Within an hour's drive of non-league Clitheroe's Shawbridge ground there is currently the distraction of five Premier League teams, including the draws of Merseyside and Manchester.

And in my time with tribalfootball I have attended all these top flight grounds but never attended a Clitheroe game despite living just seven miles away. The realisation I have been to the Nou Camp more than Shawbridge was the catalyst for action.

However, not for me an Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North fixture but a visit to Bolton's Macron Stadium for the Partners Foundation Challenge Trophy final between Clitheroe and National League North opponents Chorley.

So here I am sat in the press box with an hour to go before kick-off a less than detached reporter hoping that Clitheroe can upset the odds, but realistically not wanting them to be on the wrong end of a heavy loss.

In the end Clitheroe did suffer a 3-2 defeat to opponents two divisions higher but in no way were they embarrassed as was a possibility considering they went into the game on the back of six straight league defeats including losses to the bottom two sides culminating on Saturday with a 5-1 reverse away to Colwyn Bay.

Admittedly Chorley boss Matt Jansen, the former Blackburn Rovers striker, with 7 games in 15 days to negotiate, chose to make eight changes to the team which played at the weekend. Nonetheless the difference in class between the two teams only became apparent in the second half as the Magpies claimed the silverware for a record 18th time.

The Blues current form had left boss Simon Haworth, an ex-Cardiff, Wigan and Wales international, a frustrated figure at a season which promised much but was now imploding but their battling display ensured Chorley had to work hard for their victory and restored some pride to the Shawbridge outfit.

Before the clash Haworth had tried to motivate his players by saying this was an opportunity to put themselves in the shop window with a decent display. Leading scorer Kurt Willoughby, who put Clitheroe ahead in the first half, was a case in point. The Blues failed to hang onto this lead until half-time as Luke Burgess was fouled inside the penalty area then converted the spot kick.

Chorley looked comfortable on the ball and were crisper and slicker with their passing but rarely troubled the Blues rearguard in which Danny Brady and Michael Samson were outstanding. Clitheroe may have lacked creativity in midfield but their more direct approach caused problems particularly from set pieces in which they looked dangerous in the air.

A few miles away play Manchester United are gearing up for their own more illustrious FA Cup final at Wembley in front of a 100,000 supporters who will have paid big money for the privilege. A more modest attendance of 828 was at the Macron Stadium, paying £8.00 admittance and hospitality tickets £35.00.

The lower tier of the West Stand was used for both sets of supporters and from my perch at the top I could only hear but not see them, although it became obvious the Clitheroe fans were to my right, and Chorley to the left.

It was also the first game I have ever attended were the mascot was not so much sent off as sent along! Dressed, unsurprisingly, as a Magpie they celebrated the award of the penalty a little too enthusiastically in front of the Clitheroe supporters. This lead to a word in their embroidered ear and they were banished for the rest of the game back to their own supporters.

If only this fancy dress Magpie had showed as much class as his team did in the second 45 minutes. Chorley dominated showing more urgency and deservedly took the lead when substitute Dale Witham took advantage as Clitheroe failed to clear their lines.

With the Blues pressing for a equaliser the scoreline became 3-1 on 90 mins as Chorley broke quickly and Delial Brewster easily beat onrushing keeper Chris Thompson.

Fittingly for all the effort Clitheroe had showed throughout the game the best goal of the night came deep into injury time from George West who curled a brilliant effort past Matt Urwin from the edge of the area.

So, I have finally seen Clitheroe play except for one unresolved issue; I have still been to the Nou Camp more than Shawbridge...