CLITHEROE boss Simon Garner believes the re-signing of striker Sefton Gonzales signals the Blues intent, as they booked their place in the last 16 of the Doodson Sport League Cup on Tuesday night.

Gonzales, who left the Evo-Stik League Premier Division side to join Stockport County in the summer, had returned to Shawbridge initially on loan but has now penned a contract with Garner's in-form side until the end of the season.

And the frontman celebrated with a goal as Clitheroe hit six for the second game running in victory over Prescot Cables in Tuesday night's cup tie.

Three goals in the opening 17 minutes put Garner's men in charge in midweek with Michael Hampson, Louis Mayers and James Heywood on target.

Gonzales struck six minutes into the second half before Scott Harriers and Jonathan Hession put the gloss on the victory with late goals.

Clitheroe, who beat Droylsden 6-1 in the league last weekend, are now unbeaten in six matches ahead of Saturday's home clash with Farsley Celtic.

And Garner, who also secured the signature of goalkeeper Ben Woodhead from Nelson in recent weeks, believes there is plenty for his side to be optimistic about.

"The lads have started the season well and the recent additions of Sefton and Ben have just given us that extra strength and quality to kick on," Garner told the club's official website.

"Sefton is a great lad and just wants to play football and enjoy it, I am just glad that Clitheroe can provide him with that platform and his recent form has shown that if he can get a run of games and his confidence he will be a threat to any defence."

Clitheroe are currently fourth in the table having not lost in six games and Garner was quick to thank the club's committee for their backing.

He added: "It is a credit to the committee at the club that they have backed us in helping to build on our great start to the season.

"The squad though low on numbers at the moment has a lot of quality throughout and with possibly a couple more additions we hope to keep up our current run of good form in the league."