RADCLIFFE Borough stormed to their first win since October after returning to action with a bang at Bamber Bridge.

Sam Fitzgerald put the visitors in front on the half hour and seasoned striker Steve Foster bagged a brace in the second half before the home side scored a late consolation in Boro's deserved 3-1 victory.

Their fifth win of the season, which followed an enforced two-week break due to bad weather, moved Danny Johnson's men up to fourth-bottom in Evo-Stik First Division North, now six points above the relegation zone.

The match was only played after two pitch inspections by the officials, but it was a testament to both sides that they were able to produce a high-quality encounter.

Both teams tested each other out in the opening stages, but it was Boro who created the more clear-cut chances with Foster, Sam McMahon, fit-again Matty Davies, Tom Hulme and Jamie Forbes all going close.

Fitzgerald eventually broke the deadlock on 30 minutes, looping a header over stranded Bamber keeper Lee Davey and past a defender on the line.

The home side responded well and were unlucky not to equalise with a shot that rebounded off the post.

At the other end, Hulme should have converted a McMahon cross as Boro went into the break with a one-goal advantage.

The Belvoir Stadium outfit did not have long to wait to double their lead as Foster slid home a pass from Fitzgerald on 49 minutes.

McMahon weighed in with an assist from the right for Boro's third goal on 58 minutes as Foster converted his cross to put Boro in control.

Johnson took the opportunity to ring the changes, with Sam Crook handed his debut on 60 minutes before Bevan Burey and Omar McKenzie replaced Hulme and McMahon.

Bamber Bridge seized the initiative to peg a goal back through Stuart Vasey six minutes from time, but Boro comfortably held out to claim a welcome three points.

This week's fixtures: Droylsden at home on Boxing Day, away at Kendal on Monday. Both 3pm kick-offs.