CLITHEROE booked their place in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup with a confident goal-laden victory over Skelmersdale.

Blues boss Carl Garner fielded his first choice back five for the first time this season, along with another two debutants, and an excellent team performance was rewarded with this fine result.

Clitheroe took the lead in the 26th minute, when a cross from the left was prodded goalwards by Ross Dent and, as it bounced back off the upright, Ben Duffield made no mistake from six yards out.

Just seven minutes later, the Blues doubled their advantage when Eddie Stanford blasted home a free kick from just outside the United penalty box.

Skelmersdale were reduced to 10 men early in the second half and Clitheroe punished them with two further goals, although goalkeeper Zach Hibbert was on hand to keep out a couple of good shots from the visitors.

The Blues scored their third goal in the 83rd minute when Ashley Parillon drove home from close range.

Alex Brees fired his side’s fourth in the 90th minute with a tidy finish.

Clitheroe will now travel to Burscough in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup.