Match Report: Lancaster City 1-0 Radcliffe FC

Radcliffe Fc missed out on another valuable three points as they were narrowly beat by Lancaster City 1-0 at the Big Axe on Tuesday Evening.

Paul Dawson netted a superb free kick late in the first half to claim the win in what was a tight contest on the night.

The Boro face Matlock Town on Saturday afternoon as they go in search of another three points.

It was a scrappy affair in the opening 20 minutes. Both sides cancelled each other out in the opening period of the game as they both went in search of the opening goal.

The first real opportunity of the game fell to the Boro. Callum Grogan kept the ball alive after a corner and lofted a great ball into the box but the header wasn’t turned goal wards.

10 minutes later the home side had a great chance to take the lead. A goalmouth scramble in the Boro box was smothered by Ollie Martin and then was later cleared by Matt Hughes.

Moments later the Boro had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Rick Smith whipped a great ball to the back post which found Ben Wharton but his head went narrowly over the crossbar.

With five minutes left in the first half, the home side took the lead. Paul Dawson fired a great free kick into the top corner of Martin’s goal after an even opening 4o minutes.

It could have been two just moments later but Matty Blinkhorn fired well over the crossbar.

Rob Wilson had a great chance in the opening stages of the second half but it was well stopped in the Boro goal by Martin.

The Boro started to pile the pressure on City in the second half. Kingsley Williams dragged a great chance just wide of the goal.

Hughes had another chance for the Boro but he could only head over after a brilliantly whipped corner.

Jon Macken’s men had to be wary of City on the counter attack in the second period. Scott Metcalfe headed off the line on 70 minutes after a dangerous Lancaster corner.

With 15 minutes left on the clock The Boro looked to be back in the game. A huge scramble I the Lancaster box saw Sam Ashton pull off a remarkable save to keep the score in his sides favour.

Despite late pressure from Macken’s men City hung on to win all three points on a night where on piece of quality separated the two sides.