Radcliffe moved one step closer to securing their place in the National League North next season after a resilient display was topped off when Matt Sargent headed home in the fourth minute of added time to spark bedlam amongst the Boro faithful.

The Iron started the action with a spring in their step as they dominated possession in the opening 20 minutes, but couldn’t break the Boro defence down who began to grow into the game beyond that point.

There weren’t too many chances of note for either team in the first half but it was top goalscorer Callum Roberts who had the lion’s share of the Scunthorpe openings, his best during that period being a sliced effort which sailed over the bar from 12 yards out, after being set up by Carlton Ubaezuonu inside the box.

After the break, Andy Butler’s side started the half in a similar fashion to the first with energy and pace in the final third, and intricacy when in possession. Radcliffe were stubborn in their approach however, comfortably dealing with every attempt to open the scoring despite an early scare when Ubaezuonu was played in behind, but Jackson was heroically across to make a perfect last-man tackle.

The introductions of Anthony Dudley and David Ball, the latter making his debut for the Boro, helped Radcliffe to find their feet in attacking areas once again as the clock ticked on, while Scunthorpe made substitutions of their own in similar attempts to shuffle the pack.

On the 79-minute mark, a big chance for the Iron was pushed to safety by Mateusz Hewelt as the goalkeeper was on hand to save Roberts’ dangerous attempt, after Mark Beck’s cushioned knock down set up the former Newcastle United man in space who took a touch before firing low.

The Boro were frustrating the visitors and smelt blood as the pressure mounted on Scunthorpe to find a winner, but it was Radcliffe who found the finishing touch deep into added time to spark bedlam amongst the home supporters.

With 94 minutes on the clock, Brad Jackson dinked a perfect ball into the six-yard area for Matt Sargent to nod home, before wheeling away in mass celebration. The full-time whistle blew with the scoreline at 1-0 moments later, putting Radcliffe back to winning ways and extending the gap between themselves and those situated in the relegation zone.

Bernard and Jonno’s side could secure safety this Saturday as we visit Leamington for the first of three away fixtures in a row, join us in Warwickshire and be loud and proud for the Boro!

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