RADCLIFFE FC showed the right balance of attacking zeal and defensive steel in Jon Macken’s first league win in charge to convince the manager they can be a force to be reckoned with in Evo-Stik North.

New winger Rod Orlando-Young scored twice on his debut, while Carl Peers was also on target in a cracking first-half display that saw them go into the break 3-0 up at Kendal Town.

They then withstood a late barrage in difficult conditions after being reduced to 10 men to claim a vital 3-2 win.

The victory may have only moved Boro up to 18th in the table, but Macken saw enough to believe his squad can be successful.

“It is always good to get your first league win under your belt and I thought the lads were outstanding in tough conditions,” said Macken.

“The pitch was very heavy, but the lads handled it brilliantly. The first half was fantastic and we could easily have gone into the break leading by more than three.

“The second half was a different test. The heavy pitch started to take it out of the lads and they paid a little for their first-half effort.

“Going down to 10 is never ideal, but the players showed a great attitude to stick together to see out the game.

“I think it gave one or two of them the belief they can go on and do something at this level.”

The Boro boss will be looking for a repeat performance on Saturday when they travel back up to Kendal Town for a tie in the FA Trophy.

Meanwhile, Macken has completed his backroom team after appointing Oldham’s Steve Atkinson as first-team coach.