Radcliffe will host FC United of Manchester in the FA Trophy first-round qualifier on Saturday, which will be a third meeting between the sides already this season.

The Boro have already welcomed the Reds twice this campaign in the Northern Premier League and the Manchester Premier Cup (MPC).

Both meetings have ended in 1-1 and 2-2 draws, but Neil Reynolds’ side were victorious in a penalty shootout and progressed to the next round in the latter competition.

A Word From The Gaffer

MACKEN: “We will prepare. We’ve played them numerous times now, so we know what we are going to face. Its going to be a tough but enjoyable game.

“A good Saturday afternoon FA Trophy tie. They are playing well and are on a run of good form and we’re playing well so it should be an entertaining one.”

Third game, third time lucky?

Jon Macken’s side will be hoping to progress into the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy , but they face a tough FC United side, who have made it difficult for the Neuven-outfit on two occasions already this season.

The form of Radcliffe has been sporadic of late, winning and losing three of their past six games but are so far unbeaten at home in all competitions.

Omens could play a part as Boro haven’t managed to win in any meetings with the Reds, but will be wanting to break their duck on the ninth attempt.

First time out: Radcliffe 1-1 FC United - 26th August 2019

A goal apiece in the first-half meant Boro earned their first point of the Northern Premier League 2019/20 season. Matthew Wolfenden and Regan Linney ensured it was honours even.

Second time out: Radcliffe 2-2 FC United (FC United won 3-1 on pens) – 8th October 2019

If the first fixture was all action in the opening 45 minutes, then it was only fitting that the second-half of the following game saw four goals netted.

Nialle Rodney opened the scoring, seven minutes after the restart before Liam Ellis responded. A minute later, Michael Donohue tapped in a rebound off the post for the visitors, followed by a Rick Smith headed equaliser, eight minutes from time.

The game went straight to penalties due to MPC regulations, and it was the away side who progressed to the next round after a clinical display from the spot.

An old face returns once again

A familiar face will be lining up to face Macken’s 11 for the visitors, come Saturday. The Belgian striker Tunde Owolabi will be in contention to face his former club once again.

The attacker’s only season at the Neuven Stadium proved a pivotal one in Radcliffe’s 2018/19 promotion campaign, as Owolabi netted 26 goals and finishing top scorer for the club.

So far, the former Boro man has netted 10 goals in 14 games for his new club.