Boro lose out in semi final

By Adam Harrison-

Radcliffe FC crashed out of the Manchester Premier Cup at the hands of Mossley 3-2 at the Neuven Stadium.

Shelton Payne put the Boro ahead before the Lilywhites answered back with three goals from Mike Fish, Max Leonard and Ben Halfacre before half time. Tunde Owolabi netted for Jon Macken’s side early in the second period but it wasn’t enough as Mossley move on to the final.
That now means that the Boro are without a win in their last four games going into another busy period of the season.

It took 15 minutes for the two teams to settle into the game. Max Leonard had the first effort of the game for the visitors but his strike went well wide of Ollie Martin’s goal.
Just three minutes later the deadlock was broken at the other end, January Player of the Month Matthew Crothers played in a brilliantly weighted pass to Shelton Payne who calmly slotted into the bottom corner.
The lead only last for six minutes as Mike Fish fired home for the Lilywhites to bring his side right back into the game.
The visitors took the lead just three minutes later through Max Leonard, he broke clear of the Boro defence then rounded Martin and slotted into an empty net.
Their lead was doubled just before half time. Ben Halfacre perfectly curled a free-kick around the wall and into the bottom corner to give his side a comfortable lead going into the break.

David Wild’s side were not done there, just five minutes after the break Andrew Keogh very nearly made it four but for a smart save from Martin in goal.
Jon Macken’s side found their way back into the game on 53 minutes, substitute Tunde Owolabi slotted under the goalkeeper after some great work on the turn from Ben Wharton.
Martin was called into action once again by Keogh as he had to push his goal bound shot wide of his goal.
The home side continued to push forward from an equaliser late in the game. Half time substitute Rick Smith had the best opportunity but his effort went narrowly wide of the goal.

It wasn’t to be for Macken’s men on the night as the Lilywhites set up a tasty looking final against Curzon Ashton.

Interviews With Jon Macken and Callum Grogan are available on our YouTube channel.