RADCLIFFE Boro have been boosted by the news that influential midfielder Scott Wilson has rejected the chance to join Stalybridge Celtic.

The 24-year-old hub of the Boro engine room was approached by the Conference North strugglers but decided against the move, opting instead to help Boro push for a play-off place.

Barrie Kealing, Chris Denham and former skipper Tony Whealing have all made the switch to Bower Fold in the last 18 months, and Boro boss Kevin Glendon is grateful the tigerish midfielder didn't follow in their footsteps.

"I am pleased Scott has decided to stay with us," said Glendon.

"He has turned down a good package to stay with us.

"It would have been a blow to lose him but he has played his best football with us and our style of play suits him."

And, the boost comes hot on the heels of Boro's first league win in five games against struggling Gateshead.

Glendon enthused: "I was really pleased with the win at the weekend and it was important too after picking up too many draws lately.

"We now have four games in the league coming up that will go a long way to determining whether we will challenge for the play-offs."

Blyth Spartans kick off this mini-spell before a visit to Marine. Hyde United and Leek then visit Stainton Park over the crucial Christmas period.

Looking ahead to the trip to Blyth on Saturday, Glendon said: "Playing north east teams is never easy because they are always competitive and strong.

"I would be delighted with a victory and it would be a big boost but a point will also be a good result if we win our home games."

Steve Spencer and Paul Challinor won't make the trip to Northumberland so Glendon will put some youngsters on the bench to boost his small squad.

However, Davey Luker should recover from the hamstring strain he picked up against Gateshead in time for the game.

Boro will also be without Steve Halford, who has returned to Accrington Stanley after his loan spell expired.

Glendon added: "Steve has done well for us and came in at a difficult time.

"As so often happens with loan deals, Steve was just showing some of his best form when he had to go back.

Boro's last meeting with Blyth ended in a 1-1 draw in September, courtesy of a Stephen Hill goal.

Since then, both sides have struggled for consistency and Blyth currently occupy one of the relegation spots.

However, they did hold Marine to a goalless draw at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Boro have finally found out who they will face in the second round of the Unibond Cup.

Burscough overcame Bamber Bridge at Irongate 2-1.

The Boro will now travel to Victoria Park on Saturday December, 18.