RADCLIFFE started the new year as they mean to go on, with a 3-0 win at home to Trafford.

Tunde Owolabi netted all three goals as Boro closed the gap on Runcorn Linnets, who took over top spot over Christmas.

Trafford had the first chance as Liam Ellis was played through on goal but his sliced effort was well wide of Ollie Martin’s post.

Owolabi gave Radcliffe the lead almost immediately after, getting in behind the defence before rounding keeper Matty Cooper and passing into the empty net.

Radcliffe were 2-0 up not long after as Owolabi sprang the offside trap before slotting the ball calmly underneath the keeper.

Owolabi nearly completed his hat-trick midway through the first half but his thunderous shot from the edge of the box cannoned back off the bar.

Trafford tried to respond but Jack Dorney could only hit his shot along the floor and straight at Ollie Martin.

Owolabi completed the scoring on the stroke of half time, finding the top corner with a header from Scott Metcalfe’s corner.

Martin denied Trafford with their best chance of a consolation early in the second half and Rick Smith almost added a fourth for Boro. His shot from the edge of the box was spilled by Cooper but he scrambled back to prevent the ball from going over the line.