Radford survived a second-half onslaught from Clipstone as two late goals secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in North Nottinghamshire, reports Will Hugall.

Having comfortably led 1-0 at half-time, the Pheasants were stunned when the hosts bagged two breakaway goals after the break.

In a display of true mental resolve, however, two great strikes from distance won the game for Radford and ensured a 100% league record was kept intact.

The trip to mining country began in glorious August sunshine, and saw the news of three Radford changes, including the return of goalkeeper Yinka Adebowale from Harrowby United.

Will Bailey and Conor Moore were also back in defence, where after a couple of early chances for Clipstone, familiarity was quickly found.

Once settled, the Pheasants went about their usual business, playing some excellent football and making the Cobras’ backline work as Jevin Seaton and Joe Meakin both drove narrowly wide of the target.

It wasn’t long before there was a genuinely golden chance, as Seaton headed a Michael Fitzhugh corner onto the left post and, scrambling for the rebound, Joe McLaughlin was sandwiched by two defenders without getting a penalty decision in his favour.

Eventually, this pressure had to pay off, and Pheasants fans were treated to a stunning goal.

It came in the 32nd minute, as Seaton peeled off his marker from a deft Jordan Alls lay-off and fired a square ball straight into the box, where Alls delivered an equally skilful first-time finish to sweep Radford ahead.

With set-pieces very much the big threat atop the windy Clipstone hills, Radford remained dominant until half-time and were perhaps unfortunate not to have a second goal as Alls headed a corner narrowly over.

Having hoped for more of the same in the second half, it was frustrating for Radford when they were met back on the pitch by a much more determined Cobras side.

An early scuffle on the touchline showed full commitment, and with more of a physical battle on their hands, the Pheasants had to pull up their sleeves.

Hard graft would certainly be rewarded in this former mining village, and it was the hosts who dug themselves out of a hole in the next big moment.

Moore was caught out at left-back for Radford, and with Clipstone prospering, a ball into the box was finished by home captain Eden Homer after 58 minutes.

The game then turned completely on its head, as the Cobras repeated their deadly trick by exposing space on the right and working the ball back to Jordan Ball, who thrashed an excellent finish into the top right corner from 20 yards.

With half an hour remaining, the Pheasants knew they at least had the time for a comeback.

It was more a matter of experience in that kind of position, which after only a couple such feats in 2021-22, was not something they had much of.

Initial efforts were somewhat rushed, but soon, with Johnathan Jebbison and Callum Smith joined by debutant forward Anton Robinson off the bench, Radford looked energised.

With the Clipstone backline occupied by the changes, they left Moore unattended for a driving run in the 78th minute – something they soon realised was foolish.

Moore thundered a shot on goal which Charlie Dando spilt into the net, and the Radford comeback was halfway complete.

Truly, then, Radford were relentless in the final ten minutes.

Robinson bullied his markers, leaving Jebbison and Smith free to cut inside, and with Tobin and Fitzhugh offering options on the edge of the box, it was only a matter of time.

So, in the 84th minute, the spectacular winner from Tobin was a fine reward for the final push.

The midfielder received the ball 25 yards from goal, took one touch to steady himself, and blazed home a thunderbolt into the top right corner to ensure Raddy took all three points.

Heroic defending was provided by Messrs McLaughlin and Boafo in the closing stages, too, and four wins from four were finally secured come 5pm in North Notts.

The Pheasants stay 4th for now and travel to West Bridgford this Tuesday for another tough test.

Kick-off will be 7:45pm at the Regatta Way Sports Ground, a ground where Radford lost 1-0 last season and will be seeking full rewards on this occasion.

Clipstone: Dando, Wright, Hajman, Homer (C), Culf, Blackbourn, Heather, Roberts, Sorrell, Ball, Wootton

Unused: N/A

Radford: Adebowale, Bailey, Moore, McLaughlin (C), Boafo, Tobin, Meakin (Jebbison, 61’), Fitzhugh (Conteh, 85’), Alls (Robinson, 76’), Seaton, Stovell (Smith, 61’)

Unused: Dunn