Radcliffe (A) Match Preview

Following a disappointing outing last time out in a defeat against Buxton, the Martyrs return to action this weekend as Paul Michael's side travel to Radcliffe FC for matchday 37 of the Enterprise National League North season. In Radcliffe's last fixture they travelled away to AFC Telford United and were defeated 2-0 on the day. That defeat now sees Radcliffe sit just inside the playoff places in 7th place on 55 points.

Previous Encounters:

Merthyr and have only faced 'The Boro' on one occasion in recent history and it came at Penydarren Park during the first half of this season. It was an extremely poor result and performance during the fixture in South Wales which resulted in a 5-0 win for Radcliffe.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT | KEY STAFF

Manager | Bernard Morley

Chairman | Billy Quarmby

Bernard Morley was appointed as the sole manager of Radcliffe on the 11th of February 2026 following the departure of Anthony Johnson who was the joint manager of 'The Boro' alongside Morley. Johnson's departure now sees the duo split up for the first time in their managerial careers with Morley now handed the task of finishing in the playoffs and potentially achieving promotion this season.

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have had a successful time working together, boasting over 600 games worth of experience. Their careers of management started at Ramsbottom United where they achieved back-to-back promotions within their 6-year spell at the club which saw the duo take the club to their highest ever finishing position in the Northern Premier League.

The success at Ramsbottom saw the duo earn a move to Salford City where they skyrocketed through the non-league system, earning 3 promotions in 3 season to take the club to the National League. Alongside exceptional league performances, the duo guided Salford on an incredible FA Cup run in the 201/16 season which saw them participate in the second-round proper.

In 2018 the pair left Salford to explore an opportunity at Chester where they managed to steady the sinking ship at the club following relegation from the National League prior to their arrival. In 2021 Antony Johnson and Bernard Morley left Chester and a month later joined Spennymoor Town for a year.

With the duo claiming lots of success and experience they arrived at the Neuven Stadium in 2023 with the hopes of taking 'The Boro' up the English football pyramid. However, Johnson made the decision to depart Radcliffe in February 2026, splitting up the duo for the first time in their careers and now Bernard Morley is guiding 'The Boro' to a potential playoff place finish.

Billy Quarmby was appointed chairman of Radcliffe FC in October of 2024. Before joining Radcliffe, he started his career at his boyhood club Oldham Athletic where he worked in various important areas for the club including retail, commercial, media, ground developments and as an analyst, over a ten-year period. With Billy wanting to test himself even further he started a new role at League One side Wigan Athletic, but his time was cut short at the club as they entered administration. He then started work at 'The Boro' in 2020 before becoming Head of Football Logistics for 2 years prior to his appointment in the role of Chairman.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT | SEASON SO FAR

Since winning 5-0 at Penydarren Park, Radcliffe have had a truly promising season so far that sees them sit just inside the playoff places heading into the clash with Merthyr in Greater Manchester.

Their first game after the win at Penydarren Park saw Radcliffe host Alfreton Town. They managed to pick up another victory in their clash with Alfreton after goals from Michael Afuye, Danny Greenfield and Bradley Roscoe. Radcliffe continued their impressive form in their next 5 games as they demolished Kidderminster Harriers 5-1 away from home and defeated both Darlington and King's Lynn Town 3-1 while drawing against Bedford Town and Chorley. However, 'The Boro' then went on a poor run of form in their next 4 games which saw them only pick up 1 point as they were defeated 3-0 by Peterborough Sports, 2-0 by Southport and 3-1 by Chester with their only point in these 4 games coming against Telford in a 2-2 draw. During the middle of December, their rich vein of form returned as they managed to pick up 10 points from a possible 15 during the final month of 2025 after they picked up priceless victories against Scarborough, Leamington and Curzon Ashton before claiming a point in a 3-3 draw against title fighting Fylde.

Despite the promising end to 2025, the start of 2026 has been sub-par for 'The Boro' as they have been defeated 7 times while only winning 5 times since the new year.

In their 2 games prior to hosting Merthyr, Radcliffe have lost 2 consecutive games, one at home to Southport before their most recent fixture saw 'The Boro' lose 2-0 away at Telford United.

The top goal scorer so far this league season for Radcliffe is Rio Clegg who has scored an impressive 19 goals in the 2025/26 Enterprise National League North season.

KNOW YOUR OPPONENT | 2025/2026 Squad

Goalkeeper | Mateusz Hewelt, Mark Halstead, Brad Sullivan

Defenders | Callum McFadzean, Rick Smith, Olly Thornley, Lois Maynard, Damon Park, Brad Roscoe, Luke Partington, Luke Daley, George Mercer, Ro-Shaun Williams

Midfielders | Jude Oyibo, Brad Jackson, George Glendon, Dan Gardner, Dylan Halford, Danny Greenfield, Isaac Modi, Matt Sargent, Kian Scales

Forwards | Anthony Dudley, Jordan Hulme, Micheal Afuye, Jon Taylor, Hallam Hope, Tyler James Rio Clegg, David Ball

Match Details:

Date | Saturday 7th March 2026

Competition | Enterprise National League North

Kick Off | 15:00

Stadium | Neuven Stadium