CLITHEROE’S hopes of winning their first major cup competition in a quarter of a century ended in bitter disappointment at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium last night.

The Blues deserved their big chance at the Premier League arena after ousting higher division opposition Fleetwood and Marine en-route to the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final.

But in front of an impressive crowd of 1,207, the assignment against Southport proved an obstacle too great for Pete Smith’s men, the Blue Square North league leaders lifting the silverware with a powerful performance.

Despite a brave display from the Blues, the tie was effectively over at half time after Southport grabbed control with two goals in two minutes and a third strike prior to the interval.

Clitheroe were cheered on by around 600 supporters in the Reebok main stand as the club hoped to win the prestigious county trophy for the first time since 1985.

Not since the FA Vase final at Wembley in 1996 had the club’s fans had a major final to savour.

But their vocal support proved in vain as the Shawbridge outfit were given a painful lesson against a side packed with some of the north-west’s top non-league footballers.

It wasn’t a case of stage fright for a dogged Clitheroe, who competed strongly all over the park for the first 25 minutes. But their resistance came to an end once Ashley Winn gave Southport the lead with a wonder strike.

The Blues looked to have safely cleared a free kick out of their penalty box, but midfielder Winn spanked the ball from 35 yards out and through a crowd of players into the net.

Before Clitheroe found time to re-organise, they were punished by a second goal when Steve Daly slotted past goalkeeper Danny Hanford after being threaded clear.

Clitheroe’s Nathan Taylor volleyed wide from 20 yards and Simon Garner smashed a free kick well over the bar as the Blues tried to mount a comeback.

Their task, however, became even more improbable when careless goalkeeping from Hanford gifted Southport a third goal two minutes before the break.

Following a three-on-one raid, Winn’s right-wing cross was spilled by Hanford, presenting Chris Simm with the simplest of headers from three yards out.

Hanford made up for his error with an outstanding reflex save from Daniel Lloyd-Williams in first-half injury time.

Clitheroe enjoyed a greater share of possession after the break, but their chances were limited as the contest lost much of its tempo.

The Sandgrounders wrapped up victory midway through the second half when Simm, sent through on goal, side-footed past Hanford and into the bottom corner.

Clitheroe: Hanford, McManus, Kavanagh, Fisher, Brown, Jones (Bailey 75), Clark (Brees 67), Garner, Coar (Naylor 63), Taylor, Williams. Subs not used: Hodgkiss, Roberts.