Double Delight!

Heavy rain throughout the day did not dampen the enthusiasm that shone through the Radcliffe Borough side as they romped to a 2-0 win over a very good Lancaster side in good form. Heavy hearts were lifted from the weekend on a very heavy pitch that played well after good work by the groundsmen. The acquisition of Battersby albeit short announced intent to get things right after recent setbacks,Howson returns and Hall is preferred. Gerry and Kevin have been busy.

This first round affair of the League Challenge cup opened with first blood to the Boro within 2 minutes. Oates in his changed role of right back found the run of Howson who easily made ground to supply a pinpoint pass to the waiting Chappell to send the ball safely into the visitors net. 1-0 the Boro and Chappell is delighted. Within minutes of the restart the obvious ability of Battersby was seen as he sprays a couple of passes around the midfield that are positive and true. Lancaster look nervous after being rocked by the early goal. Boro win the first corner to no advantage. Lancaster show they can pass and move up the field well. They are made to rethink on 7 minutes when Sampson cuts inside from the left to sting the hands of Mark Thornley as he uses both to parry over the bar. A lively start .

The corner sees the keeper punch clear to find Mark Jones with time to manoeuvre and send in a shot that is painfully curling away from goal. City captain Stringfellow as a lunge at Kelly as his defence feel the pressure. Unswoth sends the kick to Howson whos trademark flick on forces action from the defence, Battersby finds Chappell well who is clearly enthused by his goal and feeds Jones whos shot deflects and makes the keeper save smartly above his head. Howson and Roscoe the chosen target for Hall are starting to combine and looks well for the future.

The Dolly Blues remind the home side that there is still a team to beat as they use some good approach play with the lively Lenny Reid always in the mix. Chappell concedes a free kick while doing good work and the result of the kick is a shot wide of Hall by Helliwell. Radcliffes attitude from the start is rewarded as Sampson sends a great ball for Howson to latch on to, he takes the ball in his stride and drives into the box, the defenders only choice is to stop the threat with a foul. Penalty! Howson steps up and strikes through the ball, 2-0.

Lancaster have not thrown in the towel and some composed defending is required by Kelly to clear his lines and set Boro going again.The ball is worked for a non productive corner but displays some good supporting work from defence through midfield as Battersby and Jones control the middle. Jones drives forward with purpose and sends a ball from the ouside of his right peg to the waiting Howson the keeper had to rush . Chappell is playing with a real injection of enthusiasm that I have not seen in him so far this season and is clearly enjoying the game.Oates in the right back slot is lucky not to concede a free kick as he defends his goal but keeps the attack at bay and looks very comfortable in the role. Lancaster are keen to reply and keep the ball on the floor as they look for runs and opportunity, Reid fires in a good shot after breaching the box for Hall to hold well down on his left post. Roscoe who as played his part his tackled hard by Hefferman who forces the ref to use his pencil for a yellow. The tackle came in from behind but was not vicious but caused injury that Roscoe would have to leave the field with. City still have purpose and Reid feeds Jackson to shoot into the chest of Hall. Roscoe leaves the game and Rutter enters from the bench. The visitors are still looking and get a corner that Hall punches well under pressure from Reid , he holds the second corner well.

Rutter joins the action with some good exchanges with Battersby , Oates and Chappell although no end product the football was controlled and not rushed. Lancaster pick up the play and a smart save to the left of Hall is needed as Jackson picks his spot after finding room at the edge of the box. A great half ends with the team heading for the changing rooms with heads high and confidence back in the kit bag.

Lancaster start the second period with some intention and see likely goalscorers in Jackson and Helliwell. The game is not as quick as it was and the sodden pitch must be taking its toll. Rutter dispels this as his pace when chasing down is evident , he is quick. Chappell is crowded out as he looks for his second aided by Howson. Jones switches a great pass across the half way line to Sampson whos one-two with Battersby inside the full back sees Sampsons shot blocked and canons off the beaten defender for a corner. Lancaster still press and are caught offside a couple of times as they show they are keen to respond. The threat of Howson is always around and they are aware. The hour sees the tired Reid replaced by Foster for the visitors . Jones is breaking again with Sampson alongside who again uses the clever positioning of Battersby who as time to pick out Rutter whos shot is blocked. Howson is picking some good runs and more often than not gives the defence plenty to do. Lancaster are making some chances appear but Boro defend well with Dawsons tackle in his own box the pick of the night. Boro clear home lines and Rutter takes brilliantly on his chest to push the ball ahead of him and quickly find the corner of the City box. He waits for support as it is some way behind him, the ball is sent back to start again a better choice then the option of going forward into a packed defence. Chappell is finishing the game as he started and is involved in most things feeding off Howson and supplying. Lancaster are looking like they have conceded the game and start to lose patience. Boro play the patient game along with good short passes and intelligent running. Rutter is covering ground and holding when asked to bring others into the game. Concentration in the last quarter is needed to cap the performance. Entwistle is replaced by Woodward. Oates is written in the refs book for an over zealous tackle that was due to determination rather than malice. Hall blotted his tidy performance in difficult conditions as he gives the ball cheaply to an advancing forward luckily with no attempt on his goal.Luck is involved again when he slams a clearance against Helliwell only for it to hit the bar and land safely.Brookes replaces the rejuvenated Chappell in the dying minutes. Brookes contributes a great layoff to Howson on the edge of the box, but with heavy legs Howson doesnt finish. Lancaster play to the whistle and although beaten well in the first half will be difficult opponents for anyone. As the newly formed Boro band in front of the tannoy box sing 'its just like watching Brazil' i will reserve judgement on that however i will reserve a seat for the next game. An enjoyable first home win, a clean sheet, a league and cup double over Lancaster, a smile on the players faces , Fantastic!

see you Saturday

Paul