Canny Drew with two!

Durham City arrived in Radcliffe with only one defeat in the league, fielding Adam Johnston with 24 goals so far and the luxury of Gavin Cogdan on the bench with 21 goals to date, confidence would have been high. Radcliffe with less goals on the board than the two Durham players would be looking to build on a very solid set of performances and hoping for back to back wins. Lee Unsworth returns allowing Howson his more familiar striking role. Griff Jones is still recovering from hamstring trouble. Here goes seat belts fastened, what a fantastic football ride ahead. First on the grid are Boro who start bright and are unlucky not to forge a break in the first minute. The pace of the game is formula one speed and no pit stops will be used. Howson up front chasing down the leaders and panics the keeper who kicks against him on the seventh minute the ball hits Howsons foot and goes to safety. The game is quick to swap lanes and Durham counter with nice touches that see them challenging Priestley who puts the brakes on with two great blocks close in , he can do little with the rapier like shot from Tommy English that stays at the same height all the way to the back of the net for 1-0 with 8 minutes gone. Form books are being brought out but will soon be ripped in half. The gears are selected in the boro midfield freeing Roscoe to the bye line and he delivers leaving Dawson to cause trouble , the ball is now easy for Mark Jones to strike goal bound and with a deflection off English finds the back of the net to equal the scoring and send Boro into overdrive. 1-1! Circuit records are being broken as players move ball and body quickly to try to gain an advantage. Durham are in the Boro slipstream and are selecting reverse as Boro quality upsets thier game plan. With 30 gone Priestley is tested again , this time by John Toft with a powerful shot , Priestley grips in the wet like expensive Michelins and the threat is shown the red light. Drew & Mark Jones are quicker than a Williams pit stop team in closing the opponents , Drew releases a great pass into the path of Oates who is now in the box and is brought down , the linesman is quick to decide with the flag across his chest, the ref takes his advice and awards the penalty. Adam Roscoe steps up to convert with the keeper getting a hand to it but to no avail 2-1 Boro. The flag is waved and we have another 45 minute lap to enjoy.
Wipers are needed as the rain gets heavier . Roscoe sends a slick pass into the feet of howson who changes feet well to send out wide, the cross is whipped in and Drew firing on all four cylinders bullets a text book header crashing into the net for 3-1 , a brilliant move and goal on 48 minutes. Whats left in the tank now for Durham? They have football a plenty and continue to play it, Boro likewise. The two teams are a real positive advert for Unibond football. Durham break quickly with the ball on the floor and are great at getting the ball to the six yard box with lovely football. Unsworth , (full service history) is capable of ending the moves. Durham fire into the side netting and then win a corner before the ball is back in thier defence. They panic a little and send a shed of a pass across the back, Drew on the starting grid sees the green flag first and reacts quickest to collect and pass the ball into the net past Craig Turns for 4-1. Boro continue to chase and face up to Durham whenever they can. Durham dig deep and again continue to play some lovely football that is matched by Boro. Lewis Dodds is at the end of a great strong challenge by Jones after a poor ball to him. The player is stretchered off to hospital and is wished well. The game continues in the same vein with strong challenges, slick passes and clever movement by both sets of players. The chequered flag is due to be waved as Durham play again to the six yard box with neat interchanging of passes before Cogden adds to his tally on 91 minutes. The game was fast and furious with some of the best football i have seen at this level for many years, a tribute to the two teams. tribute must be played to the boro for the effervesant attitude to the game, the team look stronger and certainly more fitter. Endless chasing down and support for each other was a treat to watch as was the four goals. Durham will travel home shell shocked as going into the game they are the Ferrari of the league, boro are upgrading to a new model.
One dissapointment on the night was that only 83 people watched it, if more had been in they will have certainly been back. Next time your passing Stainton Park, indicate ,turn in and watch some high octane football.

Drive safely

Paul.

PS Congrats to Gary Miller ( Durham Physio) who was awarded by Durham County Council for in his efforts in the original game in going swiftly to Martyn Forrests aid.

In 2 the Valley

Dark Lane, Rossendale was the venue for Boro fans to gather and would hope to see an away victory in the league. It was to be a struggle to fill a team sheet for Boro management with the in form Griff Jones sidelined through injury and Lee Unsworth and Tom Brookes personal commitments keeping them away. Ben Wharton a new face at Boro starting on the bench. Tom Rutter would be Roscoes strike partner for the day. The games early pattern was to be a testing one for Rutter who was subjected to a series of poor challenges It was evident early on that the ref would need to have his cards handy. Boro looked comfortable from the start and looked confident in each forward move. Roscoe soon got into his rythmn of winning the air space. Rutter would soon catch on. Chances were starting to appear for Boro through early corners and free kicks. The goal soon came . Howson now looking very comfortable in defence floated a free kick that Roscoe glanced on towards Dawson, the keeper gets something on the first attempt but not the second as Dawson stays in the six yard box to finish easily for the opener to Boro. 1-0! Roscoe shows deep to pick up the ball and spray a fantastic ball across field to Drew, the move doesnt end in waht the pass deserved. Rutter takes another foul and this time Roscoe lines it up, Roscoe goes for the drive and it wizzes past the keeper from 22 yards to put Boro 2 up on 30 minutes. Priestley as yet to be threatened and the only danger is in the home half. Boro look for the third and are looking good. Rossendale receive thier third yellow in the half and show little to deny thier lowly league spot. The last chance of the half falls for Boro from a corner that is flicked by a defender into the keepers arms. The half ends with Boro looking by far the better side. They start the second in the same vein and flowing football is soon seen through Roscoe and Rutter. Drew is found in acres by Roscoe and he can only scoop the ball over rather than hit the target from a great position. Chances continue to appear for Boro . The midfield continue to hurry Rossendale play, Drew as a niggly tackle punished by the referee with a yellow. Great play by Boro to open the home defence and when in a great slot Drew chooses to shoot with other options on the menu. Rossendale start to make more of a fist for it but still no saves are needed by the visiting keeper. Subs are introduced to help but it may be too little too late. The move of the game sees Sampson start with good quick play by Roberts his cross is perfect for the arrival of Roscoe at the near post , he guides it narrowly wide. Rutter is at the end of his game after too many kicks see the better of him , his replacement is debutant Ben Wharton. The game is more even now butRossendale still have no potency up front. The referee is keen to act on a tackle by Drew but on reflection chooses no card. drew is not so lucky minutes later when is tackle is punished by his second yellow and an early shower beckons. A referees decision largely made by the opponents dug out. Boro never looked in danger in the game with individual efforts from the boro team impressive.Boro should have made it three but Wharton couldnt convert. There is two balls on the pitch , they think its all over, it is now! The result was well deserved with Michael Oates gutsy selfless running the pick for my man of the match. The squad is thin but are a group of players who are capable of addapting to varies roles, Howson a fine example, Rutter full back midfielder, forward. This was a good win. The boro faithful sang loud and applauded each man off and rightly so,

see you Monday

Paul.

A tale of two games

A week in football is said to be a long week, the one just gone for Radcliffe Borough was both long and demanding. A loss in the previous home game followed by a training game on Tuesday v FC, a days rest before a trip to the South Lakes town of Kendal another days rest, finish work for the week and get ready for the visit of Lancaster City to Stainton Park. This tale begins on Thursday night at Kendal , a damp misty night as well. Kendal having just lost at home to FC would be hoping to secure a spot in the Lancashire Co-operative Cup, Boro had other ideas.
With news that Craig Dawson had now signed for Rochdale FC his shirt would be handed to Steve Howson for the night. Michael Oates back from suspension would line up with Rutter & Brookes on the bench for the night. Boro got at Kendal quickly and within the first ten minutes demonstrated what would be a night of in your face football from the visitors. In these opening minutes Mark Drew and Mark Jones pounced on every loose ball. Kendal knew a game was on. Roscoe finds space on the right before he finds Griff Jones he creates space and brings a save from the keeper. Kendal are now finding thier feet and look to make a game of it. A couple of shots fromdistance that are wide inform Boro that some defending will be needed. Howson is caught on the wrong side of his man but is assisted by Kelly & Unsworth in mopping up. Howson as been warned and he goes from strength to strength in is new role. Mark Drew finds a great pass into open grass for Roberts he gains yards before the pass to Oates his shot is a tester for the keeper. The woodwork above Priestley helps Boro as a ball floats over his head , Roberts clears the rebound . The Kendal centre forward goes on a strong run into the box , Unsworth times his foot in well and the threat as gone. The game is now end to end with Boro sticking to playing on the grass that as quickened with the steady drizzle. Roscoe flicks on strongly for Griff jones with the keeper nearly handling outside the box to beat him. 28 minutes of a great cup game and Boro take the lead Si Kelly leading by example takes the ball by the sruff of its neck and pushes for the danger zone , the pass goes into the feet of Roscoe who cannot turn and chooses to send the ball out to Drew , head down he drives the shot that takes a slight deflection off the defender , the keeper starts to go the other way and its 1-0 to the visitors. The display so far as surprised Kendal and the visitors look more likely to increase the lead. The home crowd begin to groan as thier team struggle to find passes and create real chances. Boro through the head of Roscoe loops on to the bar after a good cross by Roberts. Mark Drew is showing the most and is binding some good midfield work with those around him. Kendal are restricted to half chances before Wordsworth after a short free kick shapes and shoots just over the bar. Roscoe at the other end is fouled ,the resulting kick hits the wall ad the half ends in Boros favour. The second half starts frantically and the pace is quicker. The pitch is getting heavier with Kendal in a more positive mood. Chances are frequent now at both ends and more goals must be on the cards. he game is developing in to one of the best i have seen this season with both sides looking to attack in a pulsating cup semi. Boro with one foot in the final use Roscoe to flick on in the box ,the ball rolls down the arm of the defender and the ref points directly to the spot on 61 minutes. Griff Jones steps up and confidently makes it 2-0. Kendal now react with purpose and within 5 minutes the ball floats over Priestley and sees him indecisive before Danny Wisdom is free at the far post to prod home a lifeline for Kendal , 2-1. The last quarter of the game is a defending challenge for Boro as Kendal push high up field . Kelly , Howson and Unsworth spend the rest of the game soaking up pressure and do so as a unit. Howson as played. Boro are looking to catch the home side on the break as they push. Priestley forms part of the solid defensive display and pulls off a magnificent save from Wordsworths strike , the ball heading for the top corner is reached and guided away from goal, worthy of the win alone. Boro could have made it three when they break in numbers 3 v 2 first Roscoe , then Oats and Jones all have the goal at thier mercy but cant convert. The whistle blows and a third final in two seasons is reached. A lengthy trip home is worth it . Every player worked tirelessly for the victory and deserve a cup final. Just over 40 hours to the next game!

Boro 1 Lancaster 1

40 hours have gone and the team line up again to take on Lancaster a team they have beat in league and cup so far this season. Lancaster have had improved results since christmas and look good sat at the top half of the table, They bring a lively following. Lancaster start well and it can be seen why they are at the other end of the table from the boro. Si Kelly is missing through injury but Craig Dawson returns now on loan from Rochdale, Howson will continue his role in defence. The game is to be a footballing one as both teams stroke passes around and develop moves patiently. Roscoe will have his work cut out in the air with the two centre halves from Lancaster, they are aware of his threat from the beginning and will use whatever it takes both legal and illegal to stop him. Both dawson and Howson are called early to see off threats , Howsons saving tackle in the box was perfect and his thirst for football after a long spell on the bench is evident. Boro have chances but cannot convert before Lancaster take thiers on 17 minutes. A shot from the edge of the box by the impressive squirms under the foot of Dawson and rests in the back of the net. 1-0 to the visitors. Boro now need to recover and continue to play football and are the team with the most possesion for the next 25 minutes. Lancaster always look dangerous and capable of converting chances . Boro are increasingly guilty of getting to the right place with the right style of football but simply fail in final quality or choose the wrong shooting option. Endeavour and graft cannot be questioned. The hard work pays off with Griff Jones on the end of a move that sees his shot travel agonisingly slow across the keeper and into the net to level the game. A few minutes later Unsworth sends long to Roscoe who glances on to Griff Jones , the ball runs loose to Drew who drives a great shot that is saved but pushed out to Griff Jones to reach and scoop the ball across the keeper that goes inches wide. Boro finish the half strongly. Lancaster are forced to change the tango man Thornley in goal through injury , Beesley goes between the sticks. Lancaster are not contented with the draw and go looking for the win, they may be sensing the tiredness of the home side. Chances are created at both ends with substitutes breaking the flow of the game . Boro dig deep with Mark Jones captain for the day creating most things for Boro. Boro play starts to become predictable as legs tire , the ball up to Roscoe is now being picked off by the two centre backs and scrappy play ensues. Oates is replaced with Brookes just after the hour. Lancaster are trying but find the resilence of the boro back line too hard. The game with fresher legs surely would have been Boros. The chances are still arriving for boro but quality service behind the last man is needed. Free kicks are wasted in good positions. Griff Jones pulls up after a shot on goal , the move supplied by the captain. Griff leaves the field after a hard weeks running and Rutter is introduced. Brookes and Rutter are the fittest now but show some ring rust when in good positions. The game is a fair draw at the end of 90 minutes but so could have easily been a win. The now very thin squad have worked extremely hard over the last week and deserve thier recent improved results. Competition for places is always healthy and with a few games to go yet including a cup final Boro will need to be at thier best. Next weeks game will be a big test.

see you there

Paul.