THE PREVIEW | Radcliffe FC Vs MTFC - Pitching In NPL - 16.8.22

Matlock Town will be aiming to make it two wins from their opening two games of the 2022/23 season as they make their first away trip of the new campaign to play Radcliffe on Tuesday evening in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

The Gladiators beat Whitby Town 1-0 at home last weekend to get off to a perfect start and win their first opening day game in the league since the 2019/20 season.

The Opposition

Radcliffe drew 1-1 away at Hyde United on the opening day of the 2022/23 campaign last Saturday. They sit in 13th position in the league table at this extremely early stage of the season. Radcliffe finished in 16th place last season in the NPL Premier Division but are certainly looking for an improvement on that this time around after making a number of good signings over the summer.

Radcliffe were founded in 1949 and are nicknamed The Boro. They play their home games at the Neuven Stadium in Greater Manchester which can allow up to 3,500 spectators and has a seated capacity of 350.

Their player-manager is striker Bobby Grant. Grant took over the reins at the club following Lee Fowler's resignation in October of last season. The 32 year-old has played for the likes of Accrington Stanley, Scunthorpe United, Fleetwood Town and Wrexham. He had an excellent season on the pitch last season scoring 16 league goals

Two time European Cup winner Alan Kennedy, former England international Frank Worthington and current West Ham United defender Craig Dawson have all featured for Radcliffe at some point in their careers.

One to Watch

Winger Dominic McHale will be a key player to look out for on Tuesday evening.

The 26 year-old forward was signed by Radcliffe earlier this month after being released from National League North outfit AFC Telford United.

McHale has played for a large number of clubs so far in his career. He's played for the likes of Salford City, FC United of Manchester and Ashton United.

In 2017, he made ten league appearances in the Cypriot Third Division for Achyronas Liopetriou and scored three goals.

Team News

There are no injury concerns ahead of Tuesday night's match.

A few players who were missing from the matchday squad last Saturday could become available for selection for the Radcliffe game depending on if their international clearance has finally come through.

Previous Meeting

These two sides last played each other at the end of March last season in the NPL Premier Division at The Proctor Cars Stadium.

The match ended as a 0-0 draw in front of a crowd of 444.