Zac McEachran was a thorn in Radcliffe’s side for the second time this season, adding to his goal and assist at M26 in October, his 52nd minute finish was the difference with the Boro efforts not being enough to take anything back to Greater Manchester.

A half of few chances saw a promising opportunity for Oxford kept out by Mateusz Hewelt in the ninth minute, as Aaron Drewe raced into a promising area after meeting an inviting ball across to his channel, the following shot was matched by the goalkeeper down to his right-hand side.

Radcliffe’s best opening ended the half’s most impressive spell of play, which would’ve been a goal of the season contender had the finishing touch been applied.

Possession was intricately moved across the pitch inside Radcliffe’s half before Tom Walker broke into space down the centre of the field, eventually passing to Danny Greenfield but his attempt to finish the move was easily thwarted by Laurie Walker.

McEachran’s driving shot from distance ended the notable first-half chances, and the referee ended the action momentarily with the game hanging in the balance after 45 minutes and one added on at the end.

Scott Duxbury came inches away from scoring when his header via Walker’s set piece bounced on the wrong side of the far post, and Radcliffe were left to rue their missed opportunity moments later, as the Hoops broke the deadlock with 52 minutes on the clock.

Drewe’s cross from the right deflected into the path of McEachran who took one touch before bundling into the bottom left corner of the net, with Hewelt coming close to making a good save but he couldn’t get enough on the ball to stop it from crossing the line.

A double switch saw Josh Hancock and Anthony Dudley enter the fray in like-for-like changes for Regan Riley and George Glendon, and the latter substitute almost got a toe onto the end of Jordan Hulme’s deflected shot, which just evaded the outstretched forward in space at the back post on 71 minutes.

Radcliffe began to pin the hosts back inside their own half in search of an equaliser, and were starting to create frequent openings which the away side struggled to take advantage of.

With 16 minutes of normal time remaining, Danny Greenfield forced the Oxford shot-stopper into a save after Hancock’s well-timed challenge allowed the midfielder to drive forward and rifle the ball with his laces, pushing possession away from danger.

Walker had more work to do not long after as a golden opportunity went begging when Hancock’s downwards header was once again beaten away, this time pulling off the best save of the match by adjusting his body to meet the low shot and keep the scoreline at 1-0.

Matt Sargent’s nodded attempt and Luca Navarro’s chip concluded the Boro chances at the MGroup Stadium, meaning it was defeat for Bernard and Jonno’s side who were beaten by one goal for the third successive game.

Radcliffe will look to relight the winning spark with a return to the Neuven Stadium next Saturday, as we welcome Scunthorpe United to Greater Manchester.