IT was honours even at the Neuven Stadium in Radcliffe’s first pre-season friendly against Southport, with skipper Rick Smith cancelling out the Sandgrounders’ opening goal.

Jon Macken’s side played out a 1-1 draw with a whole host of new signings and trialists on show as Boro made 11 changes at the break.

The visitors took the lead through Stefan Mueller’s audacious effort late in the first half, but Boro drew level midway through the second period as captain Smith’s free kick cannoned in off the goalkeeper.

The sides had played out a cagey opening 10 minutes as they struggled to find their feet on the hard surface.

The away team had had the better of the opening exchanges and Jack Sampson headed over after some good work from Jason Gilchrest on the wing.

Southport continued to pile on the pressure as Mike Phenix fired over after a mix-up in the Boro box.

Radcliffe’s first clear-cut opportunity came through new signing Scott Metcalfe, whose shot was cleared off the line by a Sandgrounders defender.

The visitors took the lead on 42 minutes, Mueller’s long-range free kick lobbing Radcliffe’s trialist keeper.

Both sides made wholesale changes at half time, with Radcliffe giving Elliot Messam and Tunde Owoalabi their first run out in Boro colours.

Macken’s side grew into the game in the second half and finally equalised when Smith fired a powerful free kick against the post which crept into the back of the net after ricocheting off Dan Hanford in the Southport goal.

With neither side able to find a winner in the closing stages it was a decent run-out for both teams that ended 1-1.

The 104 watching will have enjoyed seeing a host of new faces on show as Macken prepares for the forthcoming season.