With Clitheroe’s historic Challenge Trophy final just a matter of days away, a Blues legend believes Simon Garner’s men have every chance of going to the Macron Stadium and coming away with silverware.

The Blues go into the game against Chorley having failed to pick up a trophy since 2004 and fans favourite Lee Cryer hopes now is the time for Clitheroe as they go into battle on Monday evening;

“It's fantastic to see Clitheroe in the final. It’s great for the club, for Simon and his players. Most importantly however the supporters as it means the world to them!”

Cryer was a goal machine during his years at Shawbridge and had his fair share of plaudits. It was in fact the forwards assist that helped Neil Reynolds, score that all important goal during the 2003/04 that helped Clitheroe clinch the North West Counties title;
“It’s difficult to compare the 03/04 team to the one of today.

It appears to me that Simon Garner has assembled a strong team, with a bond and spirit, which is definitely similar to my side.

The front man watched the Challenge Trophy semi-final from a far and was proud of the way his former side dug in deep and ground out the all-important win…in only the team’s second semi-final in three decades.

“To win any game with ten men with 68 minutes remaining (Challenge Trophy vs Atherton) takes some doing never mind during a semi-final!

“There is no reason at all why Simon can’t lead the team to success. He will know it will be difficult against a side like Chorley.

With Spennymoor Town to come before the final, the former UniBond top scorer that famously said ‘Days like this make it all worthwhile’ when his side gained promotion hopes Clitheroe can complete the under-dog story by winning the Trophy on the 16th March;

“Winning football matches breeds confidence at any level and that along with competition for places up for grabs in a final can only be positive.

I will be there at The Macron. How many under dogs have been successful in this seasons FA Cup? Being under-dogs will suit Clitheroe FC and I’m looking forward to seeing the Blues giving more than just a good account of themselves. Hopefully bringing some silverware back to Shawbridge!”