CLINICAL finishing from local rivals Atherton Collieries saw Radcliffe suffer a 2-0 home defeat.

The visitors took a fifth-minute lead when Jordan Cover capitalised on a defensive mistake and clinically tucked home his chance.

Kingsley Williams had Boro’s first shot of the game but, though it looked like it was curling into the top corner, Greg Hartley pulled off a great save.

Boro keeper Connor Keane kept Radcliffe in the game with an impressive reaction save to deny Ben Hardcastle after Cover’s shot had come back off the post.

Boro had more of a foothold in the game after half time and almost got back on level terms when Louis Myers shot agonisingly wide and Liam Wood was denied by Hartley’s save.

With 20 minutes to go Colls doubled their lead, Cover adding his second goal after he again capitalised on a Boro mistake, keeping his composure to beat Keane.

With 15 minutes to go Radcliffe almost found a way back into the game but James Hooper saw his effort saved by Hartley.

Other than Colls taking their chances there was little to choose between the two teams. Jon Macken’s side will hope for better fortunes when they travel to Clitheroe on Saturday.