GERRY Luczka is predicting an excellent match when Radcliffe Borough come up against his former club Leigh Genesis, who are riding high near the top of the UniBond Division One North.

The Boro director of football, who spent three years at Leigh, is looking forward to their visit and is full of admiration for the work boss Garry Flitcroft has done since taking over in March.

“They have had their problems in the last few years,” said Luczka. “But since Garry has taken charge, he’s completely revitalised the club, brought in some very good players and it’s not surprising that they’re doing well.”

Boro will have their hands full with former Blackburn star Matt Jansen in their forward line.

“Matt has taken up a coaching role as well,” added Luczka. “I’ve watched them a number of times this season and I have been very impressed with the way they play the game.

“They pass the ball around, they’ve got some great individuals and it promises to be a really good game. Both teams have similar styles.”

Boro suffered the frustration of yet another postponement on Tuesday night when the league fixture against Bamber Bridge was postponed with the Stainton Park pitch waterlogged again.

Although Radcliffe are not unduly worried about the lay-off, Luczka admits there is no substitute for the match fitness acquired by playing games.

“The weather has played its part again,” he added. “The ground staff are doing a great job, but no matter what they do, they can’t deal with the amount of rain that has come down over the last two weeks.”

Boro have no injury concerns but forward Adam Roscoe is still unavailable and talismanic frontman Jody Banim is suspended.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old midfielder James Holden — who was a regular in Vauxhall Motors’ Blue Square North side last season — joined Boro for training on Thursday night.

They were also blooding a left-sided player, whose identity Luczka could not yet reveal, to ease their selection problems on that side of the field.

“It is an area in which we have been short of options,” he said. “Hopefully, getting the lad in will come to fruition and we can top up our squad.”

Genesis boss Flitcroft said: “Boro have had a lot of games called off, which has affected them, but we are looking for a good game on a pitch that will suit us.”