After our first home victory of the season at the Neuven Stadium, Radcliffe will attempt use it as a platform to continue to bridge the gap with the sides just above the drop zone.

Over the last six matches, the Boro are eleventh in the form table, with three victories and three clean sheets. A big improvement on the early season performances that at one stage gave Radcliffe the unwanted title of most goals conceded.

A victory on Saturday could see Radcliffe draw level on points with Oxford City and Peterborough Sports, depending on results elsewhere. In Anthony Johnson’s post-match interview after Tuesday’s victory, he said that it was important for his side to try and back the good performance up with another positive display at the weekend.

The Opposition

Rushall achieved promotion into the National League North from the Southern League in the 2022/23 campaign. After they finished fifth in the table, Liam McDonald’s side successfully navigated their way through the play-offs, winning on penalties against both Coalville Town and Nuneaton Borough.

Last season, the ‘Pics finished just four points above the drop zone having managed to climb out of the bottom four with four matches to go, despite only securing one point in the two final matches of the campaign.

15 matches into their campaign, Saturday’s visitors currently find themselves sat rock bottom of the division. With just one victory in seven on their travels, Adam Steven’s side are certainly in need of three points on the road, gaining only two points of the last 15 available. In the last five, the West Midlands outfit have the joint worst goal scoring form and the third worst defence.

However, Rushall’s season has had a bright spot; a club record FA Cup run. An emphatic victory over Sheffield FC, a close encounter with Anstey Nomads and a penalty shootout win over Peterborough Sports earned the ‘Pics a first round draw against Accrington Stanley. Unfortunately, down to ten men early in the second half, the League Two side managed to overcome the potential upset.

Ones to Watch

Rushall recently acquired West Bromwich Albion midfielder Fenton Heard on a one-month loan. The attacking talent lead his side for goal contributions in the PL2 last season, but now the youngster is seemingly being given a chance to show his talents in men’s football. Whilst still an unknown entity, Heard could create problems for the Radcliffe defence with his eye for a killer ball and technical ability.

Nathon Cameron has a vast amount of experience in the EFL. The Rushall skipper has played in the Championship with Coventry as well as in League One and Two with Bury, Macclesfield and Wigan. His leadership skills and command of the defence saw him named as club captain within a month of joining and has since become a popular figure, both on and off the pitch. The former England youth international’s skillset will be important in preventing Radcliffe’s attacking intentions.

Stat Pack

21st – League Position – 24th
16 – Games Played – 15
14 – Points – 11
3 – Wins – 3
5 – Draws – 2
8 – Losses – 10
18 – Goals For – 15
29 – Goals Against – 27
Hancock (5) – Top Goalscorer – McAlinden, Charles, Benbow, Arlott-John (2)

Matchday Information

Date: 09/11/24
Time: 3pm 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 over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:45pm.

Around the Grounds

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