Lancaster City (0) 0

Clitheroe (1) 1
Johnson 14

UniBond Division One North

Watch the slideshow here

Clitheroe striker Anthony Johnson hit a glorious 14th-minute winner to send promotion-chasing City crashing to their fourth defeat in six games.

Despite falling behind early in the match, City created few clear-cut chances throughout and rarely looked like scoring.

In-form Clitheroe won physical battles all over the pitch and looked more comfortable while playing against the wind.

Afterwards Stimpson said: "Our performance was totally unacceptable. I could accept a 1-0 defeat if we battled hard but I cannot accept that level of performance.

"It was like an end-of-season game as we showed no real energy or effort. Above all we lacked any purpose and that was the disappointing thing."

Stimpson also highlighted his team's failure to pick up points in blustery conditions: "Every time we play on a windy day, we get out-muscled and cannot cope. That is unacceptable as the elements should be a leveller in any game."

In recent weeks, City have lost in four wind-effected matches.
Manager Stimpson made four changes after his side's 1-0 win at Chorley. Guy Heffernan, who is still recovering from a knee injury, was replaced by Scott Greenwood.

Craig Redhead returned in place of the injured Tom Entwisle while Jimmy Love and Mark Jackson made way for Mike Rushton and Dave Swarbrick.

Clitheroe emerged as the livelier side and dominated opening exchanges.
On eight minutes, home goalkeeper Mark Thornley fisted away a probing cross from Scott Redhead. Visiting midfielder Craig Sargeson headed wide moments later.

City responded well with skipper Michael Stringfellow and winger Neil Marshall both having efforts blocked.

However, the Dolly Blues missed their best chance of the match on 12 minutes.

Swarbrick cut inside from the left, raced clear on goal and saw a venomous strike brilliantly saved by visiting goalkeeper James Mann.

Nonetheless, the visitors looked dangerous going forward and took the lead two minutes later. Following a promising attack, the ball fell to striker Johnson who rifled a shot into the top corner.

Clitheroe came close to increasing their lead five minutes later from Ryan Fisher's long-range strike.

Although City created limited openings, the lively Swarbrick caused problems for the visiting defence. He took up a superb position on 24 minutes but his powerful strike flashed wide.

The forward also struck a tame effort wide moments later.

Clitheroe bombarded City's goal for the rest of the half without creating too many clear chances.

The hosts made a brighter start after the break, midfielder Neil Uberschar, the lively Swarbrick and Rushton missed chances early on.

But despite the best efforts of captain Stringfellow in central midfield, the visitors took control and thwarted City.

City's best chance to equalise came on 84 minutes when substitute Heffernan had a shot saved.

LANCASTER City:Thornley 7, Rigby 6, Redhead 6 (Heffernan 75), Greenwood 6, Swan 7, Stringfellow 8, Rushton 5 (Helliwell 61), Uberschar 6, Foster 5 (Jackson 67), Swarbrick 7, Marshall 5.

Clitheroe: Mann, Koslowski, Redhead, Flannery, Smith, Fisher, Hankin, Stopforth (Osborne 38), Lomax, Johnson (Toronczak 78), Sargeson (Pilkington 75).

Starman: Michael Stringfellow's work-rate was impressive in central midfield

Referee:Darren Handley
Attendance: 328.