RADCLIFFE ended a run of nine Evo-Stik North games without a win as they took the spoils on derby day at home to Ramsbottom United.

Jon Macken’s men won 3-1 at the Neuven Stadium on New Year’s Day, their first victory since October 21.

On a wet and blustery afternoon the Rams almost took a second-minute lead when a mix-up in the home defence gave Phil Dean an opportunity but although his well-struck shot beat Kyle Haslam it crashed against the outside of the post.

Both sides had early chances, Rams forward Greg Daniels bringing a save from Haslam before Radcliffe responded with the best chance of the early exchanges when James Hooper latched onto a flick-on and found himself one-on-one with Charlie Albinson, who blocked the attempt.

Before the first half was 20 minutes old the Rams had fashioned more attempts on goal with Daniels and Yves Zama testing home keeper Haslam.

But it was the hosts that opening the scoring with 10 minutes of the first period remaining when a free kick near the halfway line was launched into the Rams penalty area by Radcliffe skipper Kingsley Williams and, perhaps aided by the conditions, the ball somehow looped over the stranded Albinson and into the net.

The remainder of the half was a fairly open affair as Ramsbottom looked to restore parity with Daniels again finding room for a shot at goal which flashed wide of the target and the half ended with Radcliffe a goal to the good in a competitive contest.

In difficult conditions it was the Rams that applied the pressure early in the second half with Dean looking a threat on the left wing, Jerome Wright being pressed into service at full-back.

The visitors threatened on a couple more occasions with Jamie Rother firing over and Lee Gaskell seeing his shot gathered by Haslam after a smart turn in the box.

As the encounter approached the hour mark Boro threatened to extend their advantage when a bout of pressure saw Hooper test Albinson with a low shot, and a goalmouth scramble at a corner ending with the ball hitting the inside of the post.

The Rams keeper was again called into action when he superbly tipped over a stinging effort from distance.

Radcliffe doubled their advantage midway through the second half when substitute Szymon Czubik set off on a powerful run down the left flank before cutting inside and firing past Albinson.

The Rams responded as Alex Meaney replaced the hard working Dean Stott in midfield and within minutes they halved the deficit when his well-struck shot from the edge of the area beat Haslam to make the score 2-1.

As the minutes ticked by the visitors searched for an equaliser but Boro secured the three points a minute from time.

A misjudged back pass fell short of Albinson and was seized upon by centre-forward Henoc Mukendi, who rounded the keeper and finished confidently to give Radcliffe the derby-day spoils.

Both teams have home fixtures this Saturday.

Boro will host Glossop North End at the Neuven Stadium while Ramsbottom welcome Skelmersdale United.

The games kick off at 3pm