Clitheroe edged a seven-goal thriller against Chasetown, claiming a gripping 3-2 victory at Shawbridge on a dramatic Saturday afternoon in the English Northern League Division One. The match swung back and forth, but a late winner settled an absorbing contest that had everything – superb strikes, defensive mistakes and a grandstand finish.

Relentless opening period

Clitheroe wasted no time in stamping their authority on the match, taking the lead inside the first ten minutes when forward George Rooney latched onto a long ball and finished clinically from a tight angle. Chasetown were undeterred and soon found an equaliser through a neatly placed effort from midfielder Paul Jarvis, who curled home from the edge of the penalty area.

The home side then regained the advantage in the 39th minute after a corner fell to centre-half Dan Lucas, whose powerful volley crashed into the back of the net. Yet again Chasetown hit back almost immediately, with Liam Kirwan capitalising on a goalmouth scramble to restore parity just before the break. As the teams left the pitch at 2-2, no one could have predicted it was just the calm before the storm.

Clitheroe's late resolve

Chasetown seemed content to defend more deeply at the start of the second half, allowing Clitheroe to dominate possession. The pressure began to mount, and the home fans had to wait until the 81st minute for the decisive goal. Substitute Brad Carney cut in from the right and unleashed a left-footed strike into the top corner, sending Shawbridge into raptures and sealing an unforgettable match winner.

Chasetown pushed everyone forward for the closing minutes, but Clitheroe's defence held firm, with goalkeeper Jack Reynolds making a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the win. The final whistle was met with relief and joy by the home side, who had produced the greater attacking intent to deserve the three points.

Key implications

The victory lifts Clitheroe into the top half of the early-season Northern League Division One table, and manager Phil Carradice will fancy his side’s chances if they can replicate this attacking output. Chasetown, meanwhile, will rue two poorly conceded goals but can take consolation from a spirited fightback that underlines their own promotion ambitions.