Radcliffe ended pre-season with a fine win over National League North Chorley and boss Lee Fowler is now ready for the “nine months of hell” that start this Saturday against Buxton.

Boro completed an encouraging pre-season with a 3-1 win at the Neuven Stadium and now turn their attentions to their Northern Premier League Premier Division opener in Derbyshire.

Fowler said: “It’s the start of nine months of hell, that is what I would say!

“There’s ups and downs but as we said in pre-season we will not get on that emotional rollercoaster.

“We are going to go straight through league, FA Cup, FA Trophy whatever it is win, lose, draw we just keep going consistently all the way through and at the end of the season you are where you are.”

Last Saturday’s final warm-up win against a Magpies side who were in the National League last season was an eye-catching one.

Fowler was pleased with his side’s performance in what turned out to be a real tonic for Boro as they completed their friendlies in perfect fashion, one issue aside.

He said: “It was a good day, apart from the injuries we picked up.

“I thought at one point we were going to have to call the game off.

“I spoke to their manager (Jamie Vermiglio) at half-time and I think they were in the same boat as well so that is the only downside.

“In terms of the football, there was some great goals, some great play and the lads bounced back fantastically well (from the defeat at Ossett United in their previous friendly) and they deserved the win.”

Fowler now has the same issue as every manager up and down the land, finalising that opening day starting XI.

He wants to see competition for places though to ensure those who do get the nod are on their toes at all times.

“They have all put a performance in now,” he said.

“Last Saturday (after the Ossett defeat) I could have named my starting 11 whereas now they have made it a bit of a headache.

“I know what I’ve got to do they just have to implement it and keep fit.

“We can’t be complacent, I don’t fear any manager, any team or any budget.

“All I fear is complacency from my team.”

Boro also found out this week they will host NPL North West Division side Workington in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Tuesday night, September 22.

The Cumbrians progressed to this stage with a 3-1 win at Knaresborough Town on Saturday.