RADCLIFFE’S last home game of the season ended in a thumping 4-0 defeat to newly-crowned Evo-Stik North shampions South Shields.

Gavin Cogdon got the away side’s first of the night, before Rick Smith was sent off for Boro early in the second half.

The Mariners were also reduced to 10 men, but second-half strikes, from Michael Richardson and two from Graeme Armstrong, ensured Radcliffe’s last home game ended in defeat.

The visitors had the first opportunities early on but three one-on-one chances went astray and Cogdon crashed a shot against the bar.

But he opened the scoring midway through the half, heading home from close range after a fantastic ball from Carl Finnigan.

And it was not just the rain that dampened manager Jon Macken’s hopes of a comeback as Rick Smith’s bad challenge on Cogdon saw him dismissed a minute into the second half.

Richardson then found himself with space in front of the Boro defence, and unleashed a 20-yard strike to make it 2-0 on 55 minutes.

Mason Fallon was fouled by South Shields’ Darren Lough close to the dugout, which led to a second yellow card for Lough.

Radcliffe finally grew into the game 70 minutes in and could have brought the scores level, but for the heroics of goalkeeper Liam Connell.

But Mariners substitute Armstrong struck to make it 3-0 as he tucked home a rebound off the post.

Armstrong then added the fourth two minutes later to seal the win.

Boro had enjoyed a 3-0 win at home to Ossett Town at the weekend, with Jimmy Daniels’ first goal for the club adding to first-half strikes from Jordan Bove and Louis Myers.

Boro complete their season at Prescot Cables on Saturday, kick off 3pm.