CLITHEROE had plenty to celebrate after their Christmas double over neighbours Great Harwood gave them a feast of points.

But manager Steve Parry is determined there is going to be no hangover when his side line up for their most important game of the season.

He also has an important ace up his sleeve . . . the on fire, newly-formed strike partnership of Neil Spencer and Steve Denny.

Parry's men have climbed to second in the FNWTL Division One following a fine run in the league but their title hopes go on the line when they travel to third-placed Newcastle Town tomorrow.

"The run we have been on has put this particular game into sharp focus," said Parry.

"We are now in a seriously good position but Newcastle are one of our biggest threats."

Clitheroe's season looked to have gone off the rails in early autumn when a series of indifferent results saw them trailing the leaders, while at the same time they had played more games than all their rivals.

And, even when they started to climb up the table, their challenge was dismissed as people pointed to the games in hand the other title challengers enjoyed. "We are tucked in nicely if anyone falters," said Parry.

"Some of the sides around us have started to drop points and, all of a sudden, the games in hand aren't as important."

But Newcastle have five games in hand on Clitheroe and Parry's men only have a two-point advantage.

So tomorrow's game could have a big bearing come the final run in.

And just to add a little bit of spice to the occasion the two sides know all about one another.

Newcastle ended Clitheroe's FA Vase hopes earlier this season and Parry expects a similar game - though he is obviously hoping for a different result this time around.

"The FA Vase game was very disappointing," said the Shawbridge boss.

"We had so much possession but there weren't too many clearcut chances.

"We needed something to unlock them.

"That said, they never really carved us open." So what will be different this time?

"I think we will be better prepared.

"I expect it to be a very tight game again and that it will go to the side that takes their chances."

One key difference is up front.

Clitheroe's new strike partnership of Neil Spencer and Steve Denny have looked impressive.

Spencer made his Clith- eroe debut in the Vase clash and Parry says he has looked really strong in recent matches.

The tricky Denny has come in since that defeat so will be something of an unknown element.

"They are a good side.

"You don't go on the sort of run they have been on and not be a good side.

"But they are beatable.

"And I think it is a great time for us to be playing them."

On the selection front, Carl Greenwood missed Monday's 3-0 win over Great Harwood after picking up a virus.

But he is expected to be back in the squad for the trip to Newcastle, while Andy Cowking, who picked up a slight knock, should also be fit.

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