The Lions will be looking to bounce back from a home defeat last time out. Things don’t get easier as they travel to Radcliffe, who are 11 points clear at the top of the table, writes Scott Kelly.

Previous Meetings

These sides still haven’t met this season, with the game at Nethermoor postponed in December and is due to be played next month. Radcliffe did the double over the Lions last season, winning 3-1 at Nethermoor and 4-2 at Stainton Park. Before last season, the teams only last met in 2007.

The Lions’ Form Book

It appears to be one step forward and two back for the Lions at the moment. A 2-1 defeat to Macclesfield last weekend followed a well-earned 2-0 victory over Bamber Bridge. They are a different prospect on the road though, winning the last three. The trip to Manchester is good respite for a side who have found results easier to come by away from home. It’s the home form the Lions need to do something about if they are to maintain a play-off push.

Last weekend’s defeat puts them 7th in the table. What does help is that they hold one or two games in hand on those above them, so the rearranged games at Whitby and Atherton Collieries could be crucial in the coming weeks.

A Look At Radcliffe

Founded: 1949
Managers: Bernard Morley/Anthony Johnson
Nickname: The Boro
Club captain: Nicky Adams
Stadium: Neuven Stadium
Address: Colshaw Close East, Manchester, M26 3PE
Capacity: 3,500 (350 seated)

A change in ownership resulted in a change of fortunes for the Manchester club, and they were promoted into the NPL via the play offs at the end of the 2017/18 season. They have remained there ever since but appear to have one foot in National League North, as a superb start to this season has seen Boro sit 11 points clear of closest challengers Marine. They even have a couple of games in hand on those around them.

The club have easily scored the most goals this season in the league, bagging 70 from their 25 league games, meaning they are averaging nearly three goals per game. Boro have also only lost two of 13 home league games but have however won all of the other 11. This also stands clear as the best home form in the league.

This will be Radcliffe’s first league home game since 6th January, they have won all their previous three since on the road, with wins at Basford, Macclesfield and an impressive 5-1 win at Bamber Bridge last time out.

Radcliffe have two top goalscorers, with Josh Hancock and Jordan Hulme both having 14 goals in the league this campaign. Both have had experience as high as National League in the past, with both playing for Altrincham with distinction.

Goalkeeper Matesus Hewelt plays for the club after most recently playing for Tranmere Rovers. Nicky Adams is club captain, after serving much of his career in the EFL, most recently at Northampton and Oldham Athletic. Midfielder Lois Maynard also represents the club after time at the likes of Salford City, FC Halifax Town and Stockport County.

A Look At The Lions

Gabriel Johnson missed Saturday’s clash with Macclesfield and could be a fitness doubt for this one after sustaining an injury in the win over Bamber Bridge three weeks ago.

Last weekend’s goalscorer Luke Mariette and Michael Afuye are in line to make their first away appearances for the club after starting against Macclesfield.

The Lions will be without Courtney Meppen-Walters who joined Nantwich Town last week and Lewis Whitham and Laurence Sorhaindo who both remain out through injury.

What Are They Saying?

“I cannot fault the performance. We have had two weeks off, but we played great stuff. First half we hit the crossbar; we should’ve had two penalties. If I am honest that was the story of the day. But we have to dust ourselves down”.

Boss Andy Welsh was pleased with the performance and thought the side were unlucky to go away with nothing. He also alluded to the fact that Macclesfield have a 4G pitch and that could have been the difference, with the Lions not being able to train a lot recently due to frozen pitches.

“Radcliffe have had that bounce all year. They have the street smarts about them. We have to be positive about the performance we put in (against Macclesfield).”

Welsh also thanked the fans for their fantastic support throughout the Macclesfield clash. He briefly previewed the Radcliffe game and mentioned to the effect of Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson on the side, and their experience managing at this level.

Tickets for Radcliffe

Tickets are available to purchase at the turnstiles on the day by cash and card payment or online in advance.

Tickets are priced at:

• £10 Adults
• £7 Concessions (65+)
• £3 U18s (valid ID required)
• FREE U16s

You can pick up a match programme priced at £2 each. The Lions will wear their white home shirt and black shorts and socks for the fixture.