RADCLIFFE Boro manager Kevin Glendon's warning to his players that they must improve or leave the club following the 2-1 weekend defeat at Hucknall Town worked a treat. Last night Boro travelled to Belper Town in the FA Umbro Trophy first round and shrugged off going a goal behind early on, to cruise to a 3-1 victory.

Fourth in the Unibond Division One table, Belper caught Boro napping with the opener. But Paul Allen levelled with a header before half time. Allen was the star of a scintillating Radcliffe second half show as he went on to register a memorable hat-trick.

His second came with a crisp shot, and his third rounded off a superb Boro move as he showed great skill to ghost past two defenders and finish precisely.

Glendon commented: "It was a really good performance from us. The pitch was in fabulous condition and it suited us to a tee."

The prize for Boro is a home game against Great Harwood Town in the next round. Atherton Colls travel to Mossley tonight in the North Western Trains League Challenge Cup first round, kick off 7.30pm.

Atherton LR travel to Prescot Cables in the Floodlit Trophy first round first leg. This game has been postponed twice because of the weather and is again in doubt tonight. The LR club number is 01942 883950.

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