Bernard and Jonno’s men aim to continue their form in midweek action after Saturday’s postponement against Oxford City, as Radcliffe lock horns with Macclesfield on the road.
The Boro will be full of confidence having gone four games unbeaten over recent weeks including three wins and a draw, the latter coming last time out against AFC Fylde, when Radcliffe came back from three goals down to snatch a point deep into added time.
The Opposition
The hosts currently find themselves sat 15th in the National League North table with as many as five games in hand over their counterparts, the story of their season being in cup competitions as they remain in both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy.
Over the next week, as rewards for their progressions Macclesfield will face Premier League high-flyers Crystal Palace at home this Saturday, before travelling south to battle with Woking for a place in the final eight a week after their league meeting against Radcliffe.
John Rooney’s side have recently been defeated in back-to-back games, but went five fixtures unbeaten prior to their recent dip in form, so they’ll have momentum on their mind as the Silkmen look to get back on track with an FA Cup tie against the current holders on the horizon.
Ones To Watch
Top goalscorer Danny Elliott has 11 goals to his name so far this term, adding to his 41 successful finishes in all competitions in his debut campaign last year, after signing on the dotted line from Scunthorpe United ahead of the Silkmen’s 2024/25 title-winning season.
Another player to look out for in a blue shirt is goalkeeper, Max Dearnley. The former Buxton and Chorley shot-stopper has eight clean sheets to his name between the sticks this campaign, and recently racked up 75 appearances for Macclesfield.
Stat Pack
15th – League Position – 5th
21 – Games Played – 23
30 – Points – 40
8 – Wins – 12
6 – Draws – 4
7 – Losses – 7
27 – Goals For – 49
30 – Goals Against – 32
Danny Elliott (11) – Top Goalscorer – Rio Clegg (15)
Last Time Out
Saturday 30th August – Oxford City 1-5 Radcliffe
A dominant second-half display following an early scare was more than enough for Radcliffe to add three more points to the board, giving them their third win of the season and the second of the week.
After a lacklustre start, the Hoops began to grow into the game and started attacking with intensity before winning a corner. Radcliffe were able to clear the first ball but the second could only be bundled away for another corner, leaving the visitors under pressure in the opening five minutes.
The second set piece was whipped in and headed away towards the edge of the box where George Burroughs was waiting to pounce, the defender struck past Mateusz Hewelt and into the roof of the net, putting Oxford 1-0 up.
A goal down and with the first half coming to a close, Radcliffe were the more dominant side and continued to play eye-catching football, looking to gain rewards before the break. Minutes into added time, the Boro finally found a goal to restore parity. Brad Jackson lined up a cross which deflected into space for Olly Thornley to fire a volley towards goal, finding the back of the net and leaving the Oxford goalkeeper stranded in the centre of his sticks.
With momentum on their side after the restart, Bernard and Jonno’s men were on the charge and managed to reap the rewards with another goal to edge ahead of their opponents, who were reduced to ten men on the 54-minute mark.
Afuye’s deflected cross hit the underside of the woodwork and Ball’s rebounded effort was kept out, but by the hand of Byron Wilson who was sent off for his illegal block on the line, as Radcliffe were awarded a penalty and the defender was shown a straight red card. Rio Clegg stepped up and confidently side-footed the ball into the bottom right corner for his first goal in blue and yellow.
A poor defensive error gifted Radcliffe a third goal ten minutes later as a loose pass allowed possession to roll kindly for Brad Jackson who converted at the back post, unlocking a two-goal cushion.
Playing with an abundance of confidence, another misplaced ball was latched upon by Clegg and began driving at the home side’s defence, beating his man before slotting into the back of the net to grab his brace.
Going into the final 10 minutes of the game, Radcliffe smelt blood and weren’t finished with the Hoops as they played with intensity in search of their fifth goal of the game, which they had to be patient for.
Going into added time, a pass was threaded through to substitute Hallam Hope who left possession for Clegg to collect and began darting forward with the ball once again, wriggling in and out to create space for a shot which he rifled into the roof of the net, wrapping up both his hat-trick, and three points for the Boro.
Watch the full highlights here!
Matchday Information
Date: 06/01/26
Time: 7:45pm kick-off
Location: Leasing.com Stadium
This fixture is segregated, therefore Radcliffe fans have been allocated two sections of the Leasing.com Stadium, the North Terrace for standing and a block of seats at the North end of the Moss Lane (West) Stand.
Entry will be via turnstiles 2 and 3 which are located at the back of the car park at the North side of the ground, the turnstiles will be open from 6:30pm and stewards will be on hand to assist supporters wherever necessary.
Macclesfield highly encourage Radcliffe fans to purchase their tickets online in advance via the link below, however tickets will be available via cash or card at the away turnstiles on arrival.
Ticket prices
Standing (North Terrace)
Adults – £18
Concessions (Over 65s) – £14
Students – £11
Under 18s – £8
Under 12s – £3.50
Seated (North end of the West Stand)
Adults – £19
Concessions (Over 65s) – £15
Students – £12
Under 18s – £9
Under 12s – £4
Tickets will be available on the away turnstile accepting cash or card payments, or online here.
Read the away information here.
Can’t Attend The Game?
Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 7:30pm.
