Next up in our 2025 pre-season campaign, Radcliffe visit Squires Gate to extend our preparation following last Tuesday’s 2-1 triumph over Avro at the Vestacare Stadium.

Regan Riley and Rio Clegg were both on the scoresheet with two second-half finishes, and despite Avro halving the deficit late on, the Boro held firm in the final moments to secure victory going into tomorrow’s test on the west coast.

The Opposition

The hosts have already played four pre-season games having most recently beaten a Blackpool and Fleetwood Town XI in back-to-back 1-0 victories, but were on the blunt end of 1-0 and 4-1 defeats against Chorley and Pilkington respectively, prior to their recent upturn in form. 

Squires Gate finished at the foot of the North West Counties Premier Division table last season, and will be wanting a quick rebuild under Luke Evans as they prepare for life in the First Division North.

Ones To Watch

Scott Harries has been an ever-present member of the Blackpool-based outfit since his return to the club in June 2024, coming back to the Skiddle Community Stadium for his third stint. The attacking midfielder has a wealth of experience in and above the North West Counties, and counts Chorley, Stalybridge Celtic and Clitheroe amongst his former sides.

Defender Ben Thomas joined Squires Gate this week after nine seasons with Kendal Town, and made a 45-minute cameo in their recent victory over Fleetwood Town. At 28 years-old, Thomas offers experience and defensive solidity on the left-hand side, whilst also providing attacking traits with bursts of pace and crosses from deep.

Last Time Out

Saturday 16th July 2022: Squires Gate 2-4 Radcliffe

Under sunny skies, Radcliffe left the west coast with a thrilling win prior to our 2022/23 campaign, scoring four against the Blues on a day with scorching 30° weather in Blackpool.

Bobby Grant bundled the ball home after ten minutes for his first of the afternoon to open the scoring, and 17 minutes later, former Reading, Galatasaray and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Jem Karacan got in on the act by guiding a Nicky Adams corner into the back of the net with his head.

Just after the half-hour mark, it was three as Grant dispatched his second and Radcliffe’s third, poking beyond the goalkeeper via Jake Thompson’s pin-point cross, putting the Boro firmly ahead at the break. 

Within eight minutes of the restart, the deficit was chalked to only one by the hosts. A trialist scored an impressive volley from distance on the 47-minute mark, and another trialist converted from the spot moments later to give Radcliffe something to think about.

However with just over ten minutes of action remaining, business was resumed as Bobby Grant sealed his hat-trick with a calm finish after being played through one-on-one, putting the icing on the cake of a successful day in the Boro camp.

Matchday Information

Date: 12/07/25
Time: 1pm kick-off
Location: Skiddle Community Stadium

Adult: £8
Concession: £5
U16: £3
U5: 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 2:45pm.