RADCLIFFE returned from Whitby Town with a hard-earned point as Saturday’s 0-0 draw on the East Coast kept Bobby Grant’s side on course for the play-offs, writes Kieran Wilson.

Boro were looking to bounce back from the 2-0 home defeat to Atherton Collieries the previous Tuesday which ended their unbeaten start to the year.

One change was made to the side from the Colls defeat, Bailey Sloane started his first game for the club since signing on loan from Accrington Stanley, replacing top goalscorer Luca Navarro who dropped to the bench.

A game of minimal chances for either side had to wait until the 14th minute for a real opportunity to open the scoring, Jude Oyibo won possession back in the final third to set Jake Thompson in on goal to convert into the bottom corner, only for the linesman to raise his flag to deny us a 1-0 lead.

Minutes later, Michael Brewster’s flick on was latched onto by the ever-present Jude Oyibo who began sprinting at goal before shooting down the barrel of the goalkeeper inside the box, after beating his man to gain an opening.

Whitby had to wait until the 35th minute for their first effort at goal, Lewis Hawkins expertly wriggled past a number of Radcliffe players with a good piece of trickery, he then sent an arrow towards the target but Jack McIntyre stood his ground to see the shot into his hands.

Only seconds later, the best chance of the game was squandered by the home side. Connor Simpson timed his forward run to perfection and was played in on goal with time and space, he waited for the right moment before dragging a shot wide from close range.

The final opportunity of the first half fell the way of Whitby’s Harrison Beeden, a lapse in concentration allowed the defender to roam free inside the box for a shot which Jack Mclntyre stopped from point-blank range with a fingertip save.

On 56 minutes, the best chance of the 90 couldn’t be capitalised on by Radcliffe, despite having two opportunities to do so.

Jake Thompson received a through ball and began racing through from a narrow angle, before skipping inside and shooting straight at Shane Bland.

On the follow up, Jude Oyibo blazed over the bar from close range with the goal gaping.

The draw sees Boro drop to fourth place in NPL Premier Division.

Boro have a tough test on Saturday when they host second-placed Hyde United.