Radcliffe narrowly missed out on a sport in the last 16 of the FA Trophy after losing 2-1 against National League side Barnet at the Neuven Stadium on Saturday, writes Kieran Wilson.

In an end-to-end encounter full of chances, the step one high-flyers were pushed all the way but two decisive goals from Marvin Armstrong in each half were enough to put an end to the Boro’s historic FA Trophy campaign.

It means Boro can now concentrate on their NPL Premier Division promotion push and they cemented their place at the top of the table with a bounce back 3-1 win at Basford United on Tuesday thanks to goals from Jude Oyibo, Josh Hancock and Ewan Bange, back at the club following a two-month loan spell at Bamber Bridge.

On Saturday, Boro took the lead in the 37th minute when an excellent bit of link up play saw Brad Jackson find Jordan Hulme, the forward flicked the ball onto Luca Navarro who was in a great position to find a shot but unselfishly opted to play in Anthony Dudley who finished into the bottom right corner.

However, Radcliffe’s lead didn’t last long as Barnet were level just seven minutes later through Armstrong, getting his first of the afternoon on the cusp of half-time. At the second attempt, the 25-year-old put the ball between the legs of Hewelt to restore parity and bring the Bees back into the cup tie.

Boro started the second half strongly and Navarro headed wide when well place and Jude Oyibo saw his goal bound effort deflected clear.

But in the 66th minute, Barnet grabbed the match-winner against the run of play, as Armstrong doubled his tally for the afternoon with a close range finish.

Whilst there were no more goals in the match, there was still entertainment to be had as both sides pushed in order to save their place in the competition.

With just over 10 minutes to go in the fixture, the visitors nearly stamped their authority on the game as Callum Stead raced through with space, rounding the goalkeeper but Thornley would keep a two-goal deficit at bay by seemingly coming out of nowhere to clear the ball whilst Hewelt stood in no man’s land.

The introductions of Scott Duxbury and Ewan Bange, as well as Lois Maynard, who returned to action after two months out with injury, looked to reshuffle the pack with a last roll of the dice aiming to change our fortunes in the tie.

Barnet had to rely on resolute defending to maintain their favourable scoreline. Radcliffe upped the ante with a number of corners which were swung in by Adams, the best opportunity created from set pieces came via Smith’s header at the back post which looped over Keeley, but a Barnet defender clipped the ball clear.

On the 86-minute mark, Adams remained on the dead ball situations to provide another opportunity as Radcliffe remained on the charge for a leveller. The skipper played a low free kick into Hulme who turned on a sixpence before laying the ball off to Navarro, he volleyed towards goal but Keeley evaded the hosts once more by palming agonisingly wide of his left post.

The Boro were left to rue their chances in added time, whilst Barnet were more than happy to run down the clock with three switches to bring new energy to counteract the Radcliffe momentum.