RADCLIFFE BORO...4, DROYLSDEN...0: RADCLIFFE Boro manager Kevin Glendon has unearthed a real gem in 21-year-old striker Chris Denham.

The former Stalybridge attacker grabbed a brace as a shell-shocked Droylsden side went home empty-handed.

The win lifts Boro into ninth place in the table and was a welcome tonic for the Stainton Park faithful after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Frickley.

However, it wasn't all plain-sailing as the visitors took the lead within ten minutes after Gavin Salmon had set up Leroy Chambers for the opening goal.

Boro soon found their passing game and restored parity when Simon Carden got on the end of a well-worked move.

The game ebbed and flow as Boro struggled to contain their physical opponents.

Chances were wasted at both ends with Jody Banim forcing an outstanding save from Droylsden keeper Stuart Heeps after his speculative lob looked to be heading for the top corner.

Danny Warner also came close with a chip from the half-way line that had Danny Hurst worried before marauding Boro full-back Richard Battersby was denied what looked a penalty.

Battersby took the ball out of defence, played a neat one-two with Banim before continuing his run into the penalty area where he was sent sprawling. It looked a certain spot-kick but the referee wasn't interested.

Then, Denham (pictured right) turned on the magic on the stroke of half-time. A long punt out of defence was chased by Denham before the pacy striker pulled out a finish from the top drawer to leave Heeps beaten.

Boro came out for the second half under the cosh from the start with the Bloods trying to exploit a shaky rearguard that has seen 15 goals conceded in just eight games.

The home side were in need of some inspiration but were struggling to contain their opponents, who had thrown on all three substitutes to try and chase a point.

In contrast, Boro had only one fit substitute on the bench in Richard Landon and he was kept on the sidelines in case anybody went down injured.

Boro then hit Droylsden on the break as Jody Banim ran at a back-pedalling defence before unselfishly passing to Denham. He then made room for his shot before hitting the back of the net from the edge of the area.

Just two minutes later, Banim fired home to seal the win and end his personal goal drought.

There was still time for Denham to get his hat-trick but he sent his shot high and wide after Banim had once again been the unselfish provider.

Darren Wright grabbed a late consolation for Droylsden but Glendon was delighted with the victory: "It's been difficult for us with injuries and suspensions to get a full squad out there but we stuck to it and the boys were magnificent.

"Droylsden are a good team and had spells on top but it was hard for me to change it with just Richard Landon fit on the bench."

And the manager reserved special praise for Denham: "I thought Chris was magnificent and he will only get better. He's off the mark now and he's linking up well with Neill and Jody. He's quick, bright and lively. Davey Luker was magnificent too," the manager added.

Boro have a free weekend this week but Barrow visit Stainton Park on Tuesday night.

BORO: Hurst 7, Battersby 7, Whealing 7, Denham 9, Luker 7, Elliott 7, Marginson 7, Carden 7, Hardy 7 (Landon 6), Banim 7, Price 7.