Opening Day Victory

Radcliffe recorded their first win on the opening day for 14 years with a 2-0 win over newly promoted Widnes. In tough challenging conditions on a poor pitch that didn’t suit The Boro’s style of play they still produced a great performance to get the three points.

It all got off to a great start after 8 minutes, a through ball from midfield by Kingsley Williams found Shelton Payne on the right wing in space, with just him and Ben Wharton in front of goal he squared it across the box for a tap in to give Radcliffe the perfect start.

The Boro started to get into the groove, and played some good football at times despite the playing surface. Elliot Rokka had a chance cleared off the line after a corner came back to him to try his luck. But the goal came just after. A free kick about 20 yards out to the right of goal was curled into the bottom corner putting Radcliffe two up inside 17 minutes of the new season. It was a fantastic start for Jon Mackens men.

More chances were being created and Radcliffe started to dominate the first half, best of the chances was Matty Carr from a corner to have a free header which went wide which could have sealed the three points before half time.

The second half began with a bit of a scare for the boro defence which at times in the first half looked comfortable and composed. There was a shot off the line Pollard with a header from a corner which was judged not to have crossed the line by the assistant referee despite the Widnes protests.

The warnings were there for Radcliffe as Widnes started to get into the game with a few half chances, but still had chances of their own. The game became end to end as Elliot Rokka had the chance to make it 3, he had the option of going alone or creating a copy of the first goal with Shelton Payne in position. Took the first option and keeper saved denying the chance for the game to be wrapped up there and then.

Radcliffe held on in the end after a few more half chances from Widnes and gained an excellent three points and a clean sheet. It was the perfect start to the season. Next up its Clitheroe at home on Tuesday night as the boro look to gain maximum points in front of their supporters.