Witton Albion 0 Radcliffe Boro 2: RADCLIFFE manager Kevin Glendon made a triumphant return after illness to mastermind a superb away victory at Witton writes John Bullen

The popular Stainton Park boss was taken ill early in December with suspected angina and has been sidelined since. Those fears have thankfully proved unfounded but in his absence the team has also suffered. A win, however, was the perfect tonic for manager, players and supporters.

A rather dire first half saw Witton dominate possession but create little and Boro's Jody Banim the only striker to catch the eye when he fired just over with a half chance.

In the interval Glendon was able to weave a little magic, replacing injured full back Jamie Price with new signing Barrie Keeling and striker Richard Landen with Lee Kissock.

The opening goal came on 55 minutes when Mark Dempsey floated over a corner for Simon Kelly to head home unchallenged. The introduction of Kissock had proved particularly effective with Boro showing far more incision up front.

The killer second goal on 69 minutes was pure class. A long ball through the middle from Gus Wilson saw Banim marked by two home defenders but he controlled, beat both and chipped over the advancing keeper for his 20th goal of the season.

The victory sees Boro level on points at the top of the Division One table with Harrogate Town but having played five games more.

BEN STAR TURN

MARK DEMPSEY, Radcliffe Boro

This week's fixtures :- Tuesday February 5 NWCL Division One - Atherton LR v Atherton Colls, Ramsbottom United v Flixton