Radcliffe and Bury set sights on derby after ‘dream’ FA Cup draw

The draw resulted in a thrilling draw at the Neuven Stadium, after Radcliffe won against Warrington Town, while the Shakers won at Blyth Spartans.

Boro co-boss and Bury fan Anthony Johnson called it a ‘dream draw’.

“The fans have been fantastic this season – the positivity and the way they interact with the players and the way we try to play,” McNabb said.

“It was a real pleasure to be part of it. With the amount of travel and mileage in the cup games so far, it would be better to have a home game, but it is obviously a local game.

“It’s something the fans can get behind and really enjoy. Hopefully we can make them proud on the day.”

There is plenty of excitement in the Radcliffe camp too. “Forget everything but I get to manage our team against the club I have supported all my life. Absolute dream of a draw,” Johnson wrote on social media.

“What a great game for our football club. The last few years have seen great crowds but nothing will match this when Bury come to town. Top football game and a sell out crowd,” added Nicky Adams.

Attention now turns to this weekend’s FA Vase match, which sees Bury welcome Burscough to Gigg Lane.

The Shakers go into the match with a 1-1 draw at Ramsbottom United, thanks to a late equaliser from Rustam Stepans.

“It’s another big game for us,” McNabb said. “It’s difficult to take it game by game, with the catching up we have to do with the league games, but the FA Vase is obviously a competition that’s very close to my heart.

“We want to try to do as well as possible. They are a team in good shape and have some very good players in the attacking and defensive areas.

“They will be a difficult team to beat, they will come with a game plan and I am sure it will be a difficult match.”

Tuesday night’s result allowed Bury to continue their unbeaten start and McNabb was pleased with his team’s response after the break.

“The first half we looked a bit tired and dislocated,” he continued. “We’ve had a tough few weeks with four consecutive away games, travelling everywhere.

“It was tough for the boys and I think that was reflected in the way we started the game, it was a bit sloppy.

“That said, we kept the ball well at times and showed in the first half how good we can be, but not consistently enough.

“From the second half onwards it was a completely different game. They still looked dangerous on the counter, but it was wave after wave of attack.

“We were unlucky not to get the three points, but it’s a tough place to go. They’re doing really well and have a different style of play that suits them. All in all a good point.”