Skelmersdale 1 Radcliffe Borough 2

President's CupSEVEN games unbeaten, a solid defence, goalscoring midfielders, a prolific striker and a place in the quarter-finals of the President's Cup. Who said it was all doom and gloom at Radcliffe Borough?

This was a meeting between two of the league's in-form teams - Skelmersdale unbeaten in 13 games before Tuesday night - and it was Boro who progressed thanks to two goals from midfielder Neil Chappell.

Chappell was plucked from Maine Road with a reputation as a goalscorer, and he certainly showed why with a display of real skill, drive and commitment.

In fact, Boro have quite a few players in their squad now who could be described as unearthed gems. Seventeen-year-old Craig Dawson is the obvious candidate after a sparkling season, but his brother Andy made his debut against Skelmersdale and looked every bit as good as his younger sibling.

Steve Howson has scored 17 goals now this season, and he was brought in from the amateur ranks of the Manchester League - just like influential midfielder Lee Connell was.

In short, Boro have put together a team on a tiny budget that now looks capable of building on a seven-game run and hauling the club off the bottom of the league.

Throw in the chance of a cup final appearance, and it is easy to see why their is a new optimism sweeping the club. Let's just hope this is not just a false dawn.

Boro showed all of their battling qualities to come out on top against Skelmersdale. The home side were no mugs and had most of the possession, but Boro soaked it up like a prized boxer and hit back with two Chappell sucker-punches.

They had to adapt too. The pitch was waterlogged from monsoon-like rain and the swirling wind meant that any nice pass-and-move football became a lottery.

Instead, Boro let the home side make the running on a heavy pitch and Skelmersdale's George Donnelly hit the post with the first chance of the game.

However, Borough were threatening on the break and Pat McFadden brought a save out of Ryan McMahon before Chappell put Borough ahead on 39 minutes with a superb strike. Chappell found himself in acres of space 30 yards out and he turned and curled the ball into the top corner.

Tony Whealing brought a fine save out of McMahon on the stroke of half-time with a stinging shot after Howson's flick-on, before Borough extended their lead 10 minutes into the second half when Michael Murray's free kick found Chappell in the box and he rounded the keeper for an easy finish.

Skelmersdale pulled one back two minutes later when former Borough striker, Tony Evans, latched on to a long ball and beat Phil Priestly at the second attempt.

On loan from FC United, Priestley had to be at his best to tip over Donnelly's shot, but Boro were resolute to the end and the spirit in the camp was evident on the final whistle when every player embraced to celebrate a place in the quarter-finals.

Skipper Simon Kelly was colossal at the back, but it was hard to single out anyone because every man played their part.

The President's Cup is made up of teams from UniBond Division One North and South. It's ironic that a team bottom of the North section is now in the quarter's of the competition.

However, it shouldn't be a surprise to many observers of Boro's recent upturn in fortunes. If the team can stay together, and keep applying themselves in such a gritty and determined way, there is no way they will be relegated at the end of the season.

BORO: Priestley, Murray, C. Dawson, A. Dawson, Kelly, Waine, Forrest, Chappell, Howson, McFadden. Not used: Sampson, Manning.