RADCLIFFE reached the second qualifying round for first time in eight years as their perfect start to the season continued in the FA Cup.

Boro saw off Evo-Stik Premier side Stalybridge Celtic 1-0 in the first round qualifier at the Neuven Stadium.

Jon Macken’s men made it six wins on the bounce in all competitions this season, with Ben Wharton scoring the only goal to sink Stalybridge.

The away side got off to the better start and four minutes in Stalybridge captain Danny Brady powered a header off the top of the bar.

Wharton had his first chance from Scott Metcalfe’s free kick but after he headed downwards towards goal Celtic keeper James Aspinall, on loan from Bolton Wanderers, managed to push it wide.

Tunde Owolabi sent a volley agonisingly wide before Aspinall made a good save from his second attempt, a low, drilled shot to the near post.

And Boro’s dominance was rewarded on the half-hour mark.

Another Metcalfe free kick found the head of Wharton who headed back across goal and into the top of the net for what would turn out to be the winning goal.

The visitors had the first chance, within a minute of the second half kicking off, but after the ball was neatly cut back to Steve Irwin he sent his shot way over.

Radcliffe wasted a golden opportunity to double their lead in the 50th minute.

Owolabi got through the Celtic defence but his close-range shot was saved by Aspinall.

George West’s follow-up was hit across the face of goal with no one able to apply the vital finishing touch.

Celtic continued to search for a reply and, with half an hour remaining, Irwin broke through the Boro defence with just Ollie Martin to beat. The keeper came out and did just enough to ensure Irwin’s lob was off target.

Stalybridge also went close through Michael Clarke, who blasted wide from close range, and Ross Dent, whose header at a set piece was inches over the bar.

Celtic’s final chance came in the 80th minute, when Chris Sharp got down the right and cut in before hitting a low shot that would have nestled in the bottom corner had man-of-the-match Martin not made a superb save to preserve his clean sheet and send Boro into the second qualifying round, in which they will play Curzon Ashton later this month.

Boro, who continued their 100-per-cent start to the season, were to return to Evo-Stik West action last night, in a top-versus-bottom match at Skelmersdale United.