With just two weeks to go until the Evo-Stik Division One North season gets under way, Radcliffe Borough boss Paul McGuire is calling on his players to prove both their commitment and fitness ahead of the new campaign.

The Stainton Park outfit continued their pre-season with a 6-0 defeat against Huddersfield Town under-21s on Friday in a match that featured a number of Boro trialists.

But with more competitive friendlies coming up against Mickleover Sports tomorrow night, a trip to local rivals Ramsbottom United on Tuesday and a home fixture against Newcastle Town next Saturday, McGuire is now looking to begin selecting his starting 11 for the coming season.

“The lads have got to be able to prove their fitness and commitment,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if the player is getting paid or not. Whoever they are if they are going to play for Radcliffe Borough they have to show commitment to the cause.

“The squad is already stronger than last season with experienced players like Keith Wedge and Michael McGinlay coming into the side.

“We’ve also got four or five new young faces who are competing to get in the squad.”

“By the time we get to the Ramsbottom and Newcastle games I think we have to start putting together what might be our starting 11 or our best 13 or 14,” said McGuire.

“The Ramsbottom game will be difficult for us. They are on song and have moved up a league.

“It will be a similar game to playing one of the top five or six teams in our division so we will be able to see who stands up and who makes a good account of themselves.”

Despite the defeat to Huddersfield, McGuire was pleased with his team’s efforts and the encouraging performances put in by trialists Chris Mason and Marcus Fortuna.

“It was a very tough game for our lads,” he said.

“Marcus showed some glimpses of class in midfield when he came on and Chris could prove to be the goal-poacher we are looking for.

“There were a lot of talented boys in the Huddersfield team. They have a young squad with quality players like Jonathan Stead up front.”

Boro will be missing a number of key players for the game against Mickleover Sports tomorrow evening.

Defenders James Mullineux and Mark Ayres are unavailable and Dave Sherlock’s impeding nuptials will also see him miss the match, which kicks off at the Raygar Stadium at 7.45pm.