HAVING beaten Evo-Stik West leaders Atherton Collieries last weekend, Radcliffe toppled them to take over at the top of the table with a 2-0 win against Kendal Town on Tuesday.

Boro now hold a two-point lead at the summit, though Colls have a game in hand, and Jon Macken feels his squad’s spirit could be the deciding factor as the season approaches its climax.

“It’s a fantastic spirit,” he said. “What we have been trying to build is a team and an environment that you will remember for the rest of your life.

“We hope people will talk about the spirit of Radcliffe and the spirit of the team of 2019, that’s what we are trying to build. That is what I have said from day one, that’s what I wanted to create – that kind of environment, that kind of team spirit and that bonding and building of friendships.”

Tunde Owolabi hit the only goal of Saturday’s crucial Colls clash 20 minutes from time.

And, while the manager was quick to mention some outstanding saves from his goalkeeper, Ollie Martin, Macken also spoke in glowing terms about the influence Owolabi has had since he arrived at the Neuven Stadium.

“Once again, I thought it was another great performance [against Atherton], another great three points,” he said. “Obviously, it’s a tough place to come for a top-of-the-table clash, it was always going to be difficult irrespective of where we both are in the league, we are two good teams. It was a battle and I thought we deserved the win.

“We limited their chances, they limited us as well. To be fair Ollie pulled off one or two great saves and they missed a penalty but other than that I can’t remember them getting a clear shot really. At the end of the day these games come down to a goal in either half and luckily enough Tunde came up trumps.

“He is an impact player, he can impact from the start, he can impact from the bench and that’s what we need.

“That’s why you have a squad, you build it for certain games and certain situations.

“With his pace and his ability, he comes on and makes the difference.

“He could be starting the next game and we expect him to impact the game in that capacity.”