Clitheroe returned to action but left West Yorkshire empty-handed having been beaten by an industrious Ossett Town side.

The Blues started brightly and could have taken the lead inside two minutes when a Lee Pugh corner was flicked on by Nat Naylor – making his debut since his switch from Accrin-gton Stanley – but neither Kevin Brown nor Jerrome Matthews could force the ball home in the ensuing melee.

The Blues continued to press but found themselves behind against the run of play in the 16th minute when Martyn Scully scored from close range. Clitheroe pushed for an equaliser but Ash Parillion lifted the ball over Ossett’s advancing keeper Ashley Connor. After the break, Chris Smalley fired just wide but Ossett, who had barely threat-ened Clitheroe’s goal, double their advantage on 61 minutes when Ryan Laight headed home.

Substitute Duncan Watmore, saw an effort rebound off the post which proved it wasn’t to be the Blues’ day – and Zak Hibbert made sure it didn’t get any worse with a fine late save to deny Kelsey.