Boro let goal slip

RADCLIFFE Borough let a one goal lead slip away and eventually were grateful to collect one point against a stubborn Matlock Town.

Borough keeper Danny Hurst received his marching orders midway through the second half, but Matlock failed to capitalize on their extra man and stand-in goalkeeper Eamonn Kelly was rarely troubled.

The early skirmishers saw play switching from end to end, but both defences stood firm with Gus Wilson marshalling the Boro rearguard and Lukic doing likewise for Matlock.

Good build up down the Borough right, saw Scott Wilson, Hardy and Battersby combine well, but the latters cross was too far for Kissock to find the target.

Town goalkeeper Tye had to be alert, and three times during the first half he was quickly off his line to smother at the feet of Kisssock, but the best chance fell to Hardy just before the break. Eamonn Kelly and Kissock combined well to set up Hardy, but Borough's leading scorer completely miscued and his shot sailed homelessly wide.

The lively Paul was replaced by Bushiri early in the second half, and the substitute caused Borough's defence endless problems with his pace. However, it was Borough who took the lead only three minutes after the break. Price fed Walker, whose astute through ball released Neill Hardy, and this time the striker made no mistake cleverly lifting the ball into the top corner of the net.

Boro almost increased their lead two minutes later, when Battersby's deep cross was met by Walker whose shot hit the post.

Scott Wilson gave an all action display, but Matlock gradually hauled themselves back into the game with Bushiri a constant threat, and the equaliser came after 62 minutes.

O'Reilly made room on the left, and his cross found Ian Rush bury with time and space to fire past Hurst. Five minutes late, Boro were lucky not to go behind, but the escape was not without its price. Bushiri outstripped the Boro defence, and Hurst came out of his area to close him down. As the Town substitute rounded Hurst, he was upended and referee Canadine was left with no alternative then brandish the red card.

Eamonn Kelly took over in goal, and from the free kick, Noteman hit the post with the stand-in-keeper a mere spectator.

From then on it was Town who gained the initiative, but they failed to test Kelly and he was only called upon to collect aseries of short and crosses.

Borough's attacking options were now limited and the final whistle was greeted with some relief. The draw was a fair result, but Boro will feel they lost their way after taking that early second half lead.

BORO: Hurst 6, Battersby 6, Whealing 7, S. Kelly 7, E. Wlson 7, Walker 7, E. Kelly 7, S. Wilson 7, Kissock 7, Hardy 7, Price 6. Subs: Canten (for Battersby 80), Bean (for Kissock 75), Farrelly (not used).