DANNY Johnson believes Radcliffe Borough could be the surprise package in Evo-Stik League First Division North after they claimed their first win of the season on Tuesday.

Following five defeats on the bounce, including a 4-1 reverse at Harrogate Athletic on Saturday, captain Richard Smith scored the only goal of the game as Boro beat Prescot Cables 1-0 to take all three points at Eaton Street.

Delighted Boro boss admits the result had been coming after a series of "magnificent performances" and hopes the victory can now spur his side on to mid-table security.

"It was a magnificent display from the team," he said.

"They got their reward and we are delighted to get the three points.

"A 1-0 win away from home is always great. It gives everyone that extra bit of confidence now.

"I think the league is shaping up nicely where any team can beat anyone.

"Even the leaders Northwich were lucky to take all three points away from the Belvoir Stadium a couple of weeks ago.

"We've got a really new team and the togetherness and team spirit is really good. The lads are really bonding and working for each other.

"We have been causing problems and I believe our performances are not too far away from those top teams.

"We might just be a surprise package come the end of the season."

With Aaron Walters, Kevin McGrath, Nathan Valentine, Smith and new signing Chris Middleton adding strength to the backline, Boro goalkeeper Chris Cheetham was able to keep his first clean sheet of the season in sixth games.

And Johnson was quick to praise his team's defensive resolve and the efforts of midfielder Matt Davies, who's corner set up Smith to head home in the 16th minute.

"Our strength at the back showed and we never really looked like conceding even though we had to withstand a lot of pressure in the second half as Prescot sensed our nervousness," he said.

"It was a great delivery from Matty. He put a number of great balls in during the game and that one paid off.

"Once we got the goal we should have gone on to score a couple more but a few referring decisions went against us.

"I felt we should have had a penalty and if that had been given I think we would have gone on to win more comfortably.

Boro host mid-table Ossett Town at the Belvoir Stadium on Saturday, and Johnson added: "We've gone through a bit of a physiological barrier now and we want to make it two wins on the bounce.

"We know it won't be easy but we'll just keeping working hard."