Following a 5-1 defeat against Crewe Alexandra at the Neuven Stadium, with all six goals coming in the second 45 minutes, Radcliffe now travel to the Isle of Man for the Summer Festival of Football, kicking off the weekend against Altrincham at The Bowl.
The winner of today’s tie will face the winner of Fleetwood Town vs the hosts FC Isle of Man in the 7pm kick-off immediately after our tie, then playing at either 11am (losers) or 3pm (winners) on Sunday, read the full tournament information here.
The Opposition
The Robins have firmly cemented their place in the National League after gaining promotion via the 2019/20 play-off final, coming out victorious by one goal against Boston United under the management of Phil Parkinson, who’s been at the helm since 2017.
Last season, Altrincham finished just four points outside of the play-off places in ninth, ending the campaign with only one win in five. Top goalscorer Regan Linney played an integral part of their success over the previous few years, netting 44 goals in 93 total appearances, but has since joined Carlisle United, and those goals will be difficult to replace in a side which saw their second top goalscorer find the back of the net on only four occasions.
Ones To Watch
Former Boro loanee Lucas Weaver will be wanting to use his pace and power in the final third to punish Radcliffe in behind. Scoring two goals in his short spell at the Neuven Stadium, Weaver has also played for Bamber Bridge and Colne. With the latter, he created one of the best goalscoring stats in English football during his second season with the club, finding the back of the net 42 times in 43 appearances.
Another former Boro loanee, Luke Hutchinson recently joined the Robins on loan from Bolton Wanderers for the season, immediately after penning a new two-year deal with the League One outfit. Hutchinson made one appearance for Radcliffe following Jack McIntyre’s red card against Markse United the game prior, keeping a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw away at South Shields.
Last Time Out
Saturday 23rd July 2005 – Radcliffe 1-2 Altrincham
Radcliffe slipped to a narrow pre-season defeat at home to Altrincham, but their performance was full of neat passing, incisive movement, and hard work, leaving plenty of encouragement for the season ahead.
With several regulars watching from the stands, Altrincham fielded a side packed with trialists and fringe players after a gruelling schedule of five games in eight days, while Radcliffe largely stuck with their first-team squad. As such, the gulf in league status was barely evident and for much of the first half it was Radcliffe who dictated the tempo.
The Boro started brightly, winning a corner inside two minutes and keeping the visitors penned in, but against the run of play, Altrincham took the lead after 18 minutes when Wes Wilkinson’s low strike was parried by Danny Hurst, and Gavin Salmon reacted fastest to prod home the rebound.
Radcliffe hit back almost immediately. Just three minutes later, Ciaran Kilheeney whipped in a teasing cross from the left and current Manager Bernard Morley met it with a diving header to level the scores. Boro continued to threaten, with Steve Foster seeing a shot blocked and Kilheeney inches away from connecting with another dangerous cross, while Alty grew into the game sporadically through Rod Thornley and Colin Little.
Half-time: Radcliffe 1–1 Altrincham
The second half saw Altrincham find their rhythm. Hurst was called into action to deny Wilkinson and Little, while at the other end substitute Gary Sampson was a bright spark down the left and forced a superb save from Alty keeper Richard Acton. The game remained evenly poised as both sides made changes, but Altrincham struck the decisive blow eight minutes from time.
A deep Thornley free-kick found Gary Talbot unmarked in the box, and though his header lacked power, it was perfectly placed and nestled inside the far post to give Altrincham a 2–1 lead.
Radcliffe pressed hard in the closing stages, winning corners and testing the visitors’ defence, while tempers flared briefly after a late foul on Grandison but despite late chances, the equaliser never came.
Full-time: Radcliffe 1–2 Altrincham
For Boro boss Kevin Glendon, there was plenty to admire in the performance despite the result. “I don’t think we’ll struggle to score goals this season,” he said afterwards. “But I still want to add a new face to help Steve Foster, Ciaran Kilheeney, and Leon Grandison.”
Radcliffe (blue): Hurst, Duffy (McGuire 70), Heald (Sampson h/t), Simon Kelly (C), McGuire (Duffy 70), Royle, Wilson, Forrest, Kilheeney (Grandison 63), Foster (Edgington 63), Morley (Spencer 63).
Altrincham (yellow): Acton, Bell, Brownhill (Owens 87), Melling (Talbot 57), Band, McKenzie, Tilley, Little, Thornley (C), Salmon (Owens 38 [Brocklehurst 72]), Wilkinson (Lugsden 57).
Goals: 18′ Salmon (A), 21′ Morley (R), 82′ Talbot (A)
Attendance: 140 | Referee: Colin Harwood
Matchday Information
Date: 18/07/25
Time: 3pm kick-off
Location: The Bowl, Douglas
Tournament pass ticket prices –
Adult: £24
Concession: £12
Tickets can be purchased online here.
Radcliffe Radio will unfortunately be unavailable throughout the weekend. However, you can follow the action live via the club’s official X feed.