RADCLIFFE Boro were unfortunate to lose 2-0 at home to Evo-Stick First Division North leaders Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

The difference was high-flying visitors took their chances and Boro did not.

Mitchell Clayton came into the side after Danny Lambert started on the bench having picked up a knock in last week’s game and was unable to train all week.

Boro had a corner early on which was cleared quickly to Gary Burnett who raced up the right wing and crossed into the box for Richard Bennett to open the scoring on four minutes.

Sam Cook was then just inches from connecting with Elliott Rokka’s shot across the box, with only a touch needed to level the scores. Bevan Burey never stopped running all afternoon as Boro pressed forward for the equaliser.

Good play between Keith Wedge and Cook released Chris Mason on the right. His cross was met by the head of Rokka but his effort went over the bar.

On the half hour mark Rokka was unlucky not to level the scores when he burst through from midfield, beating three players before his shot rattled the crossbar with Tim Deasy in the Northwich goal well beaten.

Chris Cheetham had to make a smart full length save at the foot of the post to deny Bennett his second goal after 36 minutes.

Northwich doubled their lead with route one football on 58 minutes. A goal kick was flicked on to Burnett who made no mistake from 10 yards.

On 64 minutes Mitchell Clayton was replaced by recent signing Ashford Blake. Boro continued to push forward trying to get back in the game but were thwarted by a well-organised Northwich defence.

Ryan Hibbert replaced the hardworking Sam Howell with 10 minutes left and Boro manager made his final substitution three minutes later when Jack Hindle came on for Mason.

Boro had chances in the second half but failed to capitalise and substitute Blake was sent off for a challenge in time added on.

It was a hardworking performance by the Boro against a well-organised Northwich side that created few chances but made them count. Boro now make the long trip to Darlington next Saturday to play another big-spending team pushing for promotion.

Boro: Cheetham, Wedge, Clayton (Blake 64), Lafferty (capt), Smith, Howell (Hibbert 80), Mason (Hindle 83), Sherlock, Burey, Rokka, Cook. Sub not used: Lambert.

Attendance 84.