THE Blues’ unbeaten run in UniBond First Division North came unstuck at an impressive Shay Stadium on Saturday.

Clitheroe, who had won their last seven league games, came up against a well-organised team now running into form themselves.

Halifax, who were in the Football League seven years ago before being blighted by financial problems, took the lead in the 14th minute with a well-struck 20-yarder.

But Carl Lomax had a chance to equalise minutes later when he was played through the middle, only for the keeper to save his attempted lob.

Scott Redhead hit the bar with a 20-yard drive and that single home goal was all there was to show between the two sides in an otherwise even first half.

Clitheroe started the second half on the attack but Halifax doubled their lead in the 47th minute with a clinical finish.

Substitute Matt Edgington had a low drive deflected on to the bar before the home side scored their third in the 62nd minute.

Having used all three substitutes, the Blues went down to 10 men when Anthony Johnson was stretchered off and then went down to nine when Ian Flannery limped off.

Unsurprisingly, Halifax scored a fourth goal in the 86th minute to complete a decisive victory and move themselves into contention near the top of the table.