Tonight, Radcliffe travel to the North East attempting to right the wrongs of Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Curzon Ashton. Bernard and Jonno’s men have only lost one of their last five away fixtures, and will fancy their chances of picking something up on the road this evening.

The Boro face a side who are still hopeful of sneaking into the final play-off spots, and a victory will see Radcliffe defeat Darlington for the very first time having failed to record a victory in the six meetings between the two teams.

The Opposition

Darlington are currently enjoying a much more successful season than their last, situated in 10th place at this moment in time. Since Steve Watson and his assistant Terry Mitchell were appointed last season, they’ve steered the seemingly doomed former Football League side away from the drop zone and are still in with an outside shot of the play-offs in the current campaign.

Built off the back of a strong defence lead by Peter Jamerson and Scott Barrow, Darlington have kept 16 clean sheets this season which is already five more than they managed in any of their previous eight campaigns in the division.

However, the Quakers have lacked goals having only managed to hit the back of the net 42 times across the season, meaning just under 10% of Darlington’s goals came in one match at the Neuven Stadium earlier in the season. This bodes well for the Boro defence who have performed better since the last meeting between the two sides.

After three losses in a row, Darlington rebounded with a win on Saturday against fellow play-off hopefuls Hereford, who were previously on a six-game undefeated streak. Included in those three defeats was a half-time collapse against an inform Brackley side, as Darlington conceded three goals in 10 minutes before losing 4-2 after initially being two to the good.

Ones To Watch

Peter Jamerson has been key to Darlington’s defensive record this campaign. Despite the entire defence performing to a high level at times, the former Harrogate Town shot stopper has been the most important element. The 31-year-old has kept 16 clean sheets across the campaign and is currently in his second spell with the North East outfit.

Will Hatfield has been one of the most important members of the Quakers midfield this season, chipping in with seven goals and two assists in 33 appearances. The 33-year-old has been effective from dead ball situations as well this season, with multiple goals coming from free kicks which he’ll be looking to do once again this evening.

Stat Pack

10th – League Position – 19th
35 – Games Played – 35
53 – Points – 31
14 – Wins – 10
11 – Draws – 9
10 – Losses – 16
46 – Goals For – 46
35 – Goals Against – 59
Cedric Main (8) – Top Goalscorer – Jordan Hulme (12)

Last Time Out

30th November 2024 – Radcliffe 1-4 Darlington

When the two sides met at the Neuven Stadium, Radcliffe were defeated 4-1 with the Quakers producing three brilliant goals.

Jordan Hulme initially put Radcliffe in front just before the 20-minute mark. Brad Roscoe’s header hit the woodwork and Hulme was perfectly placed to tap into the back of the net from close range, netting his fifth of the season.

However, it would only take the away side seven minutes to flip the game on its head and take the lead. Danny Greenfield’s rash challenge on Will Hatfield awarded Darlington a free kick in a promising, central position and the midfielder rested the responsibility on his shoulders, converting in style by blasting into the top right corner of the net.

With a similar finish, this time from open play, Caden Kelly latched onto Cornish’s pass inside before arrowing a goal of the season contender beyond Mateusz Hewelt, straight into the top right stanchion.

As the game entered first-half added time, Darlington netted a third to take a comfortable two-goal lead into the break. Kallum Griffiths bypassed Matt Sargent in the centre of the park to open up a pocket of space to take aim from 30 yards, scoring yet another eye-catching goal which the Radcliffe goalkeeper couldn’t keep out, despite his best efforts.

In the second half, Jameson was called into action to keep out Maynard’s goal-bound header from Walker’s set piece as the fixture entered the final ten minutes, maintaining his team’s two-goal lead with a solid save across to his right-hand side.

The Boro proceeded in their attacking attempts leaving themselves exposed in the process. Darlington took full advantage of this and via Jack Lambert’s through ball, Cedric Main nonchalantly cut inside and slotted beyond Hewelt to wrap up all three points.

Matchday Information

Date: 11/03/25
Time: 7:45pm kick-off
Location: Blackwell Meadows

Standing

Adults: £16
Concessions*: £12
Junior (12-17): £6
Child – Free (must buy a ticket)

Seated

Adults: £18
Concessions*: £14
Junior (12-17): £8
Child – Free (must buy a ticket)

*Concessions are 65+, students, disabled and 18-24.

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 7:40pm.

Around The Grounds

Alfreton Town v Scunthorpe United 
Buxton v Spennymoor Town
Chester v Warrington Town
Curzon Ashton v Chorley
King’s Lynn Town v Brackley Town
Leamington v Kidderminster Harriers
Marine v Southport
Peterborough Sports v South Shields
Rushall Olympic v Hereford
Scarborough Athletic v Needham Market