Although disappointed with the result, Radcliffe Borough assistant manager Paul McGuire heaped praise on his “brave” 10-man side after their 2-1 loss to high-flying Darlington 1883 on Saturday.

Following what McGuire described as an “unlucky defeat” in front of a bumper crowd of almost 400, Boro find themselves back in the Evo-Stik Division One relegation zone following Wakefield’s 2-0 win over Clitheroe.

McGuire said: I’m a bit disappointed with the result. It was a brave performance from our lads.

“I think Darlington came to us thinking it was going to be a bit of a walkover but our lads dug deep, worked hard and put up a real fight.”

“Darlington are a big imposing team, so it was quite a lot for our guys to handle, and they did really well.

"They went with an unusual formation of 4-3-3, with their midfielders and strikers playing very narrow.

“We normally like to get players out wide, but we ended up having to match up against them.

“I think we were a bit slow to react to their formation but once we did we really did get a hold on the game.”

McGuire, who will be missing influential centre-back Mark Ayres for three games after his controversial sending off in the second half against Darlington, said: “None of us thought it was a sending off – maybe a yellow card but certainly not red."

However, the return of fans favourite Steve Howson has lessened the blow of losing Ayres.

The 2009-2010 player of the year has returned from Australia, and should be available for Saturday’s trip to mid-table Harrogate Railway Athletic.

McGuire said: “Howson is a good utility player. He can play centre-back, centre-midfield and centre-forward.

“He’s a strong and imposing player, he knows the league and that’s what’s important.

“He was at training on Thursday and that really boosted the rest of the team.

“Ayres’ red card is a big blow and it is going to cause us a bit of problem. However we may have to look at slipping Howson in at centre back.

“That will be perfect for him and, of course, he will get a start, so there is always a silver lining.”

Despite the defeat, McGuire is confident his improved side can bounce back to win enough points to stay in the league.

McGuire said: “There are still quite a few games to go, and although we find ourselves back in the relegation zone after Wakefield’s victory, I don’t think that’s a disaster.

“A month or two ago you would have expected us to lose badly against a side chasing promotion, but in the end I think we were a bit unlucky to lose.

“It does stand us in good stead for future weeks now.

“If we can battle away with a team down to 10 men against a side that are going for promotion, then I’m optimistic the lads will be okay against the weaker teams around us.”