CLITHEROE 1 KIDSGROVE 0

CLITHEROE climbed back to second in the North West Counties Division One with a hard-fought victory over Kidsgrove at Shawbridge last night.

Mark Stewart scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after Neil Spencer had been fouled by the keeper when chasing a Neil Reynolds high ball.

"They were the best side we have played this season," said a relieved Clitheroe boss Dave Burgess.

Kidsgrove, who were unbeaten away from home before last night, tried to frustrate the home side by playing one up front in the first half. But after the interval the visitors pushed three men up front and really piled on the pressure.

Clitheroe had a couple of chances on the break -- through Spencer and Martin Aspinwall -- but they couldn't take them.

But Clitheroe hung on to take the three points which extends their unbeaten run to 15, a sequence that includes 12 victories and keeps Burgess' men very much in the title hunt.