RADCLIFFE FC are ready to compete at the right end of the table, says chairman Paul Hilton, ahead of this Saturday’s season opener.

Boro racked up a typical mixed bag of pre-season results, with home defeats to Marske United and Nantwich Town following respectable draws with Bury and Southport.

And as Radcliffe prepare to head for Widnes to kick off the new Evo-Stik League season, Hilton is feeling good about his side’s chances in the newly-formed West Division.

“I’m very optimistic for this season,” he told the Radcliffe Times. “We haven’t had the pre-season results we’d have wanted but the last month has been about it all coming together. What we have done is prepare properly in order to achieve big things.

“I expect this to be the year, we’ve got a good blend of youth and experience in the squad and there are no massive spenders in this league this year. We’re all competing at the same level, it’s a very open playing field and we’ll look to capitalise. That starts at Widnes, but it’s a tough task. They’re a good side and made some good signings so we can’t take them lightly.”

Jon Macken looks to have recruited well in his first summer as manager, not least by bringing in highly-rated strikers George West and Elliot Rokka, the former following his release by Stockport County, the latter returning to Boro after a spell with Tranmere.

“George was on loan at Clitheroe last season and scored a lot of goals,” added Hilton. “He returned to Stockport but wasn’t retained but we think he’s a brilliant player.

“Elliot has been back with us a few weeks after spending most of pre-season with Altrincham.

“They didn’t take up the option to sign him so we were delighted we were able to bring him back. It’s huge for us, a great signing.”