JUST when Dave Burgess thought it was safe to presume Clitheroe's season was on track . . .

Clitheroe collapsed into first half chaos to slump to NWCL Division One defeat last night -- a shock result after they had scored eight goals in winning their previous two matches.

But Warrington were the bosses from the word go scoring three times in the first half and leaving Burgess' men with far too much to do.

"We made it too easy for them and were chasing the game from the start," said the manager.

"It was poor all round and we have taken a big step backwards.

"The fact of the matter is we are conceding far too many goals and we have got to do something about it plain and simple."

Dave Chadwick gave the visitors the lead as early as the fifth minute and Chris Moores made it two on 27.

When Robbie Preidt added a third on 35 it was all over even though Clitheroe did offer themselves some hope when Andy Cowking pulled one back five minutes into the second half - his first of the season.

Mike Heveron restored Warrington's three goal advantage in the 65th minute and Lee Cryer's 82nd minute consolation was precisely that.

Cryer has however taken his tally to five goals and the Blues will be aiming to bounce back at Mossley on Saturday.

RESULT: CLITHEROE...2 WARRINGTON TOWN...4