RADCLIFFE Borough claimed a first win in seven matches thanks to Tom Brooks’ 55th-minute strike.

In one of the few Evo-Stik Division One North games to go ahead, Boro ended their run of four straight defeats to leapfrog Prescot into 17th spot in the table.

In their last home outing, a League Cup tie against Clitheroe, Boro were on the wrong end of a nine-goal thriller, narrowly losing 5-4.

This time they needed just one goal to clinch a vital three points ahead of the festive programme.

Former Boro stopper Nick Culkin was denied the homecoming he had hoped for with injury ruling him out of an appearance for Prescot but his replacement Gary Spotswood had a quiet opening as both sides struggled to create any clear-cut chances.

Prescot worked Boro stopper James Coates soon after when he used his legs to save from Anthony Shinks.

Matt Crooks replied for Boro, but he also saw his effort saved.

The game became a feisty affair as both sides battled for supremacy.

It remained goalless at the break, although Brooks had seen a shot beaten away just before half time.

Ten minutes after the restart, however, he was to break the deadlock for the hosts.

His inside run dragged the defence away to allow him a shot into the bottom left corner.

The game opened up after that and Danny Hudson saw an effort glance the wrong side of the upright seconds after his introduction to replace Jamie Baguley on 67 minutes.

Prescot became frustrated and Joe Evans received his marching orders after a bad challenge on Alex Mortimer.

The temperature continued to rise as the visitors pushed for a leveller.But Boro held on to end their six-game winless streak.Boro travel to Wakefield on Saturday (3pm) before hosting Salford City at Stainton Park on Boxing Day for a noon kick off.

Meanwhile, the club have announced four fixture changes in the new year.

The match at Cammell Laird will now be played on Tuesday, January 15, with a trip to Burscough four days later.

New Mills away will now be played on Monday, March 25, while the return fixture at Salford City is on Saturday, April 20.