Radcliffe Borough assistant manager Paul McGuire has expressed his pride at his team’s efforts after they ended their Evo-Stik Division One North campaign with a 1-0 home win against Kendal Town.

Boro, who finished the season in a comfortable 18th place, had looked in danger of relegation at the turn of the year having lost six of their nine matches in December and early January – including a crushing 8-0 defeat to neighbours Ramsbottom United.

But since joining Kevin Glendon’s side, McGuire has turned Boro’s fortunes around with the side losing just five of their last 15 league matches.

“For me personally I feel proud and very pleased with the club itself at what we have achieved,” said McGuire.

“Things weren’t looking so good in December but we turned it around. It is down to the hard work and effort of that squad of players.”

McGuire is confident Boro will be challenging at the top next season. “I really think promotion is a possibility,” he said.

“There are four or five teams in the league that are better than us, and we’ve just got to make sure we are the best of the rest, and we might just squeeze into the play-offs. “With an extra couple of players I believe it’s possible.

“I’m hoping we are fortunate with the fixture list, get a good run of games going and be in the top half of the table after 10 games. I’m optimistic that will happen.”

Young striker Elliot Rokka netted Radcliffe’s winning goal at Stainton Park on Saturday as Boro finished their league campaign on a high.

“It was a really good end to the season,” said McGuire.

“It was fantastic performance against another team relatively high up in the league. “We dominated them and were the best team by a mile.

“Elliot’s goal was absolutely brilliant. He’s only 18-years-old but he’s been a revelation for us.

“We’ve won two games 1-0 recently (Clitheroe and Harrogate) and Rokka has got the goals in both. He has effectively won us six points.

“I literally could not fault one player. I think the defence has been amazing and goalkeeper Chris Cheetham played his best game ever on Saturday.”

McGuire is hopeful that all the players currently at Stainton Park will still be at the club when the new season begins in August.

“There are some exciting times ahead here and I’m optimistic all of our squad will want to stay with us next season,” he said.

“I think the team is in a good place right now. There is a great togetherness and everyone is enjoying their football.

“It would gutting now if we were to lose a Danny White or a Bevan Burey, or Brad Robinson or James Mullineux.

“That would be a bit hard to take and I’m really hopeful that won’t happen.”