RADCLIFFE boss Jon Macken believes belief and togetherness in the camp has been key to his side’s recent run of success.

Boro are just two points outside the BetVictor Premier Division play-off places after making it five wins on the bounce with a 3-0 win against Basford United.

Macken’s side next travel to struggling Ashton United on Saturday.

“We’ve been working a lot in training on getting the ball down and passing. When we get hold of the ball, we are able to dictate the tempo of the game,” said the Boro boss.

“We’re working hard in training; we’re working hard on possession in training. We work on all different things and scenarios in terms of overloads.

“Training’s at a good standard at the moment, we’re going to improve and get better like I keep saying.

“It’s a tough period because we’ve played so many games but the belief and togetherness in there is brilliant.”

Despite winning 3-0, Macken was not too happy at the half-time whistle against Basford as he felt his team didn’t get enough of a grip on the action despite leading 1-0.

“In the fFirst half I was a bit disappointed because I don’t think we got hold of the ball well enough and I think we allowed them to play a little bit too much,” he added.

“They’re a good team so if you allow them to have the ball then they’re going to cause you problems. They had some great movement up top and played some good football.

“I was a little bit disappointed all in all. We got off to a great start with Ben Wharton getting his goal, it was a good finish from a good move.

“For five or 10 minutes we were really pressing high and winning the ball back. As soon as we scored, we kind of sat off them a little bit, allowing them too much space and letting them dictate the play.

“I think we probably deserved going into half time at 1-0. I told them that they’re good players and they need to get on the ball, dictate the play, dictate the tempo of the game.

“I thought in the second half we were outstanding. Defensively, once again, we were bang on it. It’s a squad game and the subs played a massive part in it.

“It’s really pleasing to get the three points and to get the goals as well, against a very good side.”