With just over a week to go until the new season begins, Paul McGuire is optimistic he now has the squad capable of mounting a serious challenge in Evo-Stik Division One North after an encouraging pre-season campaign.

Despite losing 2-1 to premier neighbours Ramsbottom United on Tuesday night, the Radcliffe Borough boss cannot quite believe the transformation in his side since the last time they played their local rivals at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium.

“The team is unrecognisable from the one that lost 8-0 to Ramsbottom in January,” he said.

“It has totally transformed. We’ve got a great new make up to the side and we are in good shape.

“We are playing with pride, confidence and passion. There is a lot of versatility in the team and plenty of competition for places.

“I’m very optimistic about the new campaign and how we are going to start.”

McGuire may have been fearing the worst when the Rams took the lead inside three minutes through Phil Dean but Boro worked hard to deny the Rams a foothold in the game.

Lee Gaskell doubled the hosts’ lead before the break but Elliot Rokka claimed a deserved consolation for the visitors late on.

“We played well across the board and stuck at it,” said McGuire.

“They scored an early freak goal that looped over goalkeeper Chris Cheetham and that gave them the head of steam they needed to grab their second goal.

“But we sorted it out at half time and in the second period we were the better team and we dominated.

“We got a goal back late on and were unlucky not to get the equaliser with the last kick of the game when Danny Lafferty blasted into the side netting.”

The Radcliffe boss was particularly encouraged by the performances of several of his new players, singling out 20-year-old midfielder Ryan Hibbert, who has come through the Macclesfield youth system.

“I think there were a lot of positives to take from the game,” said McGuire.

“It was a real test for us because Ramsbottom play with a lot of width and pace but we were competitive across the park.

“We learned a lot about the players’ characters, attitude and application.

“I was particularly impressed with Chris Mason and Michael McGinlay, who are forging a nice partnership. Sam Howell came on in midfield and did well for us, as did Danny Lambert.

“However, if I had to pick the man-of-the-match I would have to go with Hibbert.

“He’s a powerful young midfielder and put in some tough tackles.”

Radcliffe Borough play their final pre-season fixture away at Newcastle Town on Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Note: Boro drew 1-1 at Mickleover Sports on Friday night.

The hosts took the lead before Mason equalised in the second half.