RADCLIFFE Borough failed in their bid to gain automatic promotion to the Unibond Premier Division despite beating fourth placed North Ferriby United on Saturday, while a last minute penalty blocked Atherton Colls route to safety.

Spennymoor United beat Witton Albion to stave off Borough's challenge and the Stainton Park outfit now enter the play offs for the second year running. They again take on North Ferriby in the play off semi-final at Stainton Park on Tuesday (7.45pm ko) with the winners at home in the final on Saturday.

Last Saturday's match was something of an anti-climax with North Ferriby not fielding their strongest side. Borough took the lead after 21 minutes when Jody Banim cleverly lobbed over the keeper to notch his 43rd goal of the season and eight minutes after the break Banim set up full-back Tony Whealing for a clinical finish to give Borough a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Atherton Colls drew 1-1 at home against Prescot Cables,but the Merseysiders had to thank a disputed 88th minute penalty that gave them the league title

A Colls win would have seen them safe against relegation, but they must now get a result tonight at Alder House against fellow strugglers Flixton .KO 7.45pm.

Depending on other results, the winners could avoid the drop.