UNIBOND DIVISION ONE: Radcliffe Borough...2 Bamber Bridge...1 By IAN HANNAY

BORO registered their first home victory of the season at the eighth time of asking -- but they did it the hard way.

Kevin Glendon's side were reduced to ten men when striker Neill Hardy was given his marching orders in the 33rd minute and it took a fully committed performance to claim the points.

With David Bean missing through injury and Richard Battersby restored at full back Boro set off at a cracking pace and, after an early scare when the towering Stuart Honor headed wide, they took full control.

Hardy latched on to Simon Kelly's through ball to shave a post, Scott Wilson had a header cleared off the line and Eamon Elliott twice went close.

It was Elliott who opened the scoring in the 19th minute, collecting Nicky Spooner's defence-splitting pass to hammer the ball past Bridge keeper Cyril Sharrock.

Most of Bridge's efforts were channelled towards Honor, but Martin Diggle competed well and even found time to lend a hand in attack when he just failed to convert from a corner.

The sending off came out of the blue. Hardy was singled out by referee Scargg following a bout of pushing as the players jostled while waiting for a free-kick to be taken.

The red card stunned everybody and left Boro with an uphill struggle. Jody Banim was left to soldier on alone up front, but Elliott gave him tireless support and the two combined superbly with Battersby to create a chance for Banim, but the Bridge defence managed a last ditch block.

The visitors pushed forward more after the break and equalised in the 50th minute.

The goal was a cruel blow for Boro. It came when Kelly could only turn an Honor cross into his own goal.

A Ross Cain long shot drifted over for the visitors and the dangerous Alex Porter cut inside to bring an excellent save from Danny Hurst, but the Boro looked the more dangerous side, despite being a man down.

Elliott released Richard Battersby, but his cross was scrambled clear and Jody Banim's trickery always threatened the visitors.

The winner arrived in the 74th minute -- and it was another Banim special. Battersby launched a long free-kick into the box and Banim hooked a volley beyond the startled Sharrock.

The goal was a reward for some hard work and a never-say-die attitude.

Bridge strived for an equaliser and had loud appeals for a penalty ignored. They also went close when Andy Faehy shot just wide.

In the dying minutes Hurst produced a fine double save to deny Porter, but Boro almost extended their lead in added time when Elliott just failed to reach a good cross from substitute Richard Landon.

The win pushes Boro up into a mid-table position and will give them confidence for the return fixture at Irongate on Saturday.

RADCLIFFE BOROUGH: Hurst 7, Battersby 7, Whealing 7, Kelly 7, Diggle 8, Elliott 9, Spooner 7, Wilson 7, Hardy 6, Banim 8, Price 7. Substitutes: Kay (for Banim, 85 mins), Keeling (for Wilson, 80 mins), Landon (for Whealing, 63 mins) 7.