area.

Neil Reynolds made the home side pay from the spot.

Spencer, who has been in fine form since his return to the side following work commitments, almost made it two before the break with an effort that would have been a goal of the season contender.

He beat a host of players on a 70-yard break but his shot smacked against the woodwork.

Clitheroe made the points safe 25 minutes into the second half when the Newcastle keeper was sent off after handling outside the area.

Skipper Barry Hart scored direct from the resulting free-kick.

Newcastle pulled one back from the spot 10 minutes from time but the Clitheroe defence, with Andrew Cowking in outstanding form, held firm.

RESULT: NEWCASTLE TOWN...1 CLITHEROE...2

Clitheroe go to Fleetwood on Tuesday to play their fourth successive away game.