Radcliffe produced a stunning fightback to reach the third round of the FA Trophy - coming from 2-0 down to beat Worksop Town 3-2, writes Kieran Wilson.
Goals from Josh Hancock, new signing Danny Greenfield and Mo Doro sealed victory for Boro who will now travel to Solihull Moors in the next round.
Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson made six changes to the side that faced Stalybridge Celtic in midweek - Greenfield immediately slotted into the starting 11 after he signed on the dotted line 24 hours earlier from Farsley Celtic.
The visitors created the first chance at goal in the third minute, a clever one-two on the halfway line created space for Jacob Gratton in the right channel. After a good first touch, the midfielder fired the ball high over the crossbar, as he failed to test Mateusz Hewelt.
Nine minutes into the action, Radcliffe had the ball in the back of the Worksop net, however the offside flag was up against Josh Hancock to halt his celebrations. The attacking midfielder beat the opposition ‘keeper to Brad Jackson’s cross into the area with good movement, but mistimed his run and the goal was chalked off.
Worksop shot-stopper Tommy Taylor was called into action not long after the offside call, as two shots in quick succession forced the goalkeeper into a smart save with his right boot at his near post. The following corner kick was headed narrowly over the bar by Olly Thornley.
Radcliffe almost took the lead in the 27th minute of play, as Hancock yet again went close, only to be denied by the right boot of Taylor. Scott Duxbury’s clearance turned into a great ball when Tunde Owolabi outmuscled Worksop captain Hamza Bencherif, which left possession at Hancock’s feet with just the ‘keeper to beat but he couldn’t find the back of the net.
Worksop took the lead in the 37th minute, arguably against the run of play. Josh Wilde won the ball back for the visitors and played Jacob Gratton in on the left side of the box. His following shot trickled beyond Hewelt and into the net, as two Radcliffe bodies attempted to clear the ball on the line, having no success and trailing by a one-goal margin.
Moments after tensions boiled over which led to the referee brandishing his yellow card to three players, the man in the middle blew for half-time with Worksop Town leading 1-0 at the break, Gratton’s goal being the only difference between the sides.
Within one minute of the restart, the Tigers doubled their advantage. Bramall’s cross into the area was headed back across goal by Liam Hughes for Aaron Martin, his first effort was well saved by Hewelt but the rebound fell kindly for the number 17, who headed the ball into the net at the second time of asking.
Radcliffe went close in the 54th minute, as Tom Walker brought the ball down expertly and delivered a cross into the area of uncertainty, but there were no blue shirts able to capitalise on the opportunity.
Another chance to threaten the Tigers’ goal came ten minutes later, this time it was Jackson’s cross that created problems for Taylor. The goalkeeper spilled the pass but fortunately for the visitors, a defender was well placed to clear the ball away from danger.
After numerous chances and opportunities, Radcliffe got a goal back in the 68th minute. An exchange of passes between Tunde Owolabi and Hancock resulted in the latter cooly sliding the ball into the far corner before quickly heading back to the halfway line.
Worksop Town almost added a third with twenty minutes left to play. A swift throw in on the left side found Luke Hall, and his well-placed cross picked out Hughes but the striker’s volley hit the base of the post.
Greenfield equalised for Radcliffe in the 86th minute with a stunning finish to restore parity. The second ball from a corner kick fell kindly to the debutant, and his left-footed effort was placed into the top corner of the net from just inside the box.
With five minutes added at the end of the 90, both sides continued to push for a winner, and it was Radcliffe who were able to put themselves into the hat for the next round. Hancock intricately threaded it through for Hulme and despite being in a promising scoring position, the striker played the ball across the six-yard area for Mo Doro to smash home into an empty net at the back post.
Jubilation started around the Neuven Stadium, and the referee blew the full-whistle shortly afterwards to end a thrilling five-goal tie.
Radcliffe are back in league action on Saturday when they travel to Curzon Ashton.
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