RADCLIFFE Borough were dragged back into the relegation battle on Tuesday after falling to their heaviest defeat of the season.

Steve Foster’s sending off capped a thoroughly miserable night for Boro, who lost 6-1 at home to Clitheroe as relegation rivals Harrogate Railway Athletic won to reduce their cushion over the drop zone.

After a competitive opening, Clitheroe got their first goal of the evening in the ninth minute when striker Sefton Gonzales broke down the left flank at pace before cutting inside to slot home into the far corner.

The visitors doubled their lead five minutes before the break, when Gonzales turned provider, picking out unmarked winger Scott Harries who calmly placed the ball into the back of the net.

Borough then had striker Foster dismissed in the 45th minute following a dangerous tackle.

Brandon Barski added a third goal in added time after picking the ball up just inside the box before firing home.

Clitheroe started the second half as they ended the first with two quick-fire goals.

Gonzales got his second on 52 minutes before Daniel Brady’s back-post header made it five.

Substitute Michael Hampson rounded off the scoring for Clitheroe in the 80th minute with a comfortable finish.

Radcliffe scored a consolation shortly after when captain Rick Smith fired in from close range.

The result left Boro fourth bottom, five points clear of Harrogate in the relegation zone.