Radcliffe Borough dropped back into a relegation spot in the Evo-Stik Division One North, after a 2-1 home defeat to high flying Darlington 1883 on Saturday, writes Alan Firth

The visitors arrived in fourth position in the league and unbeaten in their last eleven games, but it was the Boro who scored first in the 10th minute after a goalmouth scramble, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

On 14 minutes, Boro keeper Cheetham made a good save following a one-on-one with Darlington’s top goalscorer, Amar Purewal, and then followed this by pushing a shot onto the post from Darlington’s Steve Thompson.

Just five minutes later Boro found themselves a goal down, after an intricate series of passing saw Dave Dowson tuck the ball past Cheetham into the net.

On 28 minutes, Radcliffe’s Dave Sherlock made, what appeared to be a good tackle coming away with the ball, but referee Dominic McDonald pointed to the spot and Darlington’s Terry Galbraith scored to make it 2-0 to Darlington. Boro had a good spell with Dave Sherlock, Danny Lambert and Bradley Robinson all trying their luck with volleys.

On 57 minutes Boro pulled a goal back when Bevan Burey rammed the ball into an empty net following a collision between Darlington’s White and keeper Bell, whilst defending a free kick.

However, the game turned in Darlington’s favour when on 69 minutes Boro’s Mark Ayers was sent off with a straight red card for bringing down substitute, Nathan Fisher.

In the final 20 minutes Boro pushed for the equaliser with Chris Thompson and Simon Carden being replaced by Rocca and the returning Ben Manning, but the hosts were unable to grab the equaliser their play deserved.

The match, which was watched by a crowd of 346, was enhanced by a large away following with Darlington averaging 1,130 for their home games this season – the best attendance figures in the league.

Youngsters who took part in Radcliffe’s winter tournament earlier this month were also invited to attend the Darlington match.

The budding stars took to the pitch at half time to demonstrate their footballing skills and were also presented with medals for taking part in the contest.

Boro will be hoping for the return of fans favourite Steve Howson at Harrogate Railway on Saturday, kick off 3pm.