Radcliffe and Spalding face off in the National League North in, for me, what could be the game of the weekend. Read out betting predictions below.
Radcliffe looked in contention for a playoff place in their second season at Step Two, but a collapse in the second half of the season saw them survive by just eight points, finishing 13th. In the final 13 games, Boro took just five points, with their form in this time putting them bottom of the table. The departure of Bernard Morley's right hand man, Anthony Johnson, was perhaps a big reason for the collapse, with Radcliffe conceding 25 goals in the final ten games.
During the season as a whole, they scored 76 and conceded 83, for an average of 3.46 goals per game. The worry for Radcliffe this pre-season is how easily their midfield has been run through, so Spalding will be looking to exploit this. In more positive news, 27-goal striker Rio Clegg stays put for now, as does exciting winger Michael Afuye, giving Radcliffe a great attacking platform.
Spalding, who are playing at Step Two for the first time in history, are bound to make an exciting addition to the National League North. Jimmy Dean's side lit up the Southern Premier League central, winning the playoffs after 103 goals scored and 54 conceded in 42 games. The Tulips have kept key their key goalscoring quartet and their energetic midfield will look to dominant Radcliffe's.
In Jack Roberts, Spalding boast one of the most exciting players in Non-League. The 21-year-old registered a whooping 50 goal contributions last season and has signed a new three year contract - signalling Spalding's ambition and financial power.
These two teams have the potential to be two of the most entertaining teams in the league next year, averaging 3.46 and 3.73 goals between them respectively. Spalding's momentum coupled with Radcliffe's wobbly pre-season means the visitors could spring a 'surprise' opening day win in a high-scoring contest.
Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals
Spalding To Win and BTTS - 4.50
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