Radcliffe welcome Scarborough Athletic to the Neuven Stadium, as both sides aim to kick off the season with a victory in our inaugural campaign in the National League North.

Coming off an undefeated pre-season, Bernard and Jonno’s side are full of confidence after being the better team in the final three games against National League opposition, despite a number of absent players from the matchday squad.

The Opposition

Just like Radcliffe, Scarborough went undefeated in pre-season, as Jonathan Greening’s squad won all nine of their games throughout the month of July. Their attack seems to be primed for the start of the season as they scored 35 times, which included a 4-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday and a 5-1 victory over Hull City.

Since achieving promotion from the NPL, the Seadogs have enjoyed two successful campaigns in the National League North as they finished 8th and 13th. In their first season at step two, the east coast outfit missed out on a play-off spot on goal difference. On the final day of the season, a late goal rescued a point against Banbury to place Scarborough in the play-offs, but a last second goal in the Gloucester vs Chorley match evicted them away from the top seven.

On Saturday, Scarborough faced a resilient Worksop side in their final pre-season test. A strong, physical game saw this weekend’s visitors come away with a 1-0 win, scoring in the 81st minute whilst also only having ten men on the pitch.

Last Time Out

The sides last met on the final day of the 2021/22 season, with Saturday’s visitors taking all three points in an emphatic 5-2 victory to secure third in the table. The result provided them with a boost, as Jonathan Greening’s side went on to achieve promotion to the National League North beating both Matlock Town and Warrington Town 2-1 in the play-offs.

Former fan favourite Matty Crothers opened the scoring at the Flamingo Land Stadium after just two minutes, but Bobby Grant’s squad soon found themselves 2-1 down before the half-hour mark as Michael Coulson netted on two occasions.

Radcliffe found themselves level after a positive start to the second half, as Olly Thornley beat his man at the near post to flick Ben Rydel’s cross past Ryan Whitley and into the back of the net.

However, after the equaliser the home side stepped it up a gear as they showcased why they were in play-off contention, being able to find the back of Jack McIntyre’s net three times in just ten minutes. Two goals from Hull City’s Will Jarvis and a spot kick converted by Luca Colville ensured that the all the points went the way of Scarborough.

Ones To Watch

Alex Purver signed for Scarborough ahead of the last campaign, before his time with the Seadogs, the midfielder enjoyed a successful two-year spell with Darlington where he won both Player’s Player and Supporter’s Player of the season. Whilst being able to pick out his teammates with great accuracy, he is also adept at breaking up the play as Purver was able win 106 defensive duels by November last season.

Will Thornton joined Scarborough from Guiseley back in 2020 and has since cemented himself at the heart of their defence, as he has racked up nearly 150 competitive starts whilst he’s also involving himself in 13 goals. The defender will be one to keep an eye on when venturing up for set pieces, and will also prove to be key for the visitors when attempting to stop the powerful Radcliffe attack.

Matchday Information

Date: 10/08/24
Time: 3pm
Location: Neuven Stadium

Adult: £15
Concession: £10
U16: Free

Tickets are available online here!

Season Tickets are still available to purchase ahead of our National League North campaign here!

Can’t Attend the Game?

Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:55pm.