Radcliffe take on the National League North’s table toppers on home soil this Saturday, with the chance to take a big step towards safety with Needham Market not in action until next weekend.

Three defeats in a row leaves the Boro in poor form heading into this one, but a return to M26 backed by the home faithful could reignite the flame required to claim victory for the first time since our visit to Warrington Town three weeks ago.

The Opposition

Scunthorpe United enter the weekend’s action leading the charge towards the title, just two points ahead of challengers Kidderminster Harriers who are in action against play-off chasers, Buxton.

While the Iron’s recent home form has been ironclad with five victories in their last five matches at the Attis Arena, including a triumph over Chester on Non-League Day, their away form hasn’t as perfect. A defeat against Kidderminster and draws with both Buxton and Oxford City have prevented Scunthorpe from extending their lead at the top of the table.

Andy Butler’s side navigated their way through early-season criticism to be at the top of the table when it matters with five games to go. Other than ourselves, Scunthorpe will travel to King’s Lynn and Hereford as well as Spennymoor Town and Peterborough Sports in their push towards what would be a first promotion since they were promoted to League One in 2013/14.

Ones To Watch

27-year-old right winger Callum Roberts has been credited with an impressive 29 goal contributions in 39 appearances across the campaign. Roberts, a product of the Newcastle United youth academy, has found the net once every 166 minutes including two goals in his last five matches, and will be aiming to continue his form at the Neuven Stadium.

Ross Fitzsimons has been an eye-catching player between the sticks this campaign. The 30-year-old shot stopper has kept 24 clean sheets in 41 league matches, whilst only conceding 28 goals. While unlikely, with five games to go it is still possible that Scunthorpe’s goalkeeper could finish with more clean sheets than goals conceded, adding one to his tally in our 0-0 draw earlier in the season.

Stat Pack

20th – League Position – 1st
41 – Games Played – 41
43 – Points – 81
11 – Wins – 23
10 – Draws – 12
20 – Losses – 6
52 – Goals For – 66
68 – Goals Against – 28
Jordan Hulme (12) – Top Goalscorer – Callum Roberts (19)

Last Time Out

Saturday 2nd November 2024: Scunthorpe United 0-0 Radcliffe

When the two sides met in November, a saved penalty in the second half of stoppage time ensured that the spoils were shared at the Attis Arena.

Radcliffe started the afternoon with a spring in their step, taking control of possession and creating numerous half chances to open the scoring. Nicky Adams’ delivery from a set piece inside four minutes, as well as Josh Hancock’s through ball into Tunde Owolabi moments later looked to create an early opportunity, but neither could be taken advantage of.

The hosts’ first notable chance of the game saw Callum Roberts cut onto his favoured foot in the 22nd minute, and looked to take aim from just inside the box. Radcliffe’s number four Rick Smith was quick to deny the oncoming player, ricocheting possession and winning his side a goal kick.

With Radcliffe’s best chance to get their noses in front inside the first 45 minutes, Owolabi missed a gilt-edged opportunity as Adams’ corner landed into a pocket of space for the striker, his glanced header bounced wide of the target from inside the six-yard area.

The game continued into the second half with little to trouble either goalkeeper for the majority, but in the final quarter, the action intensified with huge chances for both teams to open the scoring.

With 70 minutes on the clock, the hosts were on the charge and from a crazy goalmouth scramble, they couldn’t break the deadlock. Roberts’ set piece was delivered towards the back post and a number of claret and blue shirts attempted to turn home from close range, but the Radcliffe bodies defended resolutely before thumping clear with relief.

Moments into the additional time added on at the end of the 90, Mo Doro gained the Boro a golden opportunity to win maximum points at the Attis Arena, as the Oldham loanee was brought to ground inside the penalty area.

However, in the third minute of added time, substitute Anthony Dudley stepped up but saw his effort saved down to Fitzsimons’ right-hand side, palming the ball around the post and out for a corner, and after numerous set pieces came to nothing, the referee blew the full-time whistle with the scoreline all square.

Matchday Information

Date: 05/04/25
Time: 3pm kick-off
Location: Neuven Stadium

Adult: £15
Concession: £10
U16: Free

Following advice and collaboration with our security partners, and in the interests of simplifying the matchday operation, this game has been designated as a segregated fixture.

Radcliffe fans are to enter via turnstiles A and B only, Scunthorpe have been situated in the Fell End and surrounding areas, entering through turnstile C at the bottom end of the ground.

Online ticket sales are available exclusively for Radcliffe supporters, tickets will also be available on the gate at the Neuven Stadium via turnstiles A and B only. The away end of the ground will be all ticket, and must be bought online via Scunthorpe United’s website. No pay on the day option will be available for away supporters.

In agreement with our Security Team and the Greater Manchester Police, we will be operating a zero-tolerance policy to supporters entering an opposition area. Any person either proved or suspected of entering an opposition stand will be ejected immediately.

Access to the Neuven Stadium is upon acceptance of the Radcliffe FC Conditions of Entry at all times, and the Club reserves the right to refuse access or eject any person at its digression.

Contrary to previous rules, no dogs will be allowed in the ground this Saturday.

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 2:50pm.

Around The Grounds

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