Bobby Grant’s side had to settle for a point at the full time whistle, as Radcliffe clawed back a draw on the cusp of full time thanks to a late goal from midfielder, Luke Joyce.

We remained unchanged to the team that beat Morpeth at the weekend, this meant that Bobby Grant remained on the bench, but would later feature for the first time since our 0-0 draw away at Lancaster in August.

It was the visitors who gained an early advantage on the night with a goal after 5 minutes, but it wasn’t before Luca Navarro raced through on goal but could only strike the ball against the side netting, the 22-year-old couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity and Radcliffe were made to pay for it just 3 minutes later.

Priestly Kiethley whipped a free kick into an inviting area and centre back Aaron Cunningham was on hand to volley it onto the post and into the back of the net, giving the away side the lead early on.

Luca Navarro was once again involved in the action in Whitby’s half, when it looked like the opportunity had gone, the forward adjusted his body and fired towards the top right corner but Shane Bland was equal to his effort and tipped it wide.

Tom Stewart later denied Whitby a second with a smart stop as Jacob Day raced through on goal with time and space, the goalkeeper came up trumps when most expected the forward to tuck it home.

Both sides pushed for the second goal of the game at either end of the pitch for the rest of the half, but the scoreline remained unchanged and Radcliffe went into half time a goal behind.

Midway through the second half, substitute Aaron Haswell had a glorious opportunity to grab a second for the visitors as he connected with a ball across the box, however he couldn’t convert from close range with the goal at his mercy.

Minutes later, Whitby had the ball in the back of the net for the second time through Aaron Haswell who was once again involved, only to have his celebrations halted by the linesman’s flag in the build up.

Time was running out for Radcliffe and the Whitby defence was starting to crack as more and more chances began opening up inside the oppositions box.

With ten minutes to go, there was anarchy in the 18-yard area with numerous shots being drilled towards the target, none could find the back of the net despite multiple attempts and set pieces being put into good areas.

Eventually though, Luke Joyce came to the rescue for Radcliffe after 89 minutes, dispatching his first Boro goal to snatch a point as we entered stoppage time.

A long throw in was touched down by Olly Thornley into the path of the Summer signing, and he nonchalantly nestled it into the far corner of the net, sharing the spoils on the night as the referee’s whistle sounded moments later.

We visit Cantilever Park this upcoming Saturday, as we clash with Warrington Town for another big three points on the road.