DESPITE going ahead after only two minutes with a Lee Buggie header, Clitheroe came off second best at NWCL first division leaders Prescot Cables.

The home team had the best of the first half with goals from Todd on 13 minutes from a rebound off keeper Kris Richens, Baker (27) with a poor effort from inside the six yard box and a blistering shot from Baker again, after 37 minutes.

Clitheroe created chances with Buggie and Lee Cryer both going close.

The visitors came back into the game after the interval but for all their effort they could not pierce the well-organised Prescot defence.

Jason Jones had a header cleared off the line and Buggie dragged a shot wide from a good position.

It was set up for a grandstand finish when Buggie netted his second from close range on 85 minutes, but the home team sealed the three points a minute later when Benson was gifted a goal after a mix-up in the Clitheroe defence.

The Blues remain in second place, six points behind Prescot after 11 games despite Saturday's loss.

PRESCOT CABLES...4

CLITHEROE 2