JON Macken praised his Radcliffe side after digging deep to beat Matlock Town for their third win in four league games.

Liam Ellis bagged the only goal as Boro claimed all three points. They still sit 16th in the BetVictor League Premier Division, but are not yet a quarter of the way through the season.

The former Manchester City forward was particularly pleased with his side’s work rate and tempo in the second half as they went in search of a goal.

“I thought the first half was one of those games where both teams were trying to work each other out, a bit of a stalemate really,” he said. “We had two great chances in the first half and the goalkeeper produced two great saves but, other than that, there wasn’t much in it.

“I thought in the second half we did really well, we created chances and our work rate and tempo increased. Defensively we were solid, they didn’t look like a threat at all. I thought we were well organised, it was a great team performance.”

Also pleasing for Macken was Boro’s clean sheet, aided by their new signing, young Salford defender Tyrell Warren, a standout player against Matlock.

“His understanding and reading of the game was excellent and to come straight in like that it can be difficult,” added Macken. “I thought he was brilliant. It was a good solid squad performance, the lads that came on worked really hard.”

Macken’s men now look forward to welcoming familiar opponents in FC United for Saturday’s FA Trophy match, a clash he believes will be entertaining.

“We will just prepare like we always do,” he said. “We have played them numerous times now and we know what to expect. It will be a tough but enjoyable FA Trophy tie,they’re in a good run of form and we are playing well so it should be a good, entertaining game.”