A SECOND half goal by Lutel James gave UniBond Premier side Accrington Stanley victory in their final warm-up match to avenge last week's 3-2 defeat at North West Counties First Division side Clitheroe.
Stanley could have taken a fifth minute lead when former Liverpool trainee Peter Cavanagh hit a pinpoint pass for Simon Carden who mis-hit his shot narrowly wide of the goal.
Carden had another good scoring chance on 31 minutes when Brett Baxter's accurate pass set James free on the right and he created an opening for Carden whose shot was well saved by the visitors' goalkeeper Kris Richens.
The miss of the match came four minutes after the break, James laid a good ball across the face of the goal to Baxter, who fired wide when it seemed easier to score.
Accrington's winner came on 67 minutes as goalkeeper Jamie Speare threw the ball quickly out to Carden who linked up well with Paul Mullin, who found James in the penalty area and he turned neatly to fire the ball beyond Richens.
Clitheroe came closest to an equaliser 10 minutes from time as a 25-yard shot by Neil Spencer was well saved by Speare.
RESULT: ACCRINGTON STANLEY 1... CLITHEROE 0
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article