Playing against a side who were on a ten-game unbeaten run coming into the fixture, Radcliffe were able to dispatch two second-half goals to comfortably sweep their opponents aside and gain a third win in as many games.

Bernard and Jonno named an unchanged side for the third match running, and those eleven players endured a first half that lacked any attacking prowess for either outfit.

A dangerous cross from Brad Jackson and Josh Hancock’s long-range effort being the only real chances of note in the opening 45 minutes for Radcliffe, whilst Harvey Smith, Warren Clarke and Tom Carr couldn’t convert their opportunities as Chorley attempted to find the back of the net.

However, five minutes after the interval birthday boy Rick Smith presented himself with the most perfect gift as he nodded Radcliffe in front. Via Tom Walker’s corner towards the back post, the defender rose highest to head into the far side of the net, evading Adam Blakeman who seeked a last ditch clearance on the goal line.

On the 59-minute mark, Jordan Hulme had a golden opportunity to double Radcliffe’s lead after taking Danny Greenfield’s pass in his stride for a one-on-one chance, but the Boro captain could only fire straight at the body of Matthew Urwin who made himself big enough to block the ball and spare his side’s blushes.

The hosts maintained the lion’s share of possession as the half continued, and the introductions of Luca Navarro, Anthony Dudley and Jude Oyibo helped to spark new life into the team.

With this energy, Radcliffe went on to seal all three points by gaining a two-goal cushion on the stroke of full-time. Dudley set Oyibo away in space down the left before the winger layed it on a plate for Hulme to tap home from close range, netting his seventh goal of the campaign.

That finish extended the Boro’s winning streak to three, keeping us in good form as we welcome Marine to M26 this Saturday, before Peterborough Sports visit the Neuven Stadium the following Tuesday for midweek action.

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