Radcliffe took the lead through Kingsley Williams but Athletic’s Nathan Valentine levelled instantly from close range. Scarborough added two in the second half through Micheal Coulson and James Walshaw.
The Boro kept the seadogs at bay for a long period of the game but their quality shone through in the end taking their limited chances. Scarborough still sit in third just one point off automatic promotion and Radcliffe are in 20th after a tough run of results.
Both sides shared possession in the early stages of the game but it was Radcliffe who took their early chances.
On sixteen minutes, James Hooper fired a shot which was too hot for Thomas Taylor to handle as he spilled it to the feet of captain Kingsley Williams who slotted home from close range. Williams making it two in two games for his side.
The lead didn’t last long as on nineteen minutes former Boro player Nathan Valentine pounced as Connor Keane spilled the ball in the box. Levelling the game just three minutes later.
After that mayhem three minutes the game settled as both sides shared possession and a number of chances as the half came to a close.
The second half continued in a similar nature, Williams had a chance to add his and the Boro’s second as he blazed over after a smart cutback.
But it was the visitors who took the lead on 67 minutes through forward Michael Coulson who lifted the ball over Keane in the Radcliffe goal. A very smart finish from the forward.
The game was still in the balance despite the score-line, however the seadogs added a third on 74 minutes, killing any chance of a fight back. James Walshaw fired into the roof of the net after a whipped corner. The Boro failed to clear their lines leading to the goal.
Jon Macken’s side continued to push on near the end of the game but it wasn’t to be as his side started their busy week in the worst possible way. Their performance was something to be admired going into a tough run of fixtures.
Radcliffe now have two fixtures in a week as they face Trafford at home on Thursday and then Tadcaster away on Saturday.
By Adam Harrison