THREE goals in an incredible eight-minute spell saw Radcliffe seal a 3-2 victory in an action packed top-of-the-table clash against Marine, writes Kieran Wilson.

A pulsating opening 45 minutes saw Boro come from a goal down to lead 3-1 up before half-time, and despite a late Marine goal and a rain-sodden pitch, they held on to win a classic and maintain a firm grip of top spot in NPL Premier Division.

Four changes were made to the team that gained a point against Atherton Collieries in midweek, the most notable swap was the introduction of Ewan Bange to the starting line-up, who would go on to score his third goal since the new year.

In the early exchanges, Brad Jackson scampered down the right as he chased Jordan Hulme’s through ball, a well-positioned Josh Wardle was able to put the ball behind for a corner but no chance came from the delivery.

The opening 10 minutes went by with just one shot on target between the two sides, coming from a Matt Sargent strike that was comfortably caught by Luke Hutchinson underneath the Marine crossbar.

Pressure fell upon the Radcliffe goal in the 12th minute, as a series of crosses flashed across the six-yard area and moments later, the away side found themselves in front. Owen Robinson latched onto a second ball and unleashed a powerful effort that beat Mateusz Hewelt, who could only push the ball into the corner of the goal.

Positive play from the restart meant that Willem Tomlinson found a pocket of space in a great position with a clear sight at goal from 20-yards out. The midfielder’s venomous effort stung the fingertips of Hutchinson, as the former Boro ‘keeper pushed his strike over the bar.

A period of sustained Radcliffe pressure was rewarded with an equaliser in the 24th minute. After Jude Oyibo had made his way past several Marine defenders, he managed to put the ball into the six-yard area where Ewan Bange was the first to react in the centre, poking into the back of the net from close range.

Radcliffe took the lead just three minutes after equalising to quickly stamp their authority on the game. A cheap free kick won by Hulme enabled Nicky Adams to work his magic from the dead ball. His set piece swung perfectly into the path of the number nine who headed home in off the post with precision.

Eight sensational minutes of football were completed by Tomlinson, giving the Boro a two-goal cushion in the first half. A powerful, driving run from Matt Sargent took three defenders out of the game before he linked up with his fellow centre midfielder, brushing two defenders aside and setting himself up. With a driving shot from just inside the box, he picked out the bottom corner past an outstretched Hutchinson.

The first half ended with no stoppage time played as referee Abid Hussain pulled up with an injury and after a call to the stands for a replacement, the second 45 minutes was able to get underway with a new official.

With the eighth Radcliffe corner of the contest, Matt Sargent had a golden opportunity to add a fourth for the Boro. Adams’ deep delivery found the Welshman’s delayed run to the far post but his header was wide of the target, failing to take advantage from a gilt-edged chance.

Marine’s first opportunity of the second half came in the 58th minute. Substitute Owen Windsor broke into the final third and rounded Hewelt who attempted to close down the angle. The former Chester striker’s shot was heroically stopped by Olly Thornley, as he slid to put the goal-bound effort behind for a corner with an unbelievable piece of defending.

With 20 minutes left on the clock, Marine pulled themselves back into the game. An excellent bit of link up play between Windsor and Harvey Gregson resulted in a back stick cross towards the unmarked Sinclair-Smith, making no mistake by finding the back of the net.

A speculative effort from range was destined for the bottom corner by the visitors’ second goalscorer, but a fantastic diving save from Hewelt prevented the equaliser for Marine who fancied their chances as they began an attacking charge.

Heavy rain in the final thirty minutes created difficult playing conditions, as both sides struggled to fashion meaningful chances with damp patches on the field and muddy areas in others.

In the fourth minute of added time, Marine were awarded with a free kick in a dangerous area which would be their final chance of salvaging something from the game. Sinclair-Smith rested the responsibility on his shoulders, hitting up and over the wall but his attempt was comfortable for Hewelt, as the ‘keeper caught the ball with ease.

On Saturday, Radcliffe travel to Ilkeston Town as they look to maintain an impressive run of away form heading to Derbyshire.

Radcliffe: Hewelt, Jackson, Tomlinson, Maynard, Thornley, Smith, Sargent, Adams (Hancock 84’), Hulme, Bange (Duxbury 54’), Oyibo