REPORT: UNITED 1-3 RADCLIFFE FC

PICTURE: Tom Flint

Three late goals condemned United to a first defeat in four in all competitions as they went down 3-1 to league leaders Radcliffe FC at Greenwich Avenue.

Remaye Campbell’s sumptuous hit with ten minutes of the first half remaining had the hosts leading, but that was until the final eleven minutes when substitutes Jude Oyibo, Josh Hancock and Ewan Bange all struck.

The opening stages yielded two half-decent chances – one for both side – as Nicky Adams forced Kieran Preston into a fairly routine save after just two minutes before, at the other end, Jonathan Wafula’s neat turn-and-shot was well kept out by Mateusz Hewelt.

United rallied and edged the half with Josh Barnes going close on his weaker right foot and Wafula had the ball in the net – on the end of Kieran Fenton’s excellent pass – though he was adjudged offside.

Luca Navarro then had Preston rooted, but the ‘keeper had his angles to thank as a low strike through bodies trickled wide of the post just before the opening goal deservedly came.

A long ball forward fell perfectly for Campbell on the stride and United’s top scorer took aim, curling first time over the stranded Hewelt and into the top far corner.

Nathan Tyson should have added a second as the game ticked into stoppage time when he broke clear. However, and despite rounding the struggling Olly Thornley, a fantastic block from the recovering Harry Brockbank denied the experienced striker.

Preston was again tested with the seconds ticking, but his wonderful reflexes saw him take claim to Thornley’s towering header and United deservedly lead at the break.

The hosts continued where they left off in the second period and may have extended their lead when a wonderful Tyson cross fell inches beyond Wafula, with Josh Barnes' follow-up volley held well by Hewelt.

Campbell's fierce cross-cum-shot was then deflected behind for a corner - with Tyson on the stretch - before a series of changes from the away bench proved to be the difference.

Firstly, with 79 minutes played and from the edge of the area, Oyibo benefited from a cleared header to the edge of the area, slamming home the rebound through bodies and beyond an unsighted Preston.

A contentious penalty was awarded after Oyibo was felled moments later, allowing Hancock to slam home the resultant spot-kick despite Preston getting a strong hand to it.

And with United committing forward - looking for something from the tie - Radcliffe broke and, with composure, Bange set himself to fire low into the far corner to seal the points.

Next up, we make the short journey to neighbours Ilkeston Town on Saturday (3pm).

UNITED: Preston; Roma, Wilder, Frizelle, Fenton; Lewis, Barnes, Thomas, Wafula; Campbell, Tyson (Betts 79')
SUBS (not used): Wade, Tomlin, Goddard, Ridgley

ATT: 274