'Big players turn up' - Hat-trick Hulme lauded as Radcliffe extend lead at the top

Hulme joined the Boro over the summer, reuniting with his former managers Morley and Anthony Johnson after a three-year spell with the pair at Salford City from 2014-17.

The former Altrincham forward hit the ground running with six goals in as many matches at the start of the season, and has continued to add to a tally which now stands at 17 goals in 29 appearances.

He proved to be Boro's match-winner on Saturday, taking home the match ball by firing his side to all three points, having trailed 2-1 midway through the second half.

Discussing the performance of the 33-year-old after Saturday's win at the Leasing.com Stadium, Morley said: "Big players turn up in big games.

"His performance on Tuesday night wasn't the Jordan Hulme that we all know, but today he's put a couple of wrongs right and scored a hat-trick at a team who the bookmakers made favourite to win the league this season.

"Everything about Jordan's performance epitomises what we're about as a group. He never gave up, chased every ball down and brought other players into the game.

"He gave us a massive platform and was rewarded with the match ball."

Saturday's win means Radcliffe are now eight points clear of nearest challengers Warrington Rylands, who lost ground after being forced to come from two goals down to rescue a draw at Workington.

Morley dedicated Saturday's statement result to the masses of travelling fans who made the trip to Cheshire and cheered on the league leaders throughout.

He added: "I probably need an hour to settle down!

"Emotions are high, [it is] a massive game for this level of football and we spoke about it before the match.

"The result is amazing, but to see so many numbers travel when trains are restricted, to get here and support us - I'm glad we could reward them in the way we did.

"They'll go home, speak about how good of a game it was and can't wait to watch the next one."

Photo credit: Radcliffe