The Boro entered Monday’s action on the back of a 1-1 draw against Needham Market, still looking for a first-ever National League North victory heading to a side who were undefeated going into the game, but it was Radcliffe who took a firm grip on the proceedings early on with a quickfire double.

After a positive opening eight minutes which included efforts from Hancock and Sargent in the early exchanges, the visitors gained a one-goal lead as Scott Duxbury’s low cross was met by Jamie Morgan, who’d managed to wriggle ahead of Yusifu Ceesay at the back post to tap into the back of the net.

Moments later, Brad Roscoe was on hand to nod home from close range, giving Radcliffe a two-goal cushion on the 15-minute mark. Josh Hancock’s floated corner was headed on by Rick Smith, falling into the feet of Jordan Hulme whose flick set up nicely for the defender to head into the net from inside the six-yard area.

The hosts immediately hit back to halve the deficit, giving themselves a lifeline on the stroke of 20 minutes. Aaron Skinner surged into the box with a late run to meet Ahkeem Rose’s low ball from the left wing, slamming into the back of the net with force.

Despite conceding at the other end of the field, Radcliffe continued their impressive start and could’ve netted a third after 36 minutes, but Anthony Dudley couldn’t curl on target after countering with pace and power from a Hereford attack.

With one minute left of the first 45, the home side equalised to enter the break all square as Ahkeem Rose’s cross was deflected into his own net by Rick Smith, ending an action-packed opening half of play.

Immediately after the introduction of Jude Oyibo to the fray, he provided the delivery to put Radcliffe into the lead once again. The 26-year-old beat Skinner for pace before delivering low for Hancock to get across his man and slide past Aaron Chapman, converting his third of the season after 57 minutes.

Bernard and Jonno’s men weren’t satisfied with a one-goal advantage and set their sights for a fourth, whilst also being aware of the ever-present threat at the other end. Hulme came close to scoring his first of the campaign with a powerful effort 20 yards out from goal after a swift forward move, forcing Chapman into a palmed save across to his left-hand side.

Tom Walker and Brad Jackson entered the action from the bench and the former was inches away from sealing a two-goal advantage once more following a two-on-one situation in the final third, rattling the woodwork with a near-post attempt before bouncing out for a goal kick.

After 77 minutes, Hereford should’ve equalised as Rose looked to have a clear opportunity to score following Alex Babos’ powerful attempt from range which was palmed into the danger area by Hewelt, only managing to poke wide of the target from inside the six-yard area.

Building pressure from the home side took its toll with five minutes of the 90 to play, as Hereford levelled the scoreline from a set piece. Babos’ corner was curled into the six-yard area inviting white shirts to attack the ball, and Tate Campbell did just that by rising highest in a crowded box to flick beyond Hewelt.

Nine minutes of additional time weren’t enough to see either team grab maximum points at the death, ending the contest as a draw following a thrilling afternoon of football at Edgar Street.

Radcliffe will continue to look for their first-ever National League North victory as we return home on Saturday afternoon, welcoming King’s Lynn Town to the Neuven Stadium.