New signing John Hardiker was unable to prevent Radcliffe Borough slipping to a 3-1 home defeat by Curzon Ashton on Saturday.

The former Stockport County and Morecambe defender signed from Droylsden last week and went straight into Benny Phillips’ starting line-up.

Curzon keeper Josh Ollerenshaw fluffed a clearance to gift Steve Burke a 14th minute lead but Andrew Watson equalised in before Matty Kay put Curzon in front six minutes later.

Chris McDonagh’s 58th-minute shot was then deflected in off Hardiker to condemn Boro to a second straight league defeat and leave them 16th in the Evo-Stik North.

FC United remain well placed in the Evo-Stik Premier, though, after stretching their unbeaten run to four matches.

The Rebels are four points off the play-off places after a 2-0 win at home to second–placed Hednesford Town.

The visitors won at league leaders Chester the previous week and a fine full-length save by James Spencer prevented Hednesford taking an early lead.

Carlos Roca and Stephen Johnson then tested the Town keeper before Johnson crossed for Matty Wolfenden to head a 52nd-minute opener.

And although Mike Norton missed two good chances to seal victory, the FC striker made no mistake from Johnson’s 81st-minute cross.

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