RADCLIFFE Borough boss Danny Johnson believes 'a gulf in class' makes it almost impossible for the bottom teams to compete with the top sides in the Evo-Stik League.

Boro, who were defeated 4-0 at third-placed Northwich Victoria last week, had only a Steve Foster goal to show for their endeavour when they lost 4-1 at home to fourth-placed Spennymoor Town on Saturday.

The Belvoir Stadium have failed to earn more than a point against teams currently in the top six of First Division North and Johnson admits it is difficult for his cash-strapped squad to outplay the big spending teams.

"Spennymoor could probably spend £400 a player because they've got about £4,000 per week to play with," the Boro boss told the Radcliffe Times.

"We've got £400 for the whole team and that's the difference. That's what people need to understand.

"That wage bill is a massive gulf and we've got to accept that because of where we are as a football club.

"One of their midfield players has played 500 games in the Football League. They've got real quality and we just can't compete with that.

"It's not an excuse because we are disappointed to lose a football match but that's the reality."

Boro fell behind to a 24th minute Nathan Fisher goal against Spennymoor on Saturday.

Foster took his goal tally to five for the season with the equaliser just before half time to keep the Belvoir Stadium outfit in contention.

But despite an improved performance in the second period a second goal from Fisher and a brace from Anthony Peacock sealed the result for the high flyers.

"Spennymoor are a really physical side and at times they made us look poor," said Johnson.

"The scoreline suggests it was a real hammering and to be fair it probably was.

"The lads did really well despite the fact they were chasing shadows for a lot of the time.

"We tried to match them and for long periods we did make a game of it, but when they've got that extra quality in the final third which costs an awful lot of money at this level of football, you are always going to fall short.

"The lads gave everything they had but when you are chasing the game teams like that can open you up at the other end."

Despite only four wins from their 15 games so far this season, Boro remain in 18th place in the league, just six points away from a mid-table berth. And Johnson is keen for his side move on quickly from recent disappointing results.

"We've got to be positive and put things in perspective," he said.

"We've played most of the top teams now so there will come a point in the season where we play teams around us.

"That's the games we really need to be competing in. They are the ones where we need to put together another unbeaten run, get the 10 or so points we need and we'll be okay.

"We are not far off track and I believe the group of players we've got here are the best we've had for a number of years

"The lads will dust themselves down now and we'll be ready to go again."

Boro will be without suspended strike duo Foster and Sam McMahon when they travel to Witton Albion in the FA Trophy first qualifying round on Saturday.