Radcliffe Boro was the venue for this top meets bottom clash in NWCL Division Two this week, as just 27 short of the official ground capacity (2,500) came to watch an anticipated goal feast.

That wasnt quite the case, but those expectations were understandable given FC scoring at a rate of four goals per game, and Castleton conceding at virtually the same rate throughout the season so far.

The packed stadium had only fifteen minutes to wait for the first goal, as Joz Mitten nodded a long ball into the path of strike partner Rory Patterson, who slotted coolly into the corner past the Castleton goalkeeper.

Further chances came for FC, with Steve Spencer, Mitten, Adie Orr and Patterson all testing Canning in the Castleton goal with efforts from distance.

However, the Castleton defence held firm and appeared to have reached half time with the deficit at only one goal. Nonetheless, just five minutes before the break, a surging Ryan Gilligan run from the centre of midfield ended with him crashing home a fine strike from the edge of the area to cap some intricate approach play involving Orr, Patterson and Mitten.

With the advantage doubled and FC playing down the hill in the second half, it was inevitable that Castleton would struggle to make much second half progress, and so it was to be as Canning in the Castleton goal saw more of the ball than any other player on the pitch in the second period.

Indeed, the unfortunate Castleton goalkeeper scored the games only other goal, as he kicked the ball into the roof of his own net whilst lying prostrate on the floor, under pressure from Nugent and Mitten following an FC corner. An unusual goal indeed; and a moment that spoiled an otherwise excellent performance from the Castleton number one.

Further chances followed, but none were taken, with FC captain Dave Chadwick guilty of a number of misses from set pieces, having one header cleared off the line and another striking the crossbar on its way into the packed terrace behind the goal.

Six substitutions followed the third goal, somewhat disrupting the flow of the game and resulting in a disjointed last half hour that promised much yet delivered little, especially since the FC attacking trio of Orr, Patterson and the influential Mitten were the players withdrawn.

The result gives FC a six-point lead at the top of the table and the p word is already being mentioned.

STUART HALL