Match Preview

It’s just a day away until Radcliffe take on Leek Town in the Evo-Stik West play-off final this weekend in what will be the first opportunity of promotion in 16-years for the Boro.

Jon Macken’s men triumphed to a Bury-Metro Derby win against Ramsbottom United 3-0 in the semi-final on Tuesday, which gives Boro the opportunity to go up a division at the Neuven Stadium on Saturday.

The visitors needed a last-gasp winner in the second half of extra-time on Wednesday night to squeeze past Colne 2-1.

The Blues have beaten their final opponents twice this season, however Macken knows the home advantage will give his players a slight edge, but is well aware of the occasion’s potential banana skins.

“Playing here (Neuven Stadium) will give us a boost, in terms of an advantage (on Saturday),” said the Gaffer. “We’re playing at home, you hope to think that it will be more beneficial for ourselves but it’s cup final, so at the end of the day it’s going to be a tough ask, but we will give it our all.

“That is what we have done all season. It was a great night on Tuesday, we enjoyed it but we were back on it Wednesday and Thursday.

“We were thinking about this game in terms of preparation, about the lads recovery for the game on Saturday. We trained Thursday, and like I say, we will be preparing right. We will do our homework like always and do it correctly.”

As well as an eager manager, defender Callum Grogan admits his excitement for the possibility of promotion at the weekend, but says the tie against Leek will not be cast in stone despite the home advantage.

“I was buzzing on Tuesday, made up, but now I can’t wait for Saturday,” said the centre-back.

“I think you could say a home advantage is an advantage but every game is different. It’s not a given, just because we’re playing at home – although we have done well there this season.

“But we are going to have to go again - even more so like we did on Tuesday, for Saturday and as I say, I am looking forward to it.”