A DRAMATIC victory against Irlam in midweek has not stopped Jon Macken demanding more from his Boro squad.

Even though Shelton Payne’s hat-trick saw off Irlam in the Manchester Premier Cup, the Radcliffe boss gave his players a wake-up call as they prepare for the visit of Cleethorpes Town this weekend.

A place in the next round of the FA Trophy is up for grabs – and though Boro have made an impressive start to the season overall, Macken is concerned slow starts like the one made against Colne last weekend could start to cost his team in the long run.

“I think we’ve dropped off a little bit in recent weeks but we’re working hard to rectify that,” he said.

“We always seem to muster a fightback when we go a goal behind. I’d rather go two goals in front, with the chances we are creating. But at the moment we’re not waking up until we go behind, then we start showing a bit of fire, a bit of character.”

Macken’s mood has been lifted by the goalscoring returns of ex-FC United midfielder Payne and former Tranmere youngster Elliot Rokka, who netted the equaliser against Colne in a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

“It’s pleasing because they have been working hard, pushing to get starts, and they have to make an impact,” he reflected.

“Shelton got a little knock against Skem on his back but he’s got a start and got his goals, so you want to see that kind of reaction.”

Macken also added to his options this week with the signings of Trafford midfielder Matt Carruthers and Dimitri Tuanzebe – bother of Manchester United’s Axel – who both made their first appearances in the Irlam win.

“It’s more depth, a bit of different attributes in the team,” explained the Boro boss.

“Matty came in for his first game in a while, and it was always going to be difficult, he got on the ball and made some fantastic passes. He’ll get fitter and more aware of his surroundings.

“Dimi came off the bench and you can see he’s got power and pace.

“You need new players to freshen things up and keep people on their toes.”