RIBCHESTER again faced a difficult away trip to local rivals Calderstones who have been very impressive in their first season in the league.

A tentative start by the home side handed the initiative to Ribchester who used the pace of Anthony and Parkinson at every opportunity. Early pressure almost brought the opener when Calderstones failed to clear a deep cross by Talbot, during the melee, the ball was squeezed through to Southworth but unfortunately the big defender's strike flew inches over.

The deadlock was finally broken after 20 minutes and came courtesy of a set-piece when Clayton headed home a well-worked corner from Anthony. Moments later, the two players combined again, this time man-of-the-match Clayton flicking on Anthony's corner for Barton to steal in at the far post to head in from close range.

At the other end, Ribchester's defence was well marshalled by the stand-in sweeper Southworth, but Calderstones did manage to strike back just before half time, capitalising on some slack play by the visitors in the centre of the field. Finishing again proved difficult for Ribchester at the start of the second half despite great approach play, particularly from Talbot on the right hand side. Their persistence however, eventually paid off when the inspirational Lofthouse laid the ball back for Clayton whose fierce drive took a wicked deflection which completely deceived the home keeper.

Immediately, from the restart Ribchester dealt what should have been the killer blow. Lofthouse stole possession in midfield and split the defence to set Parkinson away on the left. The winger instinctively crossed the perfect ball for Barton to glance home. At 4-1, the game should have been over, but Calderstones hit back to score a second to set up a frantic last 15 minutes. They virtually threw everything at the Ribchester defence only for the visitors to hold out for all three points.

Ribchester were today scheduled to play host to Colne Blue Stars.

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