JON Macken reckons Radcliffe’s rock-solid defence could be their best bet for promotion.

With four games to play in Evo-Stik West, Boro trail leaders Atherton Collieries by a single point.

An impressive run of late-season form, which has seen them win seven in a row, has also been achieved with five consecutive clean sheets.

Macken’s side head to Colne on Saturday, their sixth-placed opponents also hoping to close the gap on the play-off places.

“If you have got the belief that you have a solid back six then you are going to create chances and push forward,” he said.

“If those lads can give us a platform to push on then we will score goals. If we do that, hopefully it’s enough to win you games and over the last seven the lads have been tremendous.”

Boro are the division’s form team but Atherton Colls kept their nerve in midweek to beat Newcastle Town 2-1 and regain their place at the top.

Macken is relaxed and has urged his side to keep the pressure on.

“They are doing really well and we have to keep going,” he said.

“At the moment, every week, everyone at the top of the table is winning every week. It’s impressive.

“But that’s what football is all about. You have to go into every game and put a performance in that can win you a game.”

Boro claimed seven awards at the Evo-Stik awards in Barnsley this week.

Tunde Owolabi picked up the Northern Premier League (NPL) Show Supporters’ Player of the Year award.

“Winning this award would not have been possible without my team mates and the coaching staff as well,” he said. “The belief and support they have shown to me throughout this season has been incredible.

Boro’s top scorer was also named in the combined media Team of the Season, and the West Division Team of the Year alongside Callum Grogan.

The Blues’ academy player Sheldon Barrington collected the NPL Football Academy Player of the Year and was also named in the Academy Team of the Season for the league.

And to rounds things off, Boro were named NPL Club of the Month for March, alongside Jon Macken who was named the league’s Manager of the Month.