Kole Hall and his Radcliffe FC teammates recorded their second Pre-season win as they beat Ashton Athletic 3-2 in an entertaining evening of football.
Athletic took the lead early in the second half before Matty Crothers scored twice penned them back. Hall added a third before a late Athletic penalty made it a nervy finish.
Both sides started very lively in the opening stages with both looking to get a foothold in the game.
The first notable chance fell to Radcliffe. Luca Navarro fired a powerful free kick towards goal which cannoned off the post. Ashton managed to clear the danger before Lee Fowler’s side could pounce.
Navarro again continued to cause a problem for the Athletic’s defense, he danced his way into space before firing a shot just over the bar.
The returning Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro managed to find the back of the net but for the linesman’s flag on the far side.
Radcliffe continued to use Navarro as a creative outlet throughout the half. With 38 minutes on the clock he won a penalty. The former Bolton youngster stepped up but his spot kick was well saved by the Ashton Goalkeeper.
Both sides went into the break having created a handful of half chances. It was all to play for the in the second period.
Boro Manager Fowler brought on Crothers, Darren McKnight and Hall at the start of the second period. He also welcomed new signings Jack Shiels, Jonathan Royle and Khius Metz for a run out.
Three minutes into the second period Crothers saw a shot blocked in the Ashton area after a good passage of play in the opposition half.
With 57 minutes on the clock the home side took the lead. A quick break up field lead to a cross to the near post which as tapped home from close range.
Radcliffe very nearly had an instant reply through Shiels. His header was easily collected by the man between the sticks.
Just before the water break Radcliffe were back in the game. Crothers fired a low free kick through the Athletic’s defense and into the back of the net.
Fowler’s side continued to push for the lead moments later. Metz had a great chance to minutes later but he placed his shot wide.
Both sides continued to press for a winner as the game progressed into the closing stages.
Crothers again managed to find the back of the net with nine minutes left on the clock. A cultured strike into the top corner of the goal leaving the goalkeeper stranded.
Just a minute later two became three. Hall pounced at the near post to give Radcliffe a well-deserved lead.
The referee pointed to the spot in Ashton’s favor just moments later. The Athletic forward fired home to make it a nervy finish for Radcliffe.
Lee Fowler’s side managed to hold on in the closing stages to record their second pre-season victory.
