RADCLIFFE won for the first time in Evo-Stik North since New Year’s Day with an excellent 1-0 victory in West Yorkshire at Brighouse.

The game had got off to the best possible start after seven minutes when Callum Grogan scored from a Ben Jago free kick. Crossed in from the left of goal, the ball found its was to Grogan whose finish found its way into the bottom corner.

Brighouse nearly scored an equaliser straight after, with Boro’s new goalkeeper Connor Keane grateful for the official’s help.

Keane’s routine catch ended up in the back of the net but the referee chalked it off due to a foul on the keeper.

Radcliffe were trying to create more chances, being positive and vibrant, with another new signing, Louis Mayers, causing a headache for the defence with his physical presence and ability to create chances for others.

But Brighouse started to come into the game towards the end of the first half with a flurry of chances, denied by either poor finishing or superb defending.

Grogan and Jake Doran at the back won every tackle and header and did not shy away from the physical action.

The second half started just like the first, with Radcliffe straight out of the traps and looking to add a second goal.

A succession of chances followed, with James Hooper unable to finish after he was played through by an excellent Matthew Russell ball and Kingsley Williams – having a terrific game – hitting the post after fine work from Hooper, who beat a couple of players and squared the ball.

The game was getting tense, with vital points on the line and Brighouse started to create a few chances of their own.

They were denied by a superb backline that was winning every tackle and header, leaving keeper Keane with little to do.

Boro boss Jon Macken brought on new signing James Daniels for Mayers and his introduction brought extra energy and enthusiasm to the side.

Liam Wood looked to have scored Radcliffe’s second to make the game safe with just minutes left on the clock, but the assistant referee put his flag up to increase Radcliffe’s frustration.

Four minutes of stoppage-time raised the tension further as Brighouse laid siege to the Boro goal but the defence held on superbly to secure victory.

Radcliffe host Colne on Saturday.