RADCLIFFE missed out on the opportunity to claim a play-off spot as they were narrowly beaten 1-0 at Colne.

Alex Curren netted the only goal of the game part way through the first half to put a dent in the visitors’ promotion hopes.

Boro grew into the second half but it wasn’t to be their night. Jon Macken’s side still sit second, four points behind table toppers Atherton Collieries.

It was the home side who started the better, with Curren shooting wide from outside the box with three minutes on the clock.

Brad Knox was next to fire over as the home side threatened to failed to trouble Ollie Martin in the Boro goal.

Two minutes later it was the Radcliffe’s turn to knock on the door. Lee Neville played a brilliant ball across the six-yard box but no-one was there to meet it.

Just three minutes later, Curren netted for Colne, his low strike beating Martin and finding the bottom corner of the goal.

Craig Lindfield had Boro’s best chance just before half time but his flicked header went narrowly wide of the post.

Macken’s side looked the better of the two during the second period with the best chance falling to Scott Metcalfe, whose two free-kicks had Hakan Burton scrambling.

Colne defended resolutely throughout to keep their slender lead intact and though Radcliffe produced a second half full of promising chances, they could not find the breakthrough, in only the third game this season in which they have failed to score.

Boro missed out on a chance to secure a play-off spot and now face a long trip to Colwyn Bay this weekend as they look to get back on track.