A trip to the east coast is up next for Radcliffe, giving us our first opportunity to secure the NPL Premier Division title and automatic promotion to the National League North.
After a 4-0 victory over Matlock Town at the Neuven Stadium last Saturday, only a point is required to claim top spot, or alternatively, if Macclesfield don’t beat Basford on the road.
The Opposition
Whitby Town have had a more stable season compared to their last campaign, but will be disappointed to have not pushed closer to the play-offs considering that they were only four points off the top five at the end of February.
The Seasiders slipped away from the top five after a poor run of results throughout March that saw Nathan Haslam’s side pick up seven points from seven games, a run not helped by a defence that has kept just three clean sheets since the turn of the year, despite being one of the more successful units in the NPL.
Perhaps with a few more goals finding the back of the net the season could have been more successful, currently sitting in 12th on 52 goals scored.
Stat Pack
1st – League Position – 12th
37 – Played – 36
83 – Points – 50
27 – Wins – 15
2 – Draws – 8
8 – Losses – 13
98 – Goals For – 52
53 – Goals Against – 44
Jordan Hulme (22) – Top Scorer – Junior Mondal (14)
Ones To Watch
Shane Bland was the Seasiders’ best player at the Neuven Stadium as the shot stopper made several saves when the scores were level to give his side the chance to take all three points later in the game. The ‘keepers’ importance to the side’s defence was recently rewarded with a new deal that runs until the end the 25/26 season.
After signing a new deal at the start of the week, look out for Jake Thompson to make a difference in this one. Since he returned to the side, the attacker has looked in fine form and has led the line well against Bradford Park Avenue, whilst also showing his skill from wide areas against Matlock Town.
Last Time Out
When the two sides met in November, Whitby Town won by a goal to nil at the Neuven Stadium as they took some revenge after being knocked out of the FA Trophy on the road just a month earlier.
On the whole, it was an entertaining game that really kicked into life in the 81st minute when Aaron Haswell was shown a straight red card after he brought down Jude Oyibo on the edge of the area to prevent a one-on-one opportunity.
From Radcliffe’s set piece, Whitby were able to hit the Boro on the break and Connor Simpson found himself pulled to the ground, earning a penalty in the process. Jacob Gratton made no mistake from the spot as he sent Mateusz Hewelt the wrong way to score the only goal of the match.
With five minutes added on, the white shirts repelled several chances that included two corners and a late free kick but it was not enough to find a late equaliser.
Matchday Information
Adults – £12
Concessions – £8
Under 18s – £4
Under 16s – Free with accompanied by paying adult
The Towbar Express Stadium at the Turnbull Ground
Upgang Lane
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 3HZ
Date: 13/04/24
Time: 3pm kick-off
Buy your tickets online here.
Read our away information article here.
While we understand that there are big circumstances behind this fixture, it’s vital that our travelling fans behave adequately and accordingly, please do not enter the field of play before, during, or after the game.
Can’t Attend The Game?
Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:55pm.
Around The Grounds
Ashton United v Ilkeston Town
Atherton Collieries v Stafford Rangers
Basford United v Macclesfield FC
FC United of Manchester v Bamber Bridge
Gainsborough Trinity v Hyde United
Matlock Town v Guiseley AFC
Morpeth Town v Worksop Town
Warrington Rylands v Lancaster City
Workington AFC v Marine AFC
