Boro back in 2nd after top two lose

By Adam Harrison

Radcliffe FC clawed back some valuable points on the leaders with a 2-1 win over the Droylsden at the Neuven Stadium.
The Boro’s goals came through Captain Kingsley Williams and Ben Wharton either side of half time. Domaine Rouse netted for the visitors at the end but it wasn’t enough to get his side back into the game.
Jon Macken’s side now move up to second with Runcorn Linnets slipping down to third.

The first clear cut chance fell to Ben Wharton, his strike from distance went narrowly wide of the post.
The Bloods had a chance of their own on 11 minutes. Sefton Gonzales forced Ollie Martin into a great save before Ishmael Camera’s shot was deflected wide of the post.

The deadlock was broken on 20 minutes in some style. Captain Kingsley Williams rifled a shot straight into the top corner of Chris Thompson’s goal.
It was very nearly two moments later, Williams again playing a great ball into the box but no one could get on the end of it.
The visitors looked to be in as Dominic Smith rounded Martin but Kyle Harrison got back to put it out for a corner.

On 57 minutes Tunde Owolabi danced his way into the Bloods box and was brought down for a penalty. Wharton calmly slotted home to double the home sides advantage and score for the 77th time for The Boro.
It was very nearly three for the Boro as Craig Lindfield’s effort from distance went agonisingly wide of the goal after some brilliant work to pluck the ball out of the sky.

Macken’s men did have three right at the end but for the assistants flag. Elliot Rokka squared to Wharton after some great work to get into the box but it was ruled out for offside.
It was a nervy ending for the Boro, as Domaine Rouse smashed home from the edge of the box to give the visitors a lifeline.

The Boro hung on for all three points on a day full of shocks in the Evo-Stik West with Atherton Collieries and Runcorn Linnets both slipping to defeats meaning that Radcliffe move into 2nd place 4 points off the top, next up is Kendal away next Saturday.

Jon Macken spoke to Radcliffetv after the game and stressed that only Radcliffe can control their own destiny in the title race.
"There’s a lot of games to be played, people will slip up at certain places we are just worried about ourselves we can only affect ourselves, we can only control what we can control. We cant look out for other teams beating each other or the title contenders. We will look at every game that’s coming up, prepare do our homework stick to the game plan and hopefully we will do enough. We have some tough games coming up, its going to be difficult, everyone is going to be needed and that’s why we built a big squad as we need everyone to be a part of it."

Full interview with Jon Macken & new signing Kyle Harrison is available on YouTube.