LINCOLN UNITED 2 RADCLIFFE BORO 1

RADCLIFFE Boro were just three minutes from automatic promotion to the Unibond Premier Division.

An 87th minute Mark Rookyard converted penalty, after being hauled down by David Bean, earned Lincoln United the victory that kept alive his side's slim hopes of sneaking into the top two slots at the expense of either Leigh RMI or the Boro.

It could however have been all over bar the celebrating for Boro. Goalkeeper Andy Johnstone set up the perfect platform with a first half performance that included four outstanding saves, the highlight being a splendid triple block from a penalty.

Spot kicks were to figure prominently in the game as Tony McDonald gave Radcliffe a deserved lead on 32 minutes.

Against the run of play, Lincoln equalised on 73 minutes through Andy Gray's tap-in following a quickly taken free kick. Boro striker Joe Connor then endured a nightmare four minute spell he will want to forget.

On 82 minutes he stumbled and lost control in a one-on-one with the keeper. Two minutes later he shot wide from a good position and within seconds totally miskicked in front of an open goal.

The large Radcliffe contingent, at least 30 of them in fancy dress, had their celebratory plans nipped in the bud by that late Rookyard winner. BRADFORD PA 4 ATHERTON LR 2

ATHERTON LR gave a typically spirited display - but it still ended in defeat.

The absentee list included Mick Southern, Kenny Quigg, Damien Kelly, Tony Pemberton, Steve Iley, Gary Cowburn, Mark Stewart and Lee Cryer.

Manager Dave Morris was philosophical: "We did as well as we could do under the circumstances which has been the story of the whole season. Some of the younger lads we brought in did well but you can't hope to go into a tough away game with so many quality players missing and expect to get much out of it."

Neil Moss banged in his third goal in four games for Rovers on the 70th minute and Paul Griffin struck home a superb 35 yard left foot volley on 80 but Bradford were always in front with a Darren Royle own goal (22), Ricardo Gabbiadinni (42), Martin Regan (90) and Christian Annan (83).

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