WITH Radcliffe Borough boss Danny Johnson believing his side have done just about enough to preserve their Evo-Stik Division One North status this season, the Stainton Park manager has begun planning for the future by promoting two of the club’s academy players.

Central midfielders Ben Oldroyd and Adam Henshall have impressed over the past few weeks and their displays in the NPL Football Academy have been rewarded with places in the first team.

But Johnson insists the 17-year-olds, who will take part in training sessions and travel with the senior squad on matchdays, are very much for the future and will not be rushed into making their semi-professional debuts.

“I think we are just about safe in the league now,” Johnson told the Radcliffe Times.

“I’m sure we will win at least one more game before the end of the season and I think it will take New Mills some doing to overtake us.

“We now need to be looking forward to next year and developing young players like Ben and Adam because that is what this club is all about.

“I’m hoping by bringing these two lads into the first team they can make an impact as they have done for the academy team.

“I’ve told them they will have to be patient and we will be looking to ease them in and develop them slowly.

“Their attitude has impressed me massively and hopefully they will get a few minutes off the bench, and, if they do well, they will be given more opportunities.”

Boro were defeated on their travels again on Saturday, this time 2-0 at promotion-chasing Scarborough Athletic, and Johnson believes a lack of concentration at key times during games is costing his side points.

It means the Stainton Park outfit, who were without injured striker Steve Foster and suspended defender Richard Smith, are still without an away win this season.

“It wasn’t our best performance,” admitted Johnson.

“We conceded in the first seven minutes of both halves, which is becoming a bit of a theme. We’ve got to start concentrating for the full 90 minutes.

“Steve and Ric have been big players for us in recent weeks but with them missing it gave other lads a game, but no-one really stuck their hand up to do the business.”

Boro are at home to mid-table Mossley on Saturday and Johnson is keen to reverse last month’s 4-1 defeat.

“Mossley were strong when we played against them a few weeks ago but it’s a home game and we are in better shape now, so hopefully we can impose ourselves and try to pick up some more points.

“We’ve just got to keep competing and make sure no team runs away with a win against us. We are only going to get better.”