RADCLIFFE got back to winning ways as they beat Matlock Town on Saturday afternoon at the Neuven Stadium

Liam Ellis netted the only goal of the game shortly after half time to give Jon Macken’s men all three points.

Boro had been fairly comfortable in the game but were thankful the Gladiators failed to capitalise on two excellent chances late in the day.

The Blues have now won three of the last four games in the BetVictor League Premier Division and sit 16th in the table.

Boro had the first real chance of the game just four minutes in. Danny Mitchley directed his header goalwards but it was smartly saved by John Stewart in the Town goal.

On 17 minutes Daniel Bramall drove into the Boro box but his cross was poor and was easily collected by Radcliffe keeper Ollie Martin.

Scott Metcalfe was the next man to see an effort saved by Stewart, who pulled off an acrobatic stop diving towards his top corner.

Town looked to be in on 29 minutes but for an outstanding challenge from Rick Smith.

Moments before the half-time whistle, the away side had another opportunity to take the lead but Luke Dean dragged his chance wide of the goal and the half ended scoreless.

Just moments after the restart Mitchley ran clear of the Town defence and, although his effort was saved by Stewart, the rebound was fired home by Ellis to give Boro the lead.

Just two minutes later it was very nearly 2-0 as Ellis drove into the box and played a great ball across the area but no-one was on hand to convert.

Shortly after the hour mark, Kingsley Williams made himself a yard of space to shoot but his effort blazed over the bar.

Macken’s men very nearly found a second through Matthew Wolfenden, his header went narrowly wide after a brilliant counter-attack from the hosts.

Smith thought he had doubled Boro’s lead on 76 minutes but his back-post header went just past the side netting.

On 79 minutes Matlock should have been back in the tie but Samuel Scrivens blazed high and wide when it looked easier to score.

With just two minutes to go Matlock once again thought they were back in the game, Luke Hindley the man heading another fine chance wide of Martin’s goal.

With those chances going begging for the Gladiators, Boro hung on to claim a valuable three points and sit 16th in the table.

This weekend Boro turn their attention to the FA Trophy and a tie at home to FC United of Manchester.