RADCLIFFE Boro were plunged deeper into the relegation mire by leaders North Ferriby - despite pushing the league leaders all the way at Grange Lane.

Gary Sampson cleared an early Leon Wainman header off the line before forcing Ferriby keeper Antoni Pecora into a fine save at the other end.

Just before the break, Wainman broke into the area before delivering a low cross into the six yard box which was turned in by Graham Botham.

Ferriby doubled their lead on 48 minutes when the dangerous Wainman collected a long ball before squaring for Carl Fothergill to slam home.

Boro responded quickly, and got themselves back into the game when Martyn Forrest produced a fantastic half volley from 20 yards.

Steve Foster should have levelled the scores just after the hour mark when he lost his defender in the area, only to be denied by a last-gasp tackle from Lee Connor.

North Ferriby 2 Radcliffe Boro 1