RADCLIFFE Borough will look to return to winning ways over the Easter weekend, with two matches against fellow clubs in the bottom half of the Evo-Stik First Division North.

Consecutive defeats at Lancaster City on Saturday and against Trafford on Tuesday night brought an end to Boro’s recent upturn in form for March – leaving them in 19th place, 10 points above the drop zone.

But, as assistant manager Dave Powell explained in the wake of the 3-0 reverse at home to Trafford, the team is ready to bounce back.

They only have to wait until Saturday for the opportunity, at home to Prescot Cables, who Boro beat 1-0 in September.

“They are all tough games in this league and Prescot are doing tremendously well under Andy Paxton,” said Powell. “His first match as manager was against us at their place – and we had a close game there.”

On Easter Monday Boro visit a Droylsden side which sits one place above them. The two sides have still to meet in the league this term, although their paths did cross in the FA Trophy and League Cup.

Boro edged through on each occasion, but Powell warned: “Droylsden are very unpredictable. They hammered Bamber Bridge last Saturday.

“That said, we can be as well. It may be a case of which Radcliffe and which Droylsden sides turn up on the day. But for both matches we need to be right – and take our chances.”

The importance of converting opportunities was underlined against Trafford – especially during a first half in which both sides had a relatively even number of chances, but Radcliffe failed to capitalise on theirs.

“Trafford were a strong side and their finishing was clinical,” said Powell. “They had three chances before half time, the same as us, but put two away.”

Boro’s task on Tuesday was made all the more difficult by the absence of defenders Jamie Forbes (suspension) and Danny Lafferty (ankle), as well as the continued lay-off of Matty Davies (hamstring).

Forbes and Lafferty should be available again for the Prescot match, but Davies is doubtful for the Easter programme. Fellow midfielder Sam Crook lasted almost an hour at Lancaster but is still feeling the effects of the head injury he suffered at Clitheroe the week before.

A question mark also remains over Dominic Smith, who has attracted interest from league rivals, with negotiations over the new striker’s future at Radcliffe still in progress.

But Boro do aim to bring in some new players for the remainder of the campaign, with Reece Lyndon and former Stockport County midfielder Bobby Lofthouse making their debut in the Trafford game.

Powell added: “Bobby hasn’t played much since leaving County but he showed some real quality touches and will be a great addition for us.”