CLITHEROE boss Neil Reynolds has hailed captain Carl Lomax – insisting the striker’s drive is a huge factor behind the club’s fine start to the season.

The Blues – fifth in the UniBond Division One (North) after winning six of their opening seven league games – turn their attention to the FA Trophy tomorrow when they head to Bradford Park Avenue.

And Reynolds has every confidence that his in-form side can spring a surprise in Yorkshire and bank £2,300 in the process.

Leading the line for the Blues will be Lomax who, this season, is second top goalscorer among East Lancashire’s non-league clubs.

The 27-year-old former Ramsbottom striker, who joined the Blues in January, has nine goals to his name this season but, according to his manager, it is Lomax’s work-rate that has really caught the eye.

“Carl has proved a great signing for us. He loves playing for Clitheroe, and he shows that in every game. He always gives 100 percent,” said Reynolds.

“When he scores, you can see in his expression how much it means to him.

“He is massive to us, he has been a huge part of our success so far this season.

“We made him captain in March and he’s a great person for the rest of the lads to learn from.”

But Reynolds added: “It is a team game, though, and Anthony Johnson must take some a lot of credit for the goals Carl has scored.

“It is a partnership and Anthony has worked his socks off for us up front.”

Clitheroe were dumped out of the FA Cup earlier this season by Frickley.

But Reynolds believes his side can cope against higher-league opposition, as they head to Bradford looking to cause a shock.

He said: “The lads aren’t frightened of Bradford. It’s a great test for us.”