RADCLIFFE slipped back in to the National League North relegation placed following Tuesday night’s 3-0 home defeat to leaders Chester City, writes Kieran Wilson.

The defeat comes just days have a brilliant 3-2 win against Hereford United - a victory joint boss Anthony Johnson hailed as ‘probably the best biggest single result in our league history’.

Boro were back at the Neuven Stadium in buoyant mood after their stunning victory against the play-off chasing Hereford, a win that had taken them out of the bottom four.

But Chester - once managed by Johnson and co-boss Bernard Morley - proved to be too good as two goals from Tom Peers and a long-range effort from Declan Weeks sealed victory for the visitors.

On Saturday, Jordan Hulme’s brace inspired Boro to an important three points as they briefly climbed up to 19th place and out of the drop zone.

Two changes were made to the team that claimed a point at Needham Market in our last league fixture, as Brad Jackson returned to the starting eleven whilst new signing George Glendon made his Radcliffe debut in the centre of the park.

New signing George Glendon made his Boro who went ahead after just four minutes when Hulme dispatched his seventh goal of the campaign, heading home a cross from Brad Jackson.

Moments later, Andy Williams’ header created a through ball for Jason Cowley to burst on goal with a one-on-one opportunity, but the striker could only drag wide of the target despite having ample amount of time to pick his spot.

But in the 28th minute, Hereford were level. Williams picked up possession inside the Radcliffe box before dribbling beyond his closest markers, opening a pocket of space to chip the ball over Mateusz Hewelt and into the far side of the net.

However, Tom Walker rested responsibility on his shoulders as Radcliffe gained a one-goal cushion once again via the spot. Hulme was fouled in the box and Walker stepped up, sliding into the bottom left corner and Boro led 2-1 at the break. before wheeling away in celebration with the rebounded ball in hand after 35 minutes.

An early scare at the start of the half gave Radcliffe something to think about after the restart, Williams netted from a tight angle but the linesman quickly raised his flag to keep the scoreline in Radcliffe’s favour.

With 63 minutes on the clock, Bernard and Jonno’s men converted a third to put them firmly in the driving seat with just under half an hour to go. Jackson’s low cross was touched forward by Hulme who scored from the tightest of angles.

Hereford wouldn’t lay down though, as Yusifu Ceesay halved the deficit after a cross-field ball made its way out to the former Blackpool midfielder who bypassed Brad Roscoe by cutting inside and sending a low effort goalwards, which scrambled into the far corner of the net.

With time running out for the visitors, Radcliffe were well in charge and almost scored a fourth.

Substitute Josh Hancock’s header could only ricochet off the crossbar from inside the six-yard area after an inch-perfect corner by Danny Greenfield allowed the midfielder to rise highest.