Radcliffe will look to continue their winning momentum as they prepare for the 2025/26 National League North campaign with the visit of Crewe Alexandra in midweek action.

After a stunning 6-0 triumph over Squires Gate on Saturday, including five goals in the first half alone, a highly-anticipated return to the Neuven Stadium gives the Boro faithful the opportunity to watch the squad in action for the first time on home soil.

The Opposition

Finishing in the very centre of the League Two table last season, Lee Bell’s side are one of the oldest clubs in english football with almost 150 years of history, and were originally named after former Queen consort Alexandra of Denmark.

The Alex were in the automatic promotion places until the end of January but failed to secure their spot come April after winning just three of their last 18 games to eventually finish 13th, a majorly-disappointing end following a visit to Wembley in the Play-Off Final a year prior.

Crewe have been a force to be reckoned with so far in their 2025 pre-season campaign having claimed three victories from three averaging six goals per game, creating an even bigger task for Radcliffe to overcome. 

Ones To Watch

Homegrown talent Matúš Holíček was awarded the Young Player of the Season accolade back in April, and is predicted to have an extremely bright future by many in the Crewe camp. Already with a goal to his name this pre-season, Holíček is definitely a player to keep an eye on at the Neuven Stadium, and in the upcoming years.

New signing Josh March has scored three goals so far in pre-season, after arriving at the Mornflake Stadium from Harrogate Town in May. A former League Two champion with Forest Green Rovers, March dispatched on nine occasions last season and will be wanting to add more to his current pre-season tally.

Last Time Out 

Tuesday 30th July 2002 – Radcliffe 1-3 Crewe Alexandra XI

David Bean’s testimonial match brought a celebratory crowd of 250 to the Neuven Stadium to honour the Boro youth team product, and the evening’s football didn’t disappoint. Against a youthful and skilful Crewe Alexandra XI, Radcliffe delivered an excellent first-half display before the visitors’ class told after the break.

Boro, lining up with their near full-strength side and welcoming guest striker and ex-teammate Russell Brierley, started brightly. Brierley, slotting seamlessly back into Boro colours, combined smartly with Jody Banim in attack and gave the home side a clear focal point.

It took just eight minutes for Radcliffe to break the deadlock, and it was no surprise to see Banim on the scoresheet — powering home a header from a rebound after Crewe failed to clear a free-kick properly. Boro controlled much of the half with some fine, measured football, while Crewe’s trademark open, attacking style flickered without yet finding its finish.

Half-time: Radcliffe Borough 1–0 Crewe Alexandra XI

The second half, however, belonged to the visitors. Lee Bell equalised in the 50th minute, calmly slotting past the keeper in a one-on-one. Just minutes later, Gareth Grant completed the turnaround, reacting quickest after his first effort was saved to steer in the rebound. Crewe’s momentum continued, and Ben Rix put the result beyond doubt with a sweetly-struck volley only a few minutes later.

While Boro’s shape faltered after the interval as substitutions took effect, there was no shame in the result. Bean’s testimonial showcased not only Radcliffe’s qualities in the first half, but also underlined the exciting potential of Crewe’s next generation.

The likes of Bell, Alex Morris, Paul Edwards, and Ian Jeffs — all impressive on the night — looked destined for bigger things in the first team at Gresty Road.

For Radcliffe, the night was a fitting tribute to one of their own, and the warm ovation for Bean at full-time reflected the club’s appreciation of his dedication and development through the ranks, the only shame being more weren’t there for him.

Radcliffe Borough: Hurst, Battersby, Whealing, Simon Kelly, Bean (C), Elliott, Eamonn Kelly, Wilson, Brierley, Banim, Price. 

Subs: Lunt, Landon, Keeling, Felgate.

Matchday Information

Date: 15/07/25
Time: 7:45pm kick-off
Location: Neuven Stadium

Adult: £10
Concession: £7
U16: Free

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Can’t Attend The Game?

Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 7:30pm.