Following last Saturday’s 1-0 win away at Brackley, a first-ever at the level for Radcliffe, the Boro defeated South Shields by the same scoreline under the floodlights at the 1st Cloud Arena, thanks to Josh Hancock’s second-half penalty.

An unchanged eleven started the first-half proceedings on the front foot with attacking intent in the opening 10 minutes. Brad Jackson’s weak-footed attempt was blocked on its travels and moments later, a driving effort from 30 yards out by Hancock was fired just over the bar.

Kyle Crossley’s low pass into the corridor of uncertainty sparked South Shields’ first chance of the night, but no claret shirt could connect and turn home after a good passage of play down the right channel.

Just before the half-hour mark, Brad Roscoe looked to feed Tunde Owolabi in behind for a trademark one-on-one opportunity beyond the home side’s back line, but the ball just evaded the forward as Myles Boney regained possession.

The ball switched between the feet of both teams for the remainder of the half with very little to answer for in terms of real chances to open the scoring before the break, and after two minutes of additional time at the end of the half, the referee ended play momentarily with the scoreline still level.

Hancock was called upon to do his defensive duties after the restart as Martin Smith’s quick free kick into substitute Paul Blackett set the attacker away in a promising area, but Radcliffe’s top goalscorer was across sharply to mark his man and win his side a goal kick in the aftermath of making a challenge.

Once again, possession shifted between the sides with the aim of breaking the deadlock midway into the second 45. Blackett’s effort was well defended for a corner to the hosts which Sargent was on hand to nod clear, and at the other end of the field, Hancock set the ball up nicely for Sargent to strike through the bodies and trouble the gloves of Boney, who passed the test by collecting with ease.

After 75 minutes, Radcliffe were given a golden opportunity to gain a foothold in the game, as the referee awarded a spot kick to the visitors.

From a corner, Rick Smith’s strike on the volley was deemed to have struck the hand of Mackenzie Heaney on the goal line, subsequently sending the South Shields man off with a straight red card, and handed Josh Hancock the chance to put Radcliffe ahead which he gratefully took, blasting the ball down the centre of the goal.

Similarly to the Brackley game three days earlier, substitutes were called upon to help maintain the lead after going in front. Jamie Morgan, Nicky Adams and Mo Doro were all introduced to the fray, but South Shields weren’t ready to give up the fight in the final few minutes of the 90.

Mateusz Hewelt had to be alert to tip Smith’s powerful effort over the bar in the 89th minute, after Briggs played it low on the edge of the box for the midfielder to strike with venom but he was denied by the Boro’s shot-stopper who was equal to the attempt. From Jenkins’ following corner, Rick Smith rose highest to head clear with a brilliant piece of defending, to relieve the away side of pressure momentarily.

Six minutes of additional time were added on at the end of the 90, and there was more action to be had. South Shields were reduced to nine men deep into the added minutes as Martin Smith’s trailing arm caught the face of substitute Callum Rowe, adding insult to injury.

Radcliffe held on to seal a vital victory at the 1st Cloud Arena, helping the side climb out of the relegation zone with back-to-back wins for the first time since the start of April.

The Boro will look to maintain their form as we return to home soil this weekend, with the visit of Oxford City to the Neuven Stadium. Buy your tickets online here!