RADCLIFFE Borough failed to build on their morale-boosting midweek win over United’s promotion rivals Bamber Bridge.

Although they were forced to do some defending early on, it was Griff Jones who put Boro ahead on 15 minutes.

The hosts were indecisive as Boro hit them on the break and Jones hit a lofted shot over Skelmersdale keeper Ryan McMahon to give his side the lead.

Boro’s right-back Gary Sampson had already rescued his side on five minutes to clear Michael White’s attempt on goal off the line.

Jones’ strike partner Adam was less lucky when he tested McMahon early on, but the keeper made an excellent stop. Michael Oates might have added to Boro’s lead, but he fired wide from eight yards.

As the first half wore on, however, the hosts’ slick passing, orchestrated by Sean MCConville and George Donnelly, started to test Boro.

At the other end, Boro would have stretched their lead, but a trademark header from Craig Dawson went narrowly wide.

Skelmersdale made Radcliffe pay for the misses when Aaron Turner went on a superb run before passing to Donnelly, who beat his man and sent the ball into the bottom corner on 32 minutes.

Only a wonder-save from Phil Priestley kept out Steven Akrigg’s goal-bound header to keep the scores level at the break.

Skelmersdale were fastest out of the blocks after the interval when Turner went on another run, beating a challenge from Lee Unsworth. He could only guide the ball into the path of Adam Birchall, who fired the ball home on 50 minutes.

A free kick from Owen Roberts and another chance from substitute Steve Howason may have given Boro a deserved point, but it was not to be.