RADCLIFFE Borough boss Danny Johnson is confident his side will enjoy a "considerably better season" than last year despite a mixed start to their pre-season campaign.

The Stainton Park outfit, who narrowly avoided relegation from Evo-Stik Division One North last season, are still searching for their first friendly victory following a 2-2 draw at home to a youthful Bury side and a 2-1 defeat at North West Counties League outfit Irlam Town.

But Johnson believes he has time on his hands to iron out the problems before the league campaign gets underway at Mossley on August 15, beginning with a trip to local rivals Prestwich Heys on Saturday and a home clash with FC United on Tuesday.

"I feel we have a much stronger, dedicated group of players than last season and with some fine tuning I am very hopeful of a considerably better season," he told the Bury Times.

"We've got three weeks to get organised and our fitness levels are generally good.

"Unfortunately, it has been a really mixed pre-season so far and our preparations have been interrupted considerably.

"We were without six of what I would call first-team regulars for the Bury game and the other games have been disjointed for one reason or another."

Despite taking a first half lead against Bury through Matt Landregan, Liam Williams equalised for the Shakers on the stroke of half time.

Bury's 18-year-old youth sensation Anthony Dudley fired the visitors back in front, but captain Richard Smith equalised from the penalty spot to give Boro a share of the spoils.

Although pleased with his team's efforts, Johnson was particularly delighted with the attendance with almost 500 supporters making the trip to Stainton Park.

"I want to personally thank the supporters of Bury Football Club who attended the game," he said.

"We are trying to build a team that the people of Radcliffe and Bury will be proud of, a bit like what Dave Flitcroft is doing at Bury.

"Finances are tight so it won't happen overnight but everyone behind the scenes is pulling in the same direction.

"We want the supporters of Bury FC to enjoy coming to Radcliffe and to support us when their team are away from home.

"I know our chairman, Bernard Manning Jnr, is looking at the possibility of reduced admission for Bury FC season ticket holders.

"Non league football has so much to offer. We want to bring supporters closer to the players.

"Our target is to get an average of 200 through the turnstile every week. If we can play a nice and enjoyable brand of football this is very achievable.

"The hard work is well and truly underway but the foundations of any success lies with attracting people through the gate."

A disjointed Boro team lost 2-1 away at Irlam Town on Tuesday night.

Irlam took the lead on 11 minutes with a goal from Gordon Iceler and the hosts doubled their advantage after the break following a long range effort from Liam Morrison. Tom Hulme pulled a goal back for Boro with two minutes remaining after good work from Elliot Rokka down the left but they were unable to find an equaliser.