Early first-half goals from the hosts were enough to grab victory at the Leasing.com Stadium, despite Tyler James’ late consolation against his former side, slumping the Boro to their first league defeat since the beginning of December.

Inside 20 minutes, the hosts achieved a two-goal advantage as Isaac Buckley-Ricketts dispatched into the near post before captain Paul Dawson converted via the underside of the crossbar from distance, putting Radcliffe on the back foot early on after a disastrous start to proceedings.

There was hope as the half went on as David Ball raced in behind but his tame shot was easily held by Max Dearnley, and the striker then gained a penalty for Radcliffe when James Edmondson tripped the veteran just inside the box, Dan Gardner rested the responsibility on his shoulders from 12 yards, and couldn’t find the back of the net as Dearnley guessed correctly.

The Boro’s second half was far better than their first-half performance, however it wasn’t without further chances for Macclesfield and Luke Duffy had a couple of openings to apply more damage, but the luck wasn’t on his side as he hit the woodwork before rolling wide of the target.

Four Radcliffe changes were brought onto the field with two substitutions in separate spells to attempt to turn the fortunes around, inspired by their heroics against AFC Fylde a week earlier, and Mark Halstead made two impressive saves in quick succession shortly before the second pair were introduced, keeping efforts from Edmondson and Danny Whitehead at bay.

Deep into added time, Bernard and Jonno’s side did manage to find the back of the net through Tyler James who was quick to latch onto Dearnley’s fumbled catch to fire home, but it was too little too late as Macclesfield held firm in the remaining moments.

Radcliffe will look to return to winning ways on the road once again this Saturday as they travel to Darlington in a clash between two teams situated in the play-off places!