SALFORD CITY ...0 CLITHEROE ...3

CLITHEROE moved back to within a point of league leaders Mossley following a comfortable victory over Salford.

The Blues took the lead on 10 minutes when Chris Heslop robbed the full back and cut inside to fire home past the goalkeeper.

A dreadful own goal from the hosts saw Clitheroe double their advantage on 24 minutes. A cross into the area posed little threat for Salford and goalkeeper John Gillies came to collect the ball.

He could only watch on in horror as his full back Ben Chatburn beat him to the ball and headed it over him into the empty net.

Salford - under the guidance of new manager, ex-Chorley chief, Mark Molyneaux - were often let down by wayward finishing in front of goal, although Kris Richens did make two excellent saves on the stroke of half-time to preserve Clitheroe's lead.

The third goal arrived minutes after the restart when Chris Whittingham fired home following good play from Heslop again.

The Blues then controlled the remainder of the game, with Jason Jones, back at the club, producing an excellent display.

With Mossley being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Congleton Town, the Blues are still in the thick of the action at the top end of the table.