JON Macken believes his Radcliffe FC players are reaping the dividends of not playing the blame game.

Boro were in freefall in the early part of the ex-Manchester City striker’s reign when he gave the players he inherited in September a chance to show what they could do.

But since he changed the squad around with a multitude of new signings in the space of a few weeks he has seen the difference on and off the field.

Boro climbed to seventh from bottom of EvoStik North after Tuesday night’s 2-0 home victory over bottom club Goole which took their recent tally to 10 points out of a possible 12.

Just as pleasing is Radcliffe have only conceded one goal in those last four games.

Macken says a more positive team spirit is helping.

“The players are fighting for each other,” he said

“Previously there was a lot of finger-pointing and blame. We have been trying to get them out of that and to point the finger at themselves rather than blame someone else.

“Before, when someone made a mistake there was a tendency for players to blame them for it.

“Now when someone makes a mistake there are two or three players backing him.”

Macken says more strength in depth has also been an important factor.

“There has been a lot of chopping an changing in the squad which was necessary,” he said.

“You want players who can have an impact, and it was not happening so when other key players become available you take advantage of it.

“We have a group of players who are working hard and they are knuckling down and listening to what we are telling them.”