EASTWOOD TOWN 0, RADCLIFFE BORO 1: BORO claimed their fifth straight league victory, but lowly Eastwood Town proved tough opposition writes IAN HANNAY.

It took some resolute defending to protect Richard Landon's 49th minute winner as Town belied their league position with a spirited second half display.

Landon again deputised for the suspended Neill Hardy, with Martin Diggle on the bench.

The first half was a scrappy affair with neither side looking likely to score. What little football there was came from Boro, but it was Eastwood who came nearest to scoring in the early stages when skipper Paul Gould rattled Danny Hurst's crossbar with a volley.

Jody Banim was being closely marked, but did manage to create a shooting chance in the 25th minute, but his angled drive was safely held by Town keeper Danny Bryant.

Smith and White both spurned half chances for the hosts before Banim almost opened the scoring after 28 minutes. He dispossessed Butler in midfield, but shot wide following a 40-yard run on goal.

Landon tried his luck from long range and Richard Battersby had a shot charged down after some neat approach work, whilst Hurst was happy to see a Laws volley clear the bar in the final minute of the half.

Steve Spencer replaced Scott Wilson for the second half and Boro came out in more determined mood.

Banim attempted an audacious 40-yard lob that Bryant was grateful to gather and Banim then combined well with Spencer and Battersby to set up the only goal.

Battersby delivered a pin-point cross to the far post where Landon rose to steer a header into the top corner.

The goal gave Eastwood a wake-up call and they had the Boro defence at full stretch. The introduction of Dean Canning in the 62nd minute almost proved to be Boro's undoing as the teenager's pace caused problems.

Kay headed out a dangerous corner and twice within a minute James Price was on hand with last-ditch tackles to deny Meikle and Laws.

Boro keeper Hurst had to keep alert, but was helpless to stop a thunderous Canning shot in the 68th minute, but the ball cannoned back into play off a post and fellow substitute Bedward contrived to steer the rebound wide of the empty net.

Boro's attacking ideas were being stifled as defensive duties took priority, but Banim did manage one mazy dribble, only to see his shot clear the bar.

Diggle had to make one good cover tackle and Price again came to Boro's rescue with a fine piece of covering.

Boro almost grabbed a second when Nicky Spooner released substitute Will Archer, but his cross shot went just past a post.

Hurst twice had to leave his line to deny the livewire Canning and then produced the save of the match from the same player to maintain Boro's slender lead.

This was not a vintage Boro performance, but their unbeaten away record was maintained thanks to some stout defending.

RADCLIFFE BOROUGH: Hurst 7, Battersby 6, Whealing 6, Kelly 6, Kay 7, Elliott 6, Spooner 7, Wilson 6, Landon 6, Banim 6, Price 8. Substitutes: Spencer (for Wilson, 45 mins) 7, Archer (for Landon, 72 mins), Diggle (for Elliott, 72 mins).