Mossley 2, Radcliffe Boro 0
THE mathematics say it is still possible, but the realists will agree that the final nail was driven into Radcliffe Borough's coffin at Mossley on Tuesday night.
If Boro were to have any chance of rising from the ashes of another disappointing season and mounting another improbable escape, they needed to beat fellow relegation candidates Mossley.
Instead, they went down to a third successive defeat and the writing is now firmly etched on the wall.
Mossley's goals came courtesy of on-loan Rochdale striker Clive Moyo-Modise, who's clincial composure in front of goal is something that Boro have been craving all season. The visitors started off at a higher tempo, and Ian Fitzpatrick fired an early sighter over before Moyo-Modise served notice of his talents when forcing Tim Dittmer into a good early save.
It has taken Dittmer time to settle into the Boro side, but the Scouse shot-stopper is now starting to show his potential and is looking a more than able replacement for former custodian Danny Hurst.
However, Dittmer could do nothing about Moyo-Modise's opener for Mossley that was a result of slack marking at the back from a corner.
Dittmer's opposite number, Danny Trueman, was being kept busy and Ian Fitzpatrick rattled the bar with a delightful free-kick.
As ever, Lee Duffy was a menace down the right and he put in a great cross that Jamie MIller should have done much better with.
Boro signalled their intentions at the start of the second period with the introduction of Lee Hendley that boosted their strike-force to three men.
Boro were not at their creative best, but Matty O'Neill was unlucky to see his header cleared off the line just minutes before Moyo-Modise's second strike.
The loanee broke through the Boro off-side trap and slotted past Dittmer to put the result beyond doubt and leave Boro staring into the abyss of their 20th defeat of the season.
There was plenty of endeavour for Boro, with Simon Kelly a towering influence at the back and Haydn Eames industrious in midfield but Boro's chances of avoiding relegation were summed up by Lee Fitzpatrick's late effort- a long shot.
This weekend Boro have no game.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article