FOOTBALL - RADCLIFFE BORO

OSSETT TOWN...0

RADCLIFFE BOROUGH...2

WITH optimism running high following a promising pre-season, the first real test came with this visit to league new boys Ossett, and Borough were not found wanting.

They orchestrated the club's first opening day victory of manager Kevin Glendon's 13-year reign at Stainton Park.

A tough encounter was expected and that's how it turned out, with the result ground out on a poor surface.

Danny Hurst eased Glendon's goalkeeping worries by reporting fit and looked secure as Town pushed forward in the second half.

One disappointment, however, was an injury to Gordon Armstrong, who had to be taken to hospital with a broken arm.

A strong breeze and bobbley pitch made constructive football difficult, although Boro always looked the more composed.

Town goalkeeper Michael Clark was soon in action, turning away Andy Heald's early free kick, while Hurst was caught out by David Evans, only for Armstrong to get back to clear the danger

Scott Wilson showed plenty of energy in midfield and Lee Duffy demonstrated a willingness to join the attack, firing just wide from Phil Denney's head-on.

James Walshaw almost caught Hurst off his guard but his 40-yard speculative effort just cleared the bar with the Boro custodian anxiously back pedalling.

Boro broke the deadlock in the 36th minute with a well executed goal.

Rory Patterson opened the way with a neat turn in midfield, releasing Lee Duffy whose low drive was parried by Clark, but Simon Carden was on hand to head home.

Within a minute of taking the lead, however, Boro were rocked when Armstrong fell awkwardly and was obviously in instant pain.

He was immediately taken to hospital with an arm injury, which subsequently transpired to be a break, Davey Luker, meanwhile deputised for him.

Boro almost extended their lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half, when Patterson's quick break set up Carden, but on this occasion his shot flew wide.

With Boro no doubt looking forward to a well earned half-time cuppa, Town were given the opportunity to square matters when the referee awarded them a penalty after Walshaw went down under a seemingly harmless challenge, but Hurst was equal to the task, fisting away David Brigg's spot kick.

The second half developed into a rugged battle with Town, relying on a series of crosses, but Hurst's handling was assured and when Boro broke forward the hard-working front pair or Denney and Patterson always looked threatening.

In midfield it was a case of matching fire with fire, with Wilson in his element covering every blade of grass.

Patterson, Wilson and Heald combined to open the way for Denney, but the shot was blocked.

Denney then headed wide from Jamie Baguley's cross, but the rugged striker got the reward for a tireless display with the clinching goal in the final minute.

Duffy released Steve Spencer, whose cross was cleverly brought down by Denney before he toe-poked the ball past Clark.

Town may not be the greatest footballing side in the league, but they compete well and few teams will relish a visit to the Ingfield Ground.

Boro found it difficult to impose their superior skills but showed that when the chips are down they are capable of scrapping for the points.

BORO: Hurst, Duffy, Heald, Kelly, Armstrong, Hill Spencer, Carden, Denney, Patterson, Wilson. Subs: Luker (for Armstrong, 41), Battersby, Baguley (for Patterson, 84).