The club was founded in 1879;[1] founder members included Nathan Aldersley, who co-founded the Ribblesdale Cricket League.

was founded in the same town, which instantly made it difficult for either club to become competitive on the national, or even local, stage.

The only time the club even forced a replay was in 1883–84, drawing 3–3 against South Shore at home, after the Clitheroe umpire mistakenly made a claim for offside against the wrong South Shore player, ensuring the resulting goal was awarded.

[5] The replay was a "very rough and unpleasant" game[6] and, despite registering 12 corners to 4, Clitheroe went out 3–2, the second South Shore goal being disputed.

[16] The club's finest triumph was winning the Lancashire Junior Cup in 1892–93, the team being welcomed from Whalley Station by five waggonettes and serenaded by the Borough Prize Band with the songs "See The Conquering Hero Comes" and "The Man Who Broke The Bank At Monte Carlo".