St Helens Town 0 Clitheroe 2 WITH just three minutes left, the width of the crossbar denied Town an equaliser and a just result.

But insult was added to injury when from the clearance, Clitheroe broke into the vacated space at the back to add a second and complete Town's frustration.

The third-placed visitors, therefore, added to Town's miserable April. For two weeks running the lack of goals has led to top three oppositions plundering the points when a draw was no more then Town deserved.

Despite a bone hard surface there was some quality football played by both sides in an enterprising first half in which Town's best efforts came from a Bonner volley and a Shaw header which were just too high while a poor first touch robbed Hill of a golden chance after Matheson had put him in.

Clitheroe on the other hand created the more serious chances from lesser possession with Mullin pulling a free effort wide while the same man forced two competent low saves from Town keeper Allison. Seven minutes into the second half Town had a great chance when Street sent Hill clear down the inside right channel but there was too much power on the attempted lob as keeper Morrey came out.

Next Town's Bonner showed neat skill on the bye line only for his cross to be inches too high for the stretching Reily at the far post. For Clitheroe, the combination of Walsh and Mullin always looked lively and the latter should have done better on 56 minutes after Walsh's great wing burst.

On the hour Town were indebted to a fine double save by Allison from Mullin after a quick throw in had caught the locals asleep.

However, on 65 minutes Clitheroe did take the lead courtesy of an astute throw out by keeper Morrey who sent Walsh galloping down the left touchline and an accurate cross only needed Paul Mullin's side foot to do the rest.

Town were rocked and were grateful that Butcher's free header was not more accurate five minutes later but with a gritty determination they fought back and twice Nobby Shaw was only inches too high with positive headers.

With time ebbing away Town committed more men forward and left back Lowe had the misfortune to mis kick completely as Walmesley's driven cross evaded all but the crucial moment came in the 87th minute.

Town's Ian Street rose above the defence only to see his header hit the bar with the keeper well beaten but worse was to follow as Grimshaw's clearance sent Paul Mullin clear to add a second for Clitheroe and leave Town empty handed.

Relegation battlers Holker O B are Saturday visitors to Hoghton Road (3pm).

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