RADCLIFFE are still searching for a first ever win in National League North after playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Hereford on Monday, writes Kieran Wilson.

Boro led 2-0 and 3-2 but the Bulls battled back on each occasion to earn a share of the spoils.

Radcliffe went in to the game on the back of a 1-1 draw against Needham Market at the Neuven Stadium on Saturday and were facing a Hereford side who had won two and drawn two of their opening four games.

But Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s side took a firm grip on the proceedings early on with a quickfire double.

After a positive opening eight minutes which included efforts from Hancock and Sargent in the early exchanges, the visitors gained a one-goal lead as Scott Duxbury’s low cross was met by Jamie Morgan, who’d managed to wriggle ahead of Yusifu Ceesay at the back post to tap into the back of the net.

Moments later, Brad Roscoe was on hand to nod home from close range, giving Radcliffe a two-goal cushion on the 15-minute mark. Josh Hancock’s floated corner was headed on by Rick Smith, falling into the feet of Jordan Hulme whose flick set up nicely for the defender to head into the net from inside the six-yard area.

The hosts immediately hit back to halve the deficit, giving themselves a lifeline on the stroke of 20 minutes. Aaron Skinner surged into the box with a late run to meet Ahkeem Rose’s low ball from the left wing, slamming into the back of the net with force.

With one minute left of the opening 45, the home side equalised to enter the break all square as Ahkeem Rose’s cross was deflected into his own net by Rick Smith, ending an action-packed opening half of play.

Immediately after the introduction of Jude Oyibo to the fray, he provided the delivery to put Radcliffe into the lead once again. The 26-year-old beat Skinner for pace before delivering low for Hancock to get across his man and slide past Aaron Chapman, converting his third of the season after 57 minutes.

Bernard and Jonno’s men weren’t satisfied with a one-goal advantage and set their sights for a fourth, whilst also being aware of the ever-present threat at the other end.

Hulme went close with a powerful effort from 20 yards before sub Brad Jackson rattled the woodwork with a near-post attempt before bouncing out for a goal kick.

Hereford contiued to build the pressure and with five minutes of the 90 to play, they levelled the scoreline from a set piece. Babos’ corner was curled into the six-yard area inviting white shirts to attack the ball, and Tate Campbell did just that by rising highest in a crowded box to flick beyond Hewelt.

Radcliffe will continue to look for that elusive first win when they host King’s Lynn Town to at the Neuven Stadium on Saturday.