Canny Drew with two!

Durham City arrived in Radcliffe with only one defeat in the league, fielding Adam Johnston with 24 goals so far and the luxury of Gavin Cogdan on the bench with 21 goals to date, confidence would have been high. Radcliffe with less goals on the board than the two Durham players would be looking to build on a very solid set of performances and hoping for back to back wins. Lee Unsworth returns allowing Howson his more familiar striking role. Griff Jones is still recovering from hamstring trouble. Here goes seat belts fastened, what a fantastic football ride ahead. First on the grid are Boro who start bright and are unlucky not to forge a break in the first minute. The pace of the game is formula one speed and no pit stops will be used. Howson up front chasing down the leaders and panics the keeper who kicks against him on the seventh minute the ball hits Howsons foot and goes to safety. The game is quick to swap lanes and Durham counter with nice touches that see them challenging Priestley who puts the brakes on with two great blocks close in , he can do little with the rapier like shot from Tommy English that stays at the same height all the way to the back of the net for 1-0 with 8 minutes gone. Form books are being brought out but will soon be ripped in half. The gears are selected in the boro midfield freeing Roscoe to the bye line and he delivers leaving Dawson to cause trouble , the ball is now easy for Mark Jones to strike goal bound and with a deflection off English finds the back of the net to equal the scoring and send Boro into overdrive. 1-1! Circuit records are being broken as players move ball and body quickly to try to gain an advantage. Durham are in the Boro slipstream and are selecting reverse as Boro quality upsets thier game plan. With 30 gone Priestley is tested again , this time by John Toft with a powerful shot , Priestley grips in the wet like expensive Michelins and the threat is shown the red light. Drew & Mark Jones are quicker than a Williams pit stop team in closing the opponents , Drew releases a great pass into the path of Oates who is now in the box and is brought down , the linesman is quick to decide with the flag across his chest, the ref takes his advice and awards the penalty. Adam Roscoe steps up to convert with the keeper getting a hand to it but to no avail 2-1 Boro. The flag is waved and we have another 45 minute lap to enjoy.
Wipers are needed as the rain gets heavier . Roscoe sends a slick pass into the feet of howson who changes feet well to send out wide, the cross is whipped in and Drew firing on all four cylinders bullets a text book header crashing into the net for 3-1 , a brilliant move and goal on 48 minutes. Whats left in the tank now for Durham? They have football a plenty and continue to play it, Boro likewise. The two teams are a real positive advert for Unibond football. Durham break quickly with the ball on the floor and are great at getting the ball to the six yard box with lovely football. Unsworth , (full service history) is capable of ending the moves. Durham fire into the side netting and then win a corner before the ball is back in thier defence. They panic a little and send a shed of a pass across the back, Drew on the starting grid sees the green flag first and reacts quickest to collect and pass the ball into the net past Craig Turns for 4-1. Boro continue to chase and face up to Durham whenever they can. Durham dig deep and again continue to play some lovely football that is matched by Boro. Lewis Dodds is at the end of a great strong challenge by Jones after a poor ball to him. The player is stretchered off to hospital and is wished well. The game continues in the same vein with strong challenges, slick passes and clever movement by both sets of players. The chequered flag is due to be waved as Durham play again to the six yard box with neat interchanging of passes before Cogden adds to his tally on 91 minutes. The game was fast and furious with some of the best football i have seen at this level for many years, a tribute to the two teams. tribute must be played to the boro for the effervesant attitude to the game, the team look stronger and certainly more fitter. Endless chasing down and support for each other was a treat to watch as was the four goals. Durham will travel home shell shocked as going into the game they are the Ferrari of the league, boro are upgrading to a new model.
One dissapointment on the night was that only 83 people watched it, if more had been in they will have certainly been back. Next time your passing Stainton Park, indicate ,turn in and watch some high octane football.

Drive safely

Paul.

PS Congrats to Gary Miller ( Durham Physio) who was awarded by Durham County Council for in his efforts in the original game in going swiftly to Martyn Forrests aid.

In 2 the Valley

Dark Lane, Rossendale was the venue for Boro fans to gather and would hope to see an away victory in the league. It was to be a struggle to fill a team sheet for Boro management with the in form Griff Jones sidelined through injury and Lee Unsworth and Tom Brookes personal commitments keeping them away. Ben Wharton a new face at Boro starting on the bench. Tom Rutter would be Roscoes strike partner for the day. The games early pattern was to be a testing one for Rutter who was subjected to a series of poor challenges It was evident early on that the ref would need to have his cards handy. Boro looked comfortable from the start and looked confident in each forward move. Roscoe soon got into his rythmn of winning the air space. Rutter would soon catch on. Chances were starting to appear for Boro through early corners and free kicks. The goal soon came . Howson now looking very comfortable in defence floated a free kick that Roscoe glanced on towards Dawson, the keeper gets something on the first attempt but not the second as Dawson stays in the six yard box to finish easily for the opener to Boro. 1-0! Roscoe shows deep to pick up the ball and spray a fantastic ball across field to Drew, the move doesnt end in waht the pass deserved. Rutter takes another foul and this time Roscoe lines it up, Roscoe goes for the drive and it wizzes past the keeper from 22 yards to put Boro 2 up on 30 minutes. Priestley as yet to be threatened and the only danger is in the home half. Boro look for the third and are looking good. Rossendale receive thier third yellow in the half and show little to deny thier lowly league spot. The last chance of the half falls for Boro from a corner that is flicked by a defender into the keepers arms. The half ends with Boro looking by far the better side. They start the second in the same vein and flowing football is soon seen through Roscoe and Rutter. Drew is found in acres by Roscoe and he can only scoop the ball over rather than hit the target from a great position. Chances continue to appear for Boro . The midfield continue to hurry Rossendale play, Drew as a niggly tackle punished by the referee with a yellow. Great play by Boro to open the home defence and when in a great slot Drew chooses to shoot with other options on the menu. Rossendale start to make more of a fist for it but still no saves are needed by the visiting keeper. Subs are introduced to help but it may be too little too late. The move of the game sees Sampson start with good quick play by Roberts his cross is perfect for the arrival of Roscoe at the near post , he guides it narrowly wide. Rutter is at the end of his game after too many kicks see the better of him , his replacement is debutant Ben Wharton. The game is more even now butRossendale still have no potency up front. The referee is keen to act on a tackle by Drew but on reflection chooses no card. drew is not so lucky minutes later when is tackle is punished by his second yellow and an early shower beckons. A referees decision largely made by the opponents dug out. Boro never looked in danger in the game with individual efforts from the boro team impressive.Boro should have made it three but Wharton couldnt convert. There is two balls on the pitch , they think its all over, it is now! The result was well deserved with Michael Oates gutsy selfless running the pick for my man of the match. The squad is thin but are a group of players who are capable of addapting to varies roles, Howson a fine example, Rutter full back midfielder, forward. This was a good win. The boro faithful sang loud and applauded each man off and rightly so,

see you Monday

Paul.

A tale of two games

A week in football is said to be a long week, the one just gone for Radcliffe Borough was both long and demanding. A loss in the previous home game followed by a training game on Tuesday v FC, a days rest before a trip to the South Lakes town of Kendal another days rest, finish work for the week and get ready for the visit of Lancaster City to Stainton Park. This tale begins on Thursday night at Kendal , a damp misty night as well. Kendal having just lost at home to FC would be hoping to secure a spot in the Lancashire Co-operative Cup, Boro had other ideas.
With news that Craig Dawson had now signed for Rochdale FC his shirt would be handed to Steve Howson for the night. Michael Oates back from suspension would line up with Rutter & Brookes on the bench for the night. Boro got at Kendal quickly and within the first ten minutes demonstrated what would be a night of in your face football from the visitors. In these opening minutes Mark Drew and Mark Jones pounced on every loose ball. Kendal knew a game was on. Roscoe finds space on the right before he finds Griff Jones he creates space and brings a save from the keeper. Kendal are now finding thier feet and look to make a game of it. A couple of shots fromdistance that are wide inform Boro that some defending will be needed. Howson is caught on the wrong side of his man but is assisted by Kelly & Unsworth in mopping up. Howson as been warned and he goes from strength to strength in is new role. Mark Drew finds a great pass into open grass for Roberts he gains yards before the pass to Oates his shot is a tester for the keeper. The woodwork above Priestley helps Boro as a ball floats over his head , Roberts clears the rebound . The Kendal centre forward goes on a strong run into the box , Unsworth times his foot in well and the threat as gone. The game is now end to end with Boro sticking to playing on the grass that as quickened with the steady drizzle. Roscoe flicks on strongly for Griff jones with the keeper nearly handling outside the box to beat him. 28 minutes of a great cup game and Boro take the lead Si Kelly leading by example takes the ball by the sruff of its neck and pushes for the danger zone , the pass goes into the feet of Roscoe who cannot turn and chooses to send the ball out to Drew , head down he drives the shot that takes a slight deflection off the defender , the keeper starts to go the other way and its 1-0 to the visitors. The display so far as surprised Kendal and the visitors look more likely to increase the lead. The home crowd begin to groan as thier team struggle to find passes and create real chances. Boro through the head of Roscoe loops on to the bar after a good cross by Roberts. Mark Drew is showing the most and is binding some good midfield work with those around him. Kendal are restricted to half chances before Wordsworth after a short free kick shapes and shoots just over the bar. Roscoe at the other end is fouled ,the resulting kick hits the wall ad the half ends in Boros favour. The second half starts frantically and the pace is quicker. The pitch is getting heavier with Kendal in a more positive mood. Chances are frequent now at both ends and more goals must be on the cards. he game is developing in to one of the best i have seen this season with both sides looking to attack in a pulsating cup semi. Boro with one foot in the final use Roscoe to flick on in the box ,the ball rolls down the arm of the defender and the ref points directly to the spot on 61 minutes. Griff Jones steps up and confidently makes it 2-0. Kendal now react with purpose and within 5 minutes the ball floats over Priestley and sees him indecisive before Danny Wisdom is free at the far post to prod home a lifeline for Kendal , 2-1. The last quarter of the game is a defending challenge for Boro as Kendal push high up field . Kelly , Howson and Unsworth spend the rest of the game soaking up pressure and do so as a unit. Howson as played. Boro are looking to catch the home side on the break as they push. Priestley forms part of the solid defensive display and pulls off a magnificent save from Wordsworths strike , the ball heading for the top corner is reached and guided away from goal, worthy of the win alone. Boro could have made it three when they break in numbers 3 v 2 first Roscoe , then Oats and Jones all have the goal at thier mercy but cant convert. The whistle blows and a third final in two seasons is reached. A lengthy trip home is worth it . Every player worked tirelessly for the victory and deserve a cup final. Just over 40 hours to the next game!

Boro 1 Lancaster 1

40 hours have gone and the team line up again to take on Lancaster a team they have beat in league and cup so far this season. Lancaster have had improved results since christmas and look good sat at the top half of the table, They bring a lively following. Lancaster start well and it can be seen why they are at the other end of the table from the boro. Si Kelly is missing through injury but Craig Dawson returns now on loan from Rochdale, Howson will continue his role in defence. The game is to be a footballing one as both teams stroke passes around and develop moves patiently. Roscoe will have his work cut out in the air with the two centre halves from Lancaster, they are aware of his threat from the beginning and will use whatever it takes both legal and illegal to stop him. Both dawson and Howson are called early to see off threats , Howsons saving tackle in the box was perfect and his thirst for football after a long spell on the bench is evident. Boro have chances but cannot convert before Lancaster take thiers on 17 minutes. A shot from the edge of the box by the impressive squirms under the foot of Dawson and rests in the back of the net. 1-0 to the visitors. Boro now need to recover and continue to play football and are the team with the most possesion for the next 25 minutes. Lancaster always look dangerous and capable of converting chances . Boro are increasingly guilty of getting to the right place with the right style of football but simply fail in final quality or choose the wrong shooting option. Endeavour and graft cannot be questioned. The hard work pays off with Griff Jones on the end of a move that sees his shot travel agonisingly slow across the keeper and into the net to level the game. A few minutes later Unsworth sends long to Roscoe who glances on to Griff Jones , the ball runs loose to Drew who drives a great shot that is saved but pushed out to Griff Jones to reach and scoop the ball across the keeper that goes inches wide. Boro finish the half strongly. Lancaster are forced to change the tango man Thornley in goal through injury , Beesley goes between the sticks. Lancaster are not contented with the draw and go looking for the win, they may be sensing the tiredness of the home side. Chances are created at both ends with substitutes breaking the flow of the game . Boro dig deep with Mark Jones captain for the day creating most things for Boro. Boro play starts to become predictable as legs tire , the ball up to Roscoe is now being picked off by the two centre backs and scrappy play ensues. Oates is replaced with Brookes just after the hour. Lancaster are trying but find the resilence of the boro back line too hard. The game with fresher legs surely would have been Boros. The chances are still arriving for boro but quality service behind the last man is needed. Free kicks are wasted in good positions. Griff Jones pulls up after a shot on goal , the move supplied by the captain. Griff leaves the field after a hard weeks running and Rutter is introduced. Brookes and Rutter are the fittest now but show some ring rust when in good positions. The game is a fair draw at the end of 90 minutes but so could have easily been a win. The now very thin squad have worked extremely hard over the last week and deserve thier recent improved results. Competition for places is always healthy and with a few games to go yet including a cup final Boro will need to be at thier best. Next weeks game will be a big test.

see you there

Paul.

Blankety Blank

No cheque book and pen for this home display,in what would be a beat the keeper competition. An outstanding display of goalkeeping from Warrington Towns Richard Mottram was to be appreciated by the home crowd but not welcomed. The two clubs both formed in 1949 start the game second and third bottom of the league both sides only scoring 27 in the campaign so far. A lowly crowd of117 saw Phil Priestley the first keeper in action when he spread himself well to block the shot of Phil Howard who latched on to a ball over the shoulder of Si Kelly. The number ten of Boro brings a save from Mottram quickly after , the trademark flick by Roscoe setting him up. The game show is set with forwards and defenders all about to gamble. Mark Jones flys on to a loose ball that gets a bobble to see his shot high over the bar, with the crowd shouting "lower, lower" . Town are on the edge of Priestleys box but only offer a weak shot. A central misunderstanding by the visitors lets Mark Drew in to shoot but only wide when well placed. Tom Rutter working the flank is quick to get forward and his cross just wont land for Roscoe. Owen Roberts picks out Roscoe on the inside left channel, Roscoe digs the ball out to create space under a strong challenge, the ref plays on as the ball runs for Mark Jones whos shot from range is easy for the keeper. The visitors keeper is about to start frustrating the home side as he dives low to his left to save from Griff Jones via Roberts. The corner from Roberts drifts over the heads of Roscoe and Jones. Dawson is next to try on 22 minutes with a fine glancing header supplied by the free kick of Roberts , Kelly keeps the ball moving after the keepers save but the chance goes. Phil Hadland in the boro half finds space to cross Priestley reads it well and smothers on his six yard line. Mark Drew is not alive to the ball coming back and the floated ball is met well by Chris Gahan but he can only steer it wide. Priestleys kick is headed on to Roscoe who confidently hits it first time but watches it go high and wide. Boro continue to play controlled football hoping the opportunity will come, Dawson spots the run of Sampson but its too long. Roscoe and Griff Jones combine to allow Griff Jones to shoot just over the bar from 20 yard out. Roscoe fizzes a ball to Drew who shoots on sight and with the ball travelling at speed it passes Griff Jones before going out. A moment of its a knockout off the ball sees Roberts on the floor the ref books Hadland, what for? Phone lines are open! Just as the half ends Howard sets off on a run before picking out Hadland , he picks his spot to shoot across Priestley and into the net for 1-0. The ref blows and after asking the audience, i phone a friend to find out how can we be behind!

The second half sees no changes during the break , Town start first with the run of Howard who is fouled the free kick is wasted and cleared easily. Good work by Drew and Sampson keeps the pressure on Warrington . The hour approaches quickly and the game needs somebody to put a foot on it . Drew does just that and shapes well to shoot and bring a great save from the keeper. The corner is met by the thumping header of Dawson and again a fine fingertip save gets the ball to just go over. Same corner with Dawson again meeting well but steering poorly past the post. Boro push with little response from the team from Warrington. A series of free kicks only manage to hit the well held wall. Boro start to fail passes as the chances are not coming as they should with the amount of ball seen by the team in blue. Howard remains the only sniff of danger for the visitors. Boro find their feet again and when Roscoe flicks to Griff Jones he as Drew in space to dispatch a great shot matched by a great save once again. The resulting corner is met well and hits the line between the defenders feet and is cleared to Griff Jones who finds space to shoot, the block goes to Mark Jones his shot is saved close to the post and out. Dutton replaces McCarthy for the visitors and Howson is on for Sampson as Boro look to level. Mark Drew hopes the ref "plays his cards right" as he reacts to a poor challenge , the ref does and gives him a yellow. Boro knock on the door but just cant get it open before the final whistle arrives. The crowd leave wondering how we are going to put players on the score sheet. The crowd spent some time late on asking for Howson to be introduced and yes he is a goalscorer but the performance of the team is good, chances are being created , individuals are working hard, whats the answer?

The Krypton factor would be easier to win than our home games,

emails to weneedtowinagame@staintonpark.com.

Paul.

Brace Yourselves!

It was to be a night journey home for players and fans alike that would see cats hide in fear of being kicked. A mild night greeted all to Moor Lane home of Salford City, Salford with improving results would be looking for the win. Boro with improving performances would be wanting to convert performances for points on the board.The first chance is Griff Jones's after the full back concedes he strikes from 25 yards, keeper saves one for the camera. The work ethic of G Jones and Roscoe is on show after 3 minutes as they hunt the keeper down forcing him to kick into touch. Salford loft passes to get behind Boro . Tobin to Foster who shoots tamely wild. Roscoe shows his intentions to win most things in the air and flicks are landing in the danger areas inviting Griff Jones at regular intervals. Roscoe is in the right place and shapes well to take the ball and shoot the keeper only parries to Drew who is given offside. Roscoe as early as the tenth minute is bossing the game and defenders are backing off already. Some niggling tackles cause Drew to have a rant at the ref as the Salford skipper Andrews is over zealous, the ref calls Drews captain over to cool him down. Drew goes on to foul Bearly on the edge of the box that is played short to Tobyn who shoots low and hard but the block is good. Boro win the free kick and Roberts steps up to send in a top quality cross that Roscoe rises above all to firmly place the perfect header back across goal and inside the post for a deserved lead on 20 minutes. Boro go on to dominate the half with Salford only having limited territory to play in. Sampson displays some good patient defending and sees off the threat of Tandy. Roscoe flicks a ball into the path of Drew who attacks the space with pace his shot although rising all the way was a great hit clearing the bar. Boro are driving forward and the ball is quickly moved from defence to attack. Roscoe and strike partner Griff Jones are running the City defence ragged, Mark Jones and Mark Drew are assisting the ball through the middle and are spoilt for choice as the front two are finding the runs. Griff Jones pays drew back after holding the ball well, his clever pass into the run of Drew is a gem but Drews first touch just puts him just too close to the line and the chance as gone. The boro full backs are working really hard up the field to keep the home side boxed in high up the field. Dawson is booked for his trip on Bearley as Salford have a rare foray forward. The half belonged to Boro and especially the Boro front line, the half time interval belonged to the throw back seventies DJ that played circa 1973 tunes throughout.
No changes during the break . Boro get forward early on Griff Jones is tripped as he turns away fro his marker , the free kick is nodded on to Griff Jones who looks for support but none arrive. Brookes wriggles free but his shot from distance as no sting but is on target. Salford gain some ground with Myers who forces Margarson to punch to Ahorne who sees his shot blocked. Roscoe turns in again to cause panic he sets up Drew who elects to shoot too early in the move. Griff Jones takes the ball down well and sends into the Boro number 9 he plays in short to Brookes who gets the shot in after getting the ball from under his feet. Within minutes Roscoe after good flank play by Roberts is on the edge of the d, he curls his shot just wide of the post. Salford send on their first sub Hargreaves for Andrews but its not enough to stop Roscoe notching his second of the night, a long kick up field is chased by Griff Jones who sends back to Roscoe he collects and lays off back to Griff Jones and heads for the box the return comes , he steadies, aims and slots home a perfect finish. Boro are 2 up and coasting on the hour with bets halted on a Roscoe hat trick. Mark Jones running from deep breaks into the last third with electric pace , he is forced wide but feeds into Brooke's on the edge of the box he leaves it for Drew who pushes his shot wide of the post. Then.........within the space of 4 minutes the game is level, how apart from pure bad luck i will never know. Salfords first real threatening move sees the ball out to the flank that is crossed hard and low to see the out stretched boot of Si Kelly steer the ball firmly into the goal for 2-1. Brooks gives the ball away to Myers who gets to the bye line before stabbing the ball in , the ball canons off Dawson at the near post and in, unbelievable. 2-2. Howson is sent on for Brookes and goes upfront with Roscoe, Griff Jones drops back just behind the two. The last 15 is a game of waiting for a winner that Boro deserve, Howson races on to two consecutive chances the first is blocked close i by the keeper and the second shot goes wide of the post. Salford begin to believe they can win and venture forward with better football. Tobin heads for goal and releases the shot that Margarson only parries, the city player follows up and shoots at goal, Dawson saves the day with a clearance off the line with his chest. Roscoe slides in a ball for Howson who sets and shoots the shot is deflected onto the bar and cleared. Salford use two more subs and 3 minutes are added. Boro have run out of time and Salford have used up all their luck. The ref blows and it should have been 3 points. A good game that is hard to work out how the points are shared. The positives have to be the way Griff jones and Adam Roscoe combined to look a real handful. Ex Boro man Mike Flynn an experienced player would have known he was in a game with the two to contend with. The negative for me was Drew being booked for dissent, he is a very good player that can keep the game alive and is a great partner in the middle with Mark Jones. We don't need him suspended.
Ah well 15 more grey hairs, two kicked cats and a game to look forward to on Saturday.

Next match carries an health warning!

see you there

Paul.

Finishing Class

It was to be a miserable debut for loan keeper Martyn Margarson and a miserable day for the Boro forward line. Boro just about topping a goal a game , just 26 from 25 league starts, six of those in one game v Salford and with the top scorer Craig Dawson missing through suspension, it was easy to understand why the only home goal came from the penalty spot and so many good chances went begging. Curzon Ashton with a debutant in Shane Kelsey and marksman Mike Norton in the front line produced a flattering scoreline. Boro with Owen Roberts delivering the first quality ball of the day from a free kick leaves Mark Jones in a perfect spot at the far post his fall just at the vital moment denied Boro a 3 minute early lead. An early test for Margarson in the Boro goal as him showing some first night nerves with him electing to juggle the ball at the edge of his box and is lucky to see the ball lofted safely over his bar. He does better a minute later to punch strongly under pressure from Norton. David Birch Curzons captain sends a neat ball into the edge of the box that as Unsworth & Brockley working hard to see off Kelsey, Brockley does well to clear . Curzon look dangerous with a clever back heel by Andrew Watson finding Alex Elliott who crosses well to put Boro under pressure before Si Kelly clears very tidily.
The visitors all in red attack again this time on the flank with Danny Verity his cross is met well by Brockley assisted by Kelly the ball lands back with Verity and his cross shot fizzes across the goalmouth and wide. Tom Rutter trying his luck with a snap cross is unlucky not to see Roscoe get contact on the ball as it goes agonisingly too far in front of him. Norton is lively at the other end and gathers well just in the box before his route is blocked by Kelly the rebounding ball brings a shot from Elliot that is well wide. The pattern of the game is set with both sides capable of getting into danger areas and producing chances. Griff Jones shows great awareness in looping the ball from behind him into the path of Roscoe he races clear easily but the finish is missing and it flys well wide of target. He picks the ball up deep in his next spell and grafts to find a shooting slot, again the finish is poor when well placed . The game is lively with Boro kicking themselves for not being in the lead. Kelly pushes forward and sends the ball to the head of Roscoe who flicks out wide to Roberts is pass to Sampson is neat, Sampson sets Brookes who curls a good shot past the post a great move. Curzon still need watching with Norton the thorn in the side. Roscoe this time feeds Griff Jones who turns superbly but again the finish is missing. Jones is fouled in the next move after Kelly finds his run well he turns to go and is fouled, Roberts takes the kick but it is well cleared. Rutter is found out wide and he delivers well to Roscoe who is just beaten to the header. Sampson takes the corner and sees the ball well placed by the advancing Mark Jones, David Carnell pulls off a fantastic save at the foot of the post to keep the scores level. Kelly in defence is having a solid game and his last ditch tackle to deny Norton is top class. Before Boro can recover fully the ball is in space with Jordan Goodeve having enough time to pick his spot and chip the ball over the head of Margarson for the opener. A blow to boro after having three clear chances to take the lead themselves. The next 5 minutes are the visitors as they push for the second and get it this time through Mike Norton as he wriggling for space in the box his shot is only parried and lands back with him to dig it out and place easily past the on loan keeper, 2-0 with 10 to the break. Boro have to lift themselves and are still clearly in the game.
Brockley is replaced with Howson for the second half with Griff Jones slotting in behind the front two. Some early pressure from Boro as they look to narrow the deficit, Rutter goes on a fine run to be taken down in the last third. Roberts again with a quality ball in as the keeper undeciding and Roscoe is mere inches from nodding it in. Roscoe and Griff Jones are striking a good understanding and they are unlucky not to pull a scoring chance on 55 minutes. Within minutes Howson and Roscoe rise for the same Sampson cross , Roscoe wins the header but places straight into the keepers hands. Norton is fouled as he turns to run, Michael O'conner takes the kick and with the Boro keeper not making a decision the ball lands at the feet of Adam Jones two yards out leaving him the simplest of tasks to prod home. 3-0 with half an hour to go. Curzon are still keen to break even with a three goal cushion allowing Boro the chance to gain some pride back. Brooks does well to send a cross field ball to Rutter who with more time than he thinks shoots poorly wide from just inside the box. Curzon replace two to see the game out, soon after Mark drew replaces Brookes. Sampson sends a great Ball into Roscoe who heads on well to the run of Griff Jones and as he is about to pull the trigger he is brought down in the box , Mr Newell points to the spot , Griff Jones steps up and slots home to make it 3-1. Boro have little time to pull it round and struggle to make any more clear cut chances. Curzon finish the game and the lesson in finishing with a good goal starting with Phil Edgehill passing down the flank to Kelsey, he places a good ball across the edge of the box into the path of Norton who shoots firmly at goal and sees the ball hit the back of the net with the keeper stretching to get near the ball. 4-1! Curzon make one last sub as the 90 approaches . The class is dismissed by the refs final whistle, goals win games , chances do not. A period of goal scoring detention is needed , simple maths really Curzon with 6 clear cut chances score 4, boro with the same amount of chances score one from the spot. Plenty of head scratching was seen in the club house after the game.

Converting chances at Salford on Tuesday night is a must,

see you there.

Paul.

Route to Semi by Tom Tom

Tom Rutter returned to first team football after his lengthy recovery from his op , alongside Tom Brookes in the starting line up for the second game in a row. The pair influenced a fine away cup victory in five star surroundings at Highbury home of Conference North side Fleetwood Town. The hosts with a league campaign in mind fielded largely reserves. Boro named two on the bench in Howson and Manning. Sampson, Kelly, Drew were missing. Rutter played at right back with Unsworth in the middle. Fleetwood make Priestley the first keeper in action as he smothers the ball Maylett is chasing with Unsworth in tow. The ball is up field quickly and Boro win the first corner after Roscoe wins the flick on to send Griff Jones grafting in the corner. The corner is sent over and with Fleetwood flat footed Tom Rutter is forward to send the ball flying into the top of the net for a flying start to the visitors. He is back in the action when a clearance is sent straight into his mid rift causing him to double over , a very nervous time for the player after the recent op , full credit to the full back for the night as he went on to play a very steady game. The game is quick and largely led by Boro as they look to double the lead. Tom Brookes is busy and races hard to get on the end of a clever ball through, the keeper is quick off the mark and Brookes lofted attempt is blocked with Roscoe waiting. A couple of forays forward for Fleetwood offer no threat before Rutter serves up a quality corner that is meat and drink for Roscoe who finishes the perfect header back across the keeper for 2-0 on 22 minutes beutifully shown on the red digital scoreboard. Boro are running the game and are showing what a good footballing side they can be , they have plenty of possesion and use it wel in the half. The defence missing the influential captian Si Kelly are being conducted well by the experianced Unsworth. Confidence is high in the team and the first half display by all is impressive. Brookes terrier type chasing with the threat of Griff Jones and Roscoe are giving the youngsters of the home side a real tests. Boro need to stay on guard as the closing action as Maylett is fed in space and absolutely smashes a drive against the bar that rattled for the duration of the break. My break was spent in the luxury of the bar, a very impressive set up.
Fleetwood start the half with a close shot that rattles the advertising boards wide of goal. the response is quick by captain for the night Mark Jones who links well with Griff Jones before firing across the keeper who pushes the ball away from danger. Substitutions are made by the home side to try to change the flow of football that is owned by Boro. Roscoe should have made it three after a great move starting with a splitting pass inside by Griff Jones. Fleetwood make a more even contest of it in the last twenty and chances are shared by both sides. Griff Jones is replaced by Howson for a straight swop. Chances still remain and it is Fleetwood who pull one back through Substitute Tommy Wilson on 79 minutes as his fine shot across Priestley finds the net to make it 2-1. The last ten minutes will be slow as boro look to the semis. Brookes could and should have finished after Roscoe and howson cause problems. The game is won for Boro after a solid performance with a lot of hard work on a cold night on the coast. The team will head further north to Kendal for the semi final , a cup final for the team will be a worthy reward for a squad of players that are beginning to look like a very good side.

The only thing that spoiled the night was hearing that Darwen FC would fold, a very historical club that deserve help more than most from the so called elite of our game. Check the link for a great article.

http://www.twohundredpercent.net/?p=1201

Paul.

Lost on Points!

Stormy Corner is a cold place to visit at this time of year,the home of Skelmersdale United is a barren place tucked away on an industrial estate. The ground is featureless with little character although the local support is full of character and encouragement for a team that as only been beaten twice in the league and flying in cup competitions. This would be a tough one for Boro even with the excellent win in midweek to boost the team. The pitch is dry as a bone and heavily sanded with a strong wind whipping across the ground. The game sets off on a good pace and both sides look straight away to keep the ball moving to feet. Boro in a changed kit of Black & Red see Adam Roscoe early and float a ball to him he tries to play in Oates but cant get enough on the head. United move the ball well and Sampson will need to be alert as the hosts look to play around him and behind. It is Sampson who is in the right place on 10 minutes when after a corner the ball lands in front of Michael White who strikes a good shot but cant beat the full back on the line. Griff Jones and Roscoe are looking to keep the centre halves on their toes and Roscoe with little options after winning the ball chooses to shoot and does bring out a tidy stop by the keeper low to his left. Boro look bright and will make a match of it. The home defence is indecisive when Boro break forward and find Griff Jones on the edge , no challenge comes in and he fires a strong lofted shot beyond the keeper to secure a fine start for Boro, 1-0! 15 minutes gone and we now have a contest. Unsworth is strong in his own box to see off the ball for a corner with Houghton bearing down. The corner is delivered and dealt with by Roscoe defending well and shows great determination to be at the edge of the home sides box within the minute , Sampson sends in a good ball that Griff Jones feeds in for Oates who is free on 8 yards but fires wide. The boro defence have to be sharp as Sean McConville & Georgie Donnelly link very well in midfield and bring in players around them with good slick passing. Kelly and Unsworth defend well to keep them at bay. McConville is soon at it again as he goes on a great run that beats 3 players in the heart of the boro defence , his shot was tame and wide but the threat is clear. He again finds the loose ball and this time with defenders retreating fires in , Priestley is comfortable in holding. Action at both ends this time at the United last third, Oates beats his man after good work by Sampson but the keeper as his shot tamed quickly. Boro come again and Dawson with a trademark header sees it go narrowly wide. A one bounce goal kick fro Priestley nearly embarrasses McMahon who is happy to see it land just on top of the net. McConville is in the mix again and is subject to a fantastic tackle by Sampson just before he pulled the trigger. Griff Jones wins the ball well with his back to goal turns and fires in a rising shot that as the keeper watching it very closely. Aaron Turner sets off on a superb run as he faces more defenders he plays a pinpoint pass to Georgie Donnelly who beats his man to send the ball safely into the bottom left corner of the net for the equalizer with 32 gone. A good open half is being watched by a lively crowd of just under 300, they witness a fantastic block by Foster after good Radcliffe football Jones and Sampson work the ball out wide and as the cross skims the head of Roscoe, Oates shoots. Crowder is the next to line up and send a shot just wide of the Boro goal. To the other end, Roscoe with a hopeful ball across the 18 yard line, the keeper slips in the sand and with Jones bearing down he some how recovers to smother. Donnelly and Crowder combine with the latter firing too high. After a good push forward the home side win a corner and when Steven Akrigg powers his header goal bound Priestley pulls off a wonder save to ensure the game is level at the break. Roscoe goes into the book for a trailing foot that caught the defender, a bit harsh as the tackle was not with any malice.Tom Brookes replaces Mark Drew at the interval. Skem make the first move with Turner on another run as he runs out of space he is beat in the challenge by Unsworth who can only guide it into the path of Adam Birchall who thumps a placed shot cleanly into the net for 2-1, a little relief ripples the crowd. Boro continue to play good approach football but united are getting stronger. Both sides are now competing for every ball with the ref slightly over zealous in giving free kicks. Boro are defending well and need to as Skelmersdale up the standard of play. Morrison replaces Turner on 67 minutes. With 15 minutes to go Boro find their feet again and create some chances through Roscoe and Jones. Owen Roberts sends in a good cross that Roscoe holds after controlling on his chest he is clearly pushed but the ref decides no penalty. Boro try again. The visitors have to be careful as United break quickly and can be in a scoring position within a few passes. Oates is replaced by Howson with ten to go and within seconds is on the end of a fantastic chipped pass by Brooks he sets to shoot but fires over while offside. Towey replaces Hoghton on 83 as the home side remain a danger even with Boro trying their best to snatch an equaliser. They have two gilt edge chances within 3 minutes , the first a free kick by Roberts on the left flys passed everyone and the post by inches. The second after a good move as Howson clear but he cant convert. Boro deserved a point in what would have been a fair result . Skelmersdale had been taken by surprise by a team that are far better than the league slot suggests. Skelmersdale will be one of the favourites for promotion and they deserve to be they are a tidy side. A lot of hard work by all the boro players will pay off, they look sharper and more determined, the results will come. The next trip is to the seaside to the home of Fleetwood, Wednesday night , yes it will be cold, but it is character building!

see you there , if not see you at the supporters club meet on Thursday, Boro club.

Paul.

Bridge Crossing Victory

Finishing work is always a relief , get home have some tea, go to the match , what could be better. A nice way to finish the day. For the players of Radcliffe Borough it is often the start of another work period, most will have been up early for day jobs, travel to and from, think about the game , get to the ground and perform, a tall order that is often overlooked by supporters. Afternoon naps and massages are not the pre match normal in the Unibond world. Bamber Bridge will be the visitors who had been easy winners at the last meeting. Boro at home need to get on track. Changes to saturdays line up with Martyn Forrest replacing the now departed Lee Connell. Mark Drew returns from his knock to go in midfield with Sampson back at full back duties. Tom Brookes was back on the bench with Lee Unsworth missing through injury. A decent following of Brig fans helped boost a disappointing home crowd. The tempo was up from the start with Roscoe & Griff Jones looking lively from the off. brig get the first corner of the game and with few games of late look sharp enough. Early warning from the visitors as Neil Zarac is given offside from the second ball in from the corner , his header goes narrowly wide. Mark Drew serves up the first telling pass of the night releasing Griff Jones he puts in a cross that Owen Roberts can only just get something on it to send it skyward.
No shape to the game in the first fifteen with both sides closing down quickly. Priestley is called into action from a fierce shot by Tom Ince that takes a deflection and sees the keeper alive to push past the post. Bridge force another corner on 16 minutes, Boro don't learn from the earlier warning and from a standing header at the near post Colin McAllister scores with a simple header. An early blow to a bright start. Mark Drew again plays a positive forward ball that is intended for the run of Roscoe, McCann defends very coolly to see it safe. Griff Jones uses his strength to wrestle possession on the edge of the Brig box and gets his shot away, the block sends the ball for the corner. Roberts delivers a testing one that leaves Zarac the only option of heading over his own bar with some confusion from the defending side. Mark Drew delivers the corner that is put on a plate for the prolific centre half Dawson to add to his impressive tally with a net breaking header for 1-1! A period of Boro pressure follows lead by a great battling challenge by Sampson ,Griff Jones takes up and switches out to Roberts his cross his sliced uncomfortably out by the defender. Bamber relieve the pressure and win a corner and remain dangerous. After Brockley is booked unnecessarily for back chat, Brig show how dangerous they can be as they break after a poor clearance for Priestley a testing cross is sent in as the ball falls a shot flys in toward goal that is miraculously headed out by Dawson as it was goal bound with the keeper beaten. Boro keep going and Forrest supplies a chance for Griff Jones who sets himself well to lob over the keeper and bar. Owen Roberts his in a good slot to fire in a shot from a loose ball but sees it wide. With the whistle about to be blown for the half Boro push into the last third as the way is blocked the ball is kind to Roberts who fires in a great shot that the keeper can only parry into the path of the waiting Roscoe who takes his chance and whips the ball past the grounded keeper to give Boro the lead 2-1. Half time , good times.
No changes to the second half except that Brig come out of the traps quicker and with Roberts waiting and calling for offside Alex Porter gets behind the defence he is allowed two attempts to cross and finds Zico-Black who is left waiting to nod home at the far post 2-2 Boro caught napping. Griff Jones finds himself in the box working hard to win advantage, his work rate continues to be impressive throughout the game and his intelligent play can be seen in most attacks. His strike partner Roscoe is making the ball stick and shows the skill best when he feeds the ball out to Roberts who wastes the chance to cross. Bamber Bridge start to enjoy a period of pressure going into the hour mark and have boro digging deep to clear their lines. Forrest continues to pick decent passes and the combination of himself and Drew may be the answer to unlock defences and feed our forwards runs. Boro look long to free pressure from Brig knocking on the door, they are finding good positions and look the most likely to score first. Ince gets a shot in after a half clearance by Mark Jones, the play moves to the other end and sees mark Jones in action again as he wins the ball and takes it to the Bridge box he elects to set up Griff Jones who is smothered out. The visitors change Edmeads off & Brown on and continue to press, the next 10 minutes belong to Bamber Bridge as they create very good chances , the pick is Mason as he finds himself in the 6 yard box but shoots well wide when he should have scored. Steel is in the mix and sends a great ball into Porter he as a double attempt before the cross is cleared by Kelly the ball runs into the path of Zico-Black who as been the pick of the visitors team his shot flys close to the bar but over. Boro catch Brig narrowly offside as they press hard, Boro relieve the flow by clearing long at times ok but the clearances need to find a blue shirt and are at times only adding to the pressure. Priestley pulls off a fine save to deny Porter as boro look for the flag. The best relief is a goal and Roberts produces a clearance finds him out wide on the flank and he moves into the left end edge of the box with a man in front to beat, his confidence is high and it showed as he got the ball on his trusty left peg to fire low across the keeper and into the net, the Boro faithful are in voice. 15 minutes to go and it is down to sheer effort. Hearts are in the mouth as Priestley elects to punch clear with attackers waiting on the edge. Boro dig deep and want the win. Howson and Oates replace Roscoe and Griff Jones who will welcome their beds after the long working day. The ref adds on 3 minutes whilst all wait the win , Forrest typifies the Boro display as his last ditch block on the edge of the box sees out the game. A great win and a great game of football , all have earned a crust today both on the pitch and off , next time you hear somebody moaning about a poor pass ask them if they made a mistake at work today!

see you in Skem
Paul.

Magpie Show Stealers

Many non league clubs hope to find a diamond of a young player that help them move through the leagues or to one day improve the clubs bank balance. The 126 year old Victory Park football club have had one by the name of Paul Mariner, he played for the Magpies betwwen 1971 & 1973 before a move to Plymouth Argyle for a then whopping £22,000, he went on to play for Ipswich in the 81 Eufa cup final and represent England 33 times. He rightly as his shirts displayed in the social club a great bit of football history belonging to the club. Strikers have not fired this year for Boro, Ian Fitzpatrick as now left the club , changes then for Boro with Roscoe & Griff Jones starting up front. The team and management enter for some the familiar surroundings of Chorley FC .Roscoe shows his early indication of winning everything in the air from Roberts early free kick after Mark Jones is fouled. The first 20 minutes belong to Boro and they should have been in the lead on 7 minutes when after a quality move starting at the rear with Dawson through midfield to Sampson , his measured pass finds Connell out wide and a great delivery into the near post, Griff Jones attempts to side foot it in and is unlucky not to find the net. The resulting corner evades all except Griff Jones now on the back stick he curls a shot cleverly over the defence that beats the keeper but not the post, the ball is cleared to safety. Its all Boro and when Griff Jones turns brilliantly on the edge of the box but a perfect tackle by Mulineux saves Chorley. Chorley are struggling to match the start Boro have produced and are guilty of some fiery tackles so far unpunished. Chorley do settle after 20 minutes but largely depend on long lofted balls to progress. They do win a corner that demands a good clearance. Mark Jones is beaten to the ball in midfield by Walsh who races toward goal as he is closed down he feeds a good ball into the path of Shorrock who fires , the ball takes a kind deflection off Ekersley that Priestley can push round the post for a corner.The game is now levelling out with opportunities for both teams. Boro are looking the best bet to score first and continue to play football, passing well and finding the runs of Griff Jones and Roscoe.Roscoe and Mulineux trade insults in the box and both look to flair up, the ref calms it down but obvious niggle is creeping into the game. Radcliffe are guilty of resulting to the same tactics of air football used by Chorley as we have 5 to 10 minutes of head tennis and very high clearances . Most combination play starts at the feet of Connell who seems in his stride and when not with the ball shows some good chasing down of lost causes. Boro have forged some good positions but as of late can't get into a finishing position, Roberts as largely failed to beat the first man in his crosses and this leaves both Griff Jones and Roscoe wasting runs. The first half energy and good passing play by the visitors as been good to watch and hopefully will continue even in the league position we are in. Boro are out early and are left to wait a good few minutes before the hosts emerge. Boro have replaced Oates for Unsworth and sees Sampson revert to right back, Oates goes into midfield. Burke replaces Walsh for the magpies. Chorley try first with a shot from Sharrock that goes wide. Boro respond by Griff Jones keeping the ball well in the corner his cross is deflected for a corner. Samson uses the loose ball from the corner well to send a class pass to Roberts his cross his good but defended well. Quickly to the other end by the keeper as Sharrock running unchallenged he passes to the feet of Eckersley just as he is ready to pull the trigger 8 yards out Dawson supplies an impeccable challenge that saves a certain goal. Within seconds the ball as not been cleared and Dawson thwarts Eckersley again. Chorley are now the likeliest side and they win a corner but to no avail. End to end stuff at Victory Park as we approach the hour. A couple of bookings for both sides as each try to dominate the game. The game is now a more scrappy affair littered with petty fouls and rushed passing. Brockley leaves the field after earlier complaining about his sight, Martyn Forrest moves into the centre half slot. On 75 minutes Dawson up ends Burke in the box, Burke was bearing down on Priestley in the box. The ref decides a penalty is not punishment enough and sends Dawson off. Eckersley steps up and coolly places the spot kick past Priestley for 1-0. Boro are devastated as again the possession and better quality football as been theirs for the majority of the game. Frustration gets the better of him and he lunges with two feet up on the Chorley defender Finch. The ref gives Oates a straight red and Boro have only 9 men to get an equalizer with. Boro dont lie down and produce a couple of moves in the last fifteen that would have you believing they belong in the top three. Connells sees his strong drive leave his boot and rise just over the bar from 30 yards. Connell in the heart of a good move into the Chorley box sees him pushed to the ground just as he was about to shoot from 6 yards. The ref looks away. Connell is replaced after having his best game in a while by Howson, Connell looked very disappointed.Gaps are now appearing as Chorley take the two man advantage they have been given and break well , Priestley pulls off a fine save from Eckersley whos rasping shot from the edge of the box is pushed firmly over the bar high to Priestleys left.
As the 90 minutes are gone and two are added, Roscoe wins the free kick by Roberts from the keeper and the scrambled ball lands for Howson he shoots straight into the keepers chest. Chorley break and go two up as Nolan feeds Mcgann in acres , he as time to pick his spot to scoop the ball over the advancing keeper.The game ends with most Boro followers amazed we came away with nothing, a Chorley supporter on the way out summed it up for me when he said,'how did we get away with that?' The suspensions from this game will hurt us as will the result itself. I enjoyed the game and the football boro played, i believe results will come, the win at Chorley last season was the turning point for the club , lets hope this visits is.

I wonder if Paul Mariner is available for any goalscoring tips!

see you soon

A Poor View.

A short journey over to Shawe View home of Trafford by myself and the usual Boro faithful helped swell the crowd to 70 on a cold wet night, the big boys across at Old Trafford may have attracted a few away. The Boro support was good in number and deserved cheering up from Saturdays disappointment. An unchanged line up for the third game in a row would have to play in all yellow, the home sides second kit due to mix up in the Boro camp. The bench was the trio of Oates, Roscoe and Griff Jones.
Boro get into gear first with the usual standard of passing that is good to watch , Unsworth combines early with Connell and Howson for the first potential opening. The leagues top scorer , Barlow is first to show for Trafford but is crowded out on the edge of the box, when Sampson loses the ball in his own half Winter reacts first and feeds the run of Barlow who is quick into his step and can only fire over the Sid Firmedow Stand . Boro respond with a great pass by Connell behind the defence to Fitzpatrick his cross cum shot fires across the six yard box that Howson doesn't gamble on and the chance goes. The post denies Trafford an early lead when Lundy meets the corner of Mackay with a glancing header, Unsworth sees it safe. A neat flick by Fitzpatrick sets up a good passing move that forms the pattern of most of Radcliffes half. Plenty of possesion and players to find in central safe areas. Boro can switch the ball and play across midfield at distance from the danger area, there is a severe lack of punch or a killer pass into the heart of opponents. Mark Jones shot from distance is the nearest to troubling the keeper in the first half hour. Boro have the lions share with Trafford largely restricted to defensive work, Boro are being sent an invitation to score but chose not to take it seriously. Lundy looks strong and takes a difficult ball well and turns but is just short in setting Barlow free on goal. Si Kelly as his name taken for a late one on Coppin. Andy Ralph in the home goal keeps the score at nil -nil with a fine instinctive save when Connell is on the end of Unsworths swinging cross that beats everyone in the box, the shot into the ground rises enough for the keeper to punch the ball over the bar from the floor. The best chance yet for either side. Boro spurred on do some good closing down work on the back four , hard work from Howson and Fitzpatrick , the half runs out with plenty of passing from the visitors but no combination to open the defence, a spark in the last third is needed. The game as been poor with either side unable to carve any real gilt edge chances. It will be difficult as the temperature drops to endure 45 minutes of the same . The opening of the second half sees Lundy require treatment for a clash of heads once recovered Trafford are the first to take up the task of improving the game. They have a few minutes of football before Boro take up possession again, Sampson turns on the ball skilfully to set up Fitzpatrick who can't keep it in play when out wide. The ball is won from the throw and play is switched to the other flank for Unsworth who is delayed in the delivery , when it arrives via the midfield it has Fitzpatrick in space 10 yards out he steadies and aims but the target is safe as he clears the stand in front of him, it should have been 1-0 these misses as per Saturday will prove costly. Trafford swap Coppin for Thomas on the hour and he soon starts to influence. Trafford look more lively and see two chances in two minutes defended well by Dawson , the pressure builds into the 72nd minute and blows the defence apart with two good passes finding the feet of Barlow who shows his form and bangs a shot across Priestley and into the bottom left of the net for 1-0. Within a minute he asks the question again and a higher shot across Priestley has the keeper stretching to save high up to his left. Lundy joins in from the corner but can only hit the side netting. Boro respond by replacing the front two of Howson and Fitzpatrick for Roscoe and Griff Jones. Howsons last touch was a glancing header from a Roberts cross that was not threatening enough.
Boro go forward and push for the leveller , Roscoe can only knee a cross into safe hands after Dawson and Roberts supply. Oates for Sampson is the last throw of the dice in the last 10 or so minutes. Brockley is on the end of a good cross but can only get his eyebrows to it and it lands easy for the keeper. Trafford are restricted to being given offside as they look for the corners of the field and see the game out.Griff Jones is unlucky to only get a toe to the ball from Dawson and he can not fire at goal. Roscoe on the end of another quality cross by Roberts heads just wide. Into 90 plus minutes and Griff Jones forces the keeper into a good save under the angle of post and bar , the corner sees the last chance a shot that is blocked from Connell.The game ends in a 1-0 defeat and see Boro lying just above Salford, OK by twelve points but the table is fact and one simple fact is we cannot score goals . Do we over play the passing game? , do we revert to a long ball when we run out of patience, i don't have the answers , i do have optimism and i believe the current squad is good, but not good enough at finishing opponents when we start to get them on the ropes, we need somebody who can throw that killer punch , who can pick the right shot to take the wind out of the sails of the challengers. Tonight's game was as miserable as the weather, in the words of a great comic,

bring me sunshine!

see you at Chorley for an away victory!

Paul

Paying the Penalty

It was going to be a day of dissapointments, starting with the news of no pre- match pies! The freezing weather of late had left us for a while , the playing surface had been given a heavy natural watering overnight but the pitch looked in good health. The team sheet announced an unchanged line up from the excellent draw at Halifax the week before. Woodley named ex Manchester City , Sunderland and Northern Ireland international Jeff Whitley to play in midfield. With no Mark Drew available and Rutter, Manning & Brookes playing at Whalley Range , the bench had only the three of Roscoe, Oates & Griff Jones keeping warm.
The game starts and it is clear from the off Boro want a win , the game is pacy, frantic at times in the opening 15 minutes. Boro ask the early questions with some good controlled passing largely invoving Sampson, Mark Jones and Howson. The team both playing and managing seem more vocal today, players are closing down quickly and chasing. Mark Jones is fighting for everything . The frantic opening is looking for a more patient approach and Boro at times are rushing play. Chances are few with good moves breaking down at the vital time. Woodley have little to offer before Hogan sends a ball down the flank for Gavin Salmon to run on to , he is well placed to strike but hits the ball high and very wide. Owen Roberts is looking to deliver from his left foot as often as the Woodley defence let him. Brockley is over zealous in the tackle and brings Queeley down 25 yards from goal. Salmon takes the free kick , the ball deflects off the studs of the jumping Boro wall for the first corner of the game. The ball runs loose for Walker to strike wide. Ian Fitzpatrick is given a golden oppurtunityon 21 as Woodley fail to clear a long punt up field , the keeper fluffs the catch and when the ball spins for Fitzpatrick he does well to find space but elects to blast the ball rather than a placed strike , the ball nearly clears the stand. He as another chance two minutes later when Boro win a free kick at 22 yards. He curls the ball well over the wall but unluckily over the bar as well. The visitors are limited to long distance football and have little to go at. Radcliffe Borough throughout the half have demonstrated that they can pass the ball very well, the demonstration of finishing a move is to be worked at. Fitzpatrick unless fed on his left pauses play too often when the momentum is with Boro. Sampson as looked impressive higher up the field. Howson as worked hard again in the half but seems to be doing most of his work wide of the goals. Boro have not capatalised on the possession and are left reeling when on a rare break Danny Queely is challenged well in the box by Dawson, the tackle slightly from behind as the referee pointing to the spot in time added on to the 45. Salmon steps up and makes it 1-0 , a punishing body blow to the energised Boro side.
Hungry for pies and a home goal i settle for hot tea!
No changes for the second half , Woodley start the brighter and soon win a corner and free kick before Boro wake up. Howson working on the flank wins the ball and feeds Fitzpatrick who as his shot blocked, the corner is met by Dawson who can not direct on goal. Connell sends a ball up and under that Howson gets a toe to , Fitzpatrick shapes and shoots very high and wide. Substitutions by both sides break up the lacklustre game. Boro change the frontline with Howson and Fitzy off and Roscoe and Griff Jones on. Woodley replace the in effective Whitley. No saves of any note have been made in the game until Connett in the visitors goal saves well low to his left after Roscoe forces play leaving Roberts the strike. The corner lands for Griff jones and his shot is blocked weel, the break by Woodley is quick Salmon stays on his feet in the box and shoots narrowly wide. Boro are pushing for the equaliser , they replace Connell for Oates . Roscoe controls well on his chest and plays a good ball out to Unsworth his cross is defended only to Oates who fires in that the keeper as difficulty with but smothers in time. The referee spends the next 5 minutes making some very odd decisions, notably playing advantage when Mark Jones is fouled he rides the foul and plays in griff jones for the shot, the shot goes wide. The ref pulls play back for the free kick then realises he let play go and gives the goal kick. The last 10 is all Boro except for two break aways , the first sees Salmon muscle in between Dawson and Kelly to fire over, the second, again Salmon racing down the inside of the box tussling with Brockley , Brockley is judged to bring him down in what looked to be a fair dual. Penalty! The protest from Mark Jones sees him booked , the penalty is converted by Salmon on 90 minutes and Boro lose 2-0.
I like the shape of this Boro line up it promises a lot, i like the team playing football on the floor. I like the effort, but most of all i like goals especially Radcliffe Borough ones, they will come i am sure with quality of strikers we have, but they need to come quicker than the end of the season.

see you at Trafford

Howz That!

Jumping in the car once i knew the game was on brought a wry smile after just hearing that two premiership clubs couldn't beat the freeze, well done Halifax! Covers on the pitch saved the day and viewing the pitch on arrival it was sprayed with sand but looked in good nick considering Rugby league is played here. The tenner entrance was questioned by fellow Boro followers and rightly so. The fund raising by the club is evident and they appeared to look proactive all afternoon with sponsors being hosted throughout. The ground will be a fantastic venue once finished, good luck to em. Success as to be paid for these days and most are happy to pay, the programme was not a patch on the boro one and a quid dearer! A crowd of 1172 greeted the sides and loudly too. Boro kicked off in the change of maroon kits, Gary Sampson returned to play out on the high left. A strong back line and a strong bench filled me with optimism for the 90 minutes ahead. Michael Barnes was making his debut for the Shaymen. Halifax explain their current league position as early as the 3rd minute when Leitch- Smith skins Owen Roberts on the Boro left before sending in a hard cross for Damien Allen who should of scored , Phil Priestley gets enough on it to hold. Within a minute Leitch- Smith is free again to cross but Priestley collects well in the air. Dawson settles early nerves by sending a good long cross field ball intended for Howson who collects but is shadowed closely by centre half Sutton. Fitzpatrick and Sampson playing high on the left press well. The team have settled and the shape looks good. Sampson looking lively sends a shot high and wide. Early yet but Roberts looks to have his hands full with Leitch - Smith. Halifax force a corner and play short before Boro defend well to clear. Boro have the next corner after good approach play with Mark Jones playing in a good pass to Howson to get to the bye line before is cross is deflected. The corner is good but is cleared although not convincingly. Nigel Jemson playing up front as a half chance but his shot is easy for Priestley. Boro after the first quarter look settled and get a great chance after Sampson wins a free kick centrally. Connell takes up the play feeding Mark Jones his floated cross sees Dawson rising to meet the ball contact is good but direction poor and the chance is gone. Boro press and close well leading to Halifax just not finding the passes their movement deserves. Roberts as now got the measure of his attacker and does well in his own box to avert danger.A flutter in Boro hearts as ex Crewe player Junior Brown starts to liven up and ask numerous questions of the Radcliffe back line. His first shot is blocked and second goes wide. Boro are happy to keep Fizty and Howson up top and with help from Jones look threatening. Priestley slices a clearance that lands for Brockley who slices his clearance for a throw. The throw is cleared up by Jones and the ball sent to find the target of Howson . The Yorkshiremen come again through Cavell Coo and Brown down the left flank , Dawson moves across and clears into the stands. Boro recover the ball to set a good break through the middle leaving Connell to shoot on target. Just on the half hour Brown breaks free into the box and as Priestley setting himself, just before he pulls the trigger Unsworth slides in with a timed tackle that is perfect. The saving of a certain goal. The next action is a certain goal when Boro play statues as the ball drops in the box for Lincoln Adams to sweep the ball past Priestley for the opener to the home side, Boro are left claiming a push on Dawson. The goal as settled Halifax and they find passes easier. Boro are still in the game and Kelly sets off on a great run through the middle , he chooses to shoot from distance with no conviction. The surface is making a lot of players lose footing especially on the touch lines but despite the conditions both sides keep it on the ground and are both playing well. A minute is added to the half before the sides head for the tunnel and for some a change of footwear.
No changes greet us for the second half. Halifax set about increasing the lead with Coo and Brown still a threat as they bring a save from Priestley. He saves again shortly afterwards fro debutant Barnes. Early second half pressure from Halifax, Priestley completely miss- judges a soft cross that bounces behind him before Kelly hooks clear, it could have been embarrassing.
Damien Allen looks a great player for Halifax and largely sets up most things for the home side. Boro settle back into a steady stride and are unlucky when Howson is close to latching on to a weak back header from the Halifax captain Meadowcroft. Priestley adds grey hairs to his defence when he slices another clearance for a corner that could have been worse. Roberts starts to shine and he thinks quickly to send Sampson in space down the left flank , his whipped cross evades the keeper and Howson. Boro are getting on top by using the route of Roberts talented left peg. The hour passes and the home crowd are starting to turn with Boro gaining momentum Roberts again sends in a great teasing cross that as everybody beat including the descending Connell who is inches away from converting with the goal at his mercy. Minutes later Roberts as his reward and his cross is simply not held by Kennedy , Howson is waiting and reacts first by looping the ball wide of the keeper for a deserved equaliser. 1-1! Halifax respond with two subs , Jemson & Leitch -Smith are off after having little joy against Brockley & Dawson. Gedman & Stott enter the field. Brockley as looked strong all game and even more so as he sees the winger Barnes into touch over the bye line. The locals don't like it and the moaning starts largely pointed at the ref as they start to see Boro as a real threat. Damien Allen remains impressive with good skill to set play at the edge of the box, Kelly remains defiant and sends him packing. Gedman on 75 shows his strength and finds space to release a good shot across the goal. Barnes sets off on a cross field run that sees Kelly hack him down , the ref plays advantage , Boro defend well to clear, Kelly is called over and is lucky not to go in the book. I would like to think the ref as considered the conditions. 80 minutes have gone and Howson with little to go at out wide on the Halifax left looks up and sees the keeper off his line he hits the ball true to loft it above him and hit the post before bouncing across goal and away to safety, a moment of brilliance that would have been a very worthy winner. Roscoe replaces Fitzpatrick Brown is swapped for Neil Ross from the Halifax bench.
Phil Priestley is often associated with pies by the opponents fans, this time he as them eating Pies of the humble variety when he pulls off two fantastic saves , the first from a wicked header from sub Ross that he shows natural agility to reach , the second after recovering quickly from the floor blocks Gedmans shot brilliantly. Priestley as had me looking to the skies this season with some howlers, but fair play he is the best shot stopper in the league , FACT Mr Benitez!
Boro look to win the game and it was great to see strikers replacing strikers , Howson left to my standing ovation i think he had his best game this season. Oats took up the task and came close but was beaten by a great tackle in the box. The ref adds two minutes and when the whistle went it felt like a victory, we played well, very well. Players looked comfortable and for the first time in a while, together. Roberts running from the left flank to the far corner of the field to celebrate with Howson and the rest of the team sprinting to get there to pile on top showed real team spirit.
Kevin promised changes during the supporters club meeting and stated that we will see an improvement, we did , long may it continue,

see you
p.s
Dont forget the race night , Boro Club Saturday 17th 7.30!