Clitheroe homecoming for talented forward

Connelly, 22, returns to his hometown club after a short stint at FC United, where he made six appearances.

Having first joined Clitheroe in 2019, he spent several seasons at the club and also gained loan experience at Longridge Town.

A permanent move to Lancaster City followed in the summer of 2022 for Connelly, who went on to spend two seasons with the Dolly Blues.

A return of five goals and 12 assists saw the talented winger earn a move to Broadhurst Park over the summer, but he made just two league starts before opting to move onto pastures new.

He made his first start since returning in the Blues’ 4-2 comeback victory over Wythenshawe Town on Saturday.

Clitheroe trailed 2-0 heading into the final quarter before a hat-trick from Javaun Splatt and a stoppage-time fourth from Veron Parry completed a remarkable turnaround.

That results saw Jimmy Bell’s side climb into the top half of the division, ending a run of four games without a win.

Photo credit: FC United of Manchester