In their second of back-to-back home fixtures, the Boro welcome Darlington to M26 in hope of continuing their unbeaten run on home soil, which was maintained on Saturday afternoon with a 0-0 draw against Bedford Town.

Radcliffe will also have revenge on their minds as the visitors did the double over Bernard and Jonno’s side last season, most notably netting four in Greater Manchester at the end of November.

The Opposition

Darlington finished 11th in the National League North come the end of April, eight points outside of the play-off places. Last season, the Quakers ended the campaign 13th in terms of away form, and this time round they already find themselves up to 4th in the table, only losing on two occasions.

Overall, Steve Watson’s men have had a tough start to the new season and currently sit in 16th place, only three points above drop zone. They’ve won three games so far, their last coming on Saturday in a fairly even matchup against Leamington which was decided by Jack Maskell’s late finish from close range in the 86th minute.

Ones To Watch

Forward Jack Maskell will be looking to haunt the Boro once again after scoring twice last time the two sides faced each other. The 21-year-old has already grabbed himself five goals so far this season, and will be hoping to add to his tally on Tuesday night.

Cedric Main picked up 16 goal contributions last term, including 11 goals. The forward has netted two and assisted two this campaign, and has been a stand out performer for Darlington in the opening 10 games of the 2025/26 season.

Stat Pack

5th – League Position – 16th
12 – Games Played – 11
22 – Points – 13
7 – Wins – 3
1 – Draws – 3
4 – Losses – 3
27 – Goals For – 17
14 – Goals Against – 15
Rio Clegg (9) – Top Goalscorer – Jack Maskell (5)

Last Time Out 

Tuesday 11th March 2025 – Darlington 2-1 Radcliffe

Radcliffe began the affairs with a spring in their step, controlling possession from the off and having a couple of chances to take the lead. Scott Duxbury couldn’t keep his volley down at the back post inside a minute, before multiple crosses from both flanks evaded the yellow shirts attempting to meet the ball.

Mateusz Hewelt was called into action after seven minutes as the goalkeeper managed to get a fingertip to Ben Hedley’s bending effort, and at the other end of the field moments later, the Boro failed to take advantage of a four-on-three counter attack. With the bodies bursting into the final third, Jordan Hulme ignored his options and opted to pull the trigger himself, seeing his shot blocked before more Darlington players got back to defend their lines.

With 24 minutes on the clock, Danny Greenfield had a huge opportunity to break the deadlock as Radcliffe worked the ball intricately down the right before playing inside to George Glendon, he then set up the midfielder in space 10 yards out from goal and his tame effort was matched by Pete Jameson who saw the shot the whole way.

The visitors continued to apply pressure, winning a number of corners in the process but Darlington remained stubborn at the back to deny Radcliffe any further openings for the time being. However, the home side opened the scoring after 42 minutes to head into half-time with the advantage as Jack Maskell sent a bending effort beyond Hewelt from distance, which nestled into the top right corner of the net.

An added five at the end of the initial 45 wasn’t enough for the Boro to level up prior to the interval, but it didn’t take long before Brad Jackson netted his third of the season to restore parity.

Tom Walker clipped into space from the right after meeting Matt Sargent’s lofted through ball, allowing the 28-year-old to arrive at the perfect time and fire past Jameson into the roof of the net on the volley.

Those two players linked up once again with 20 minutes remaining as Jackson stretched to meet Walker’s cross into the back post, but his attempt flew agonisingly off target by mere inches for a Darlington goal kick.

The hosts began to up the ante with Radcliffe pegged back inside their own half, however the clear-cut chances were limited and the scoreline remained level as three additional minutes were added on at the end of the 90, which Darlington took full advantage of.

After Dudley gave away a free kick in a crossing position 25 yards out from goal, Hatfield delivered over the wall and into a pocket of space where Maskell was on hand to flick into the back of the net in the last few seconds of the match, claiming victory against the odds at Blackwell Meadows.

Matchday Information

Date: 21/10/25
Time: 7:45pm kick-off
Location: Neuven Stadium

Adult: £15
Concession: £10
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.