After previously going seven home league fixtures without a win, goals from Jordan Hulme, Lois Maynard and Brad Roscoe helped seal a 3-1 win against Rushall Oylmpic as Radcliffe made it back-to-back victories for the first time since March, writes Kieran Wilson.
Two changes were made to the team that claimed a 2-1 win against Leamington in midweek, as Mo Doro and Tunde Owolabi entered the starting line-up, whilst new signing Lucas Weaver was named amongst the bench, along with Olly Thornley who returned from injury.
The visitors started the afternoon with a spring in their step following a midweek draw against Needham Market, and looked to open the scoring through Milan Lalkovic and Liam McAlinden in the early stages, but both efforts were unable to trouble Mateusz Hewelt between the Radcliffe sticks.
After gaining a foothold in the game following sustained attacking pressure from Rushall in the early stages, Radcliffe netted an opener as Jordan Hulme bundled home from Mo Doro’s front-post pass, after brilliant work from Matt Sargent to set the Oldham loanee in a pocket of space down the left-hand side.
With a good chance a-piece for both teams before the break, either outfit could’ve scored the second goal of the game to set up an interesting 45 minutes after the restart.
Roddy McGlinchey dispossessed Brad Jackson before setting up to strike from 25 yards out, his effort cannoned off the top of the bar and bounced over, and Josh Hancock attempted to set Tunde Owolabi through one-on-one at the other end moments later, but solid defending from Laiith Fairnie denied Radcliffe the opportunity for a two-goal cushion.
The Pics restored parity nine minutes into the second half to level the terms, as Danny King fired into the net after Sam McLintock pulled the ball back for the forward who made sure he took his opportunity.
However, Radcliffe regained their lead only three minutes later. Nicky Adams’ corner curled perfectly for Lois Maynard to rise highest and head the ball into the back of the net with force from inside the six-yard area, for his first goal of the campaign.
Scott Duxbury, Anthony Dudley and Lucas Weaver were all introduced to the fray moments later, the latter making his debut for the club after signing on loan from Altrincham until January.
With nine minutes of the 90 to play, the Boro put the game to bed by gaining a comfortable two-goal advantage, putting the three points firmly in Radcliffe’s grasp.
Dudley’s set piece from the left channel was floated towards the front post and Brad Roscoe connected with a glancing header which couldn’t be kept out by Paul White, allowing Radcliffe to comfortably see the game out in the remaining moments and secure all three points at the Neuven Stadium.
The Boro now switch their attention to two cup competitions as they visit Stalybridge Celtic in the Manchester Premier Cup on Tuesday night, before returning to home soil next Saturday where we face Worksop Town in the FA Trophy.
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