He rose to power home Craig Sargeson's cross 20 minutes from time, and hand the locals a deserved win.

But the afternoon ended prematurely for Flannery, as he was replaced by Danny Paton after having to receive stitches in a head wound.

That injury came after the Blues lost Gary Stopforth in the pre-match warm-up with suspected knee ligament damage, with Ryan Fisher replacing him in the heart of midfield.

Because of the change, Clitheroe struggled to settle down in the early stages, and fell behind in the fourth minute when a defensive lapse allowed Andrew Catton to fire home at the back post.

But the visitors slowly started to find their feet, and almost levelled only for Anthony Johnson to head Liam McManus' cross against the bar.

Fisher and Carl Lomax both had chances, while Bernard Morley was instrumental in much of the forward play.

Ossett also hit the woodwork before the break, but Clitheroe started the second half brightly and grabbed a deserved equaliser just after the hour.

Sargeson's corner was met by Jonathan Smith, and after his goalbound header prompted a scramble in the area, Johnson eventually prodded home.

And seven minutes later they were ahead, as another Sargeson corner ended up back at his feet, and his cross was met by the head of Flannery, who headed home.

From that point on, the game became a niggly affair, and despite the match being far from a dirty affair, both sides ended up with 10 men.

Albion's Martin Allinson was the first to go after picking up two quickfire yellow cards, the second for a reckless challenge on Morley.

And that was followed by the late dismissal of Scott Redhead, who also departed for two bookings.

But despite that, the Blues held off a late surge to record back-to-back away wins.