EMCL: St Andrews 1 Radcliffe Olympic 4

Fast improving Radcliffe travelled to Leicester to face title contenders St Andrews who had scored 12 goals and conceeded just 1 in the previous 7 days. Radcliffe were looking for their 2nd successive 3 points away from home having beaten Gedling MWFC last Saturday.

Drews had the territorial advantage in the opening period with a stiff wind behind them but Radcliffe defended superbly as a unit and looked very lively on the counter. Indeed, they were unlucky not to take the lead from one such move as Ryan Smith's effort rebounded to safety from the post. The home side then did the same moments later after a scramble in the box.

It was a tight game but it was the visitors who took the lead on the half hour, Jack Smith's freekick evading everybody and going in at the far post. Drews response was frantic, producing a few scrambles but they were rather fortunate to get a penalty just before the break for an apparent handball. Putman restored parity from the spot.

Half Time: 1-1

Radcliffe emerged from the break with the bit between their teeth and gave Drews no time or space on the ball. Confidence was growing and it wasn't too much of a surprise when the prolific Ryan Smith bagged when one on one with the home keeper to put Radcliffe back in charge. The away side were now buzzing but still they were indebted to young debutant keeper Jack Nason who made a great fingertips save low to his right. Jake Morris was one of a double substitution by Radcliffe and within minutes of being in the pitch he had put them in total command with a sublime strike from 25 yards into the top left corner. The home side looked beaten and that was confirmed when Ryan Smith doubled his tally with 12 minutes remaining. There was still time for Jack Nason to make one more astonishing save but Radcliffe saw out time to claim a thoroughly deserved win.

It's a work in progress for Olympic with more eyes maybe on next season but the quality in the dressing room is outstanding. Excellent debuts for Nason, Potts, Elliott and Farmer and a first start for youngster Sweeting contributed to a brilliant team performance from a squad which included 7 teenagers.

Team: Nason, Elliott, Motson, Smallwood, Moore, Marley, Perkins, J Smith, Sweeting, Potts, R Smith.

Subs (used): J Morris, Farmer, Durham.

Subs (not used): Ramshall.