RUNCORN FC's relegation worries eased slightly at the weekend after a 2-0 home win put daylight between them and the drop zone.

By remaining unbeaten at their adopted home, Prescot Gable's Valerie Park, the Linnets condemned fellow-strugglers Ashton United to life in the Unibond once again.

And with just four league games remaining - two of those against Lancaster City who are just three points ahead - the club whose future has recently been in doubt have ensured its footballing fate, like its financial one, is still in its own hands.

In an ironic but heartening twist, one of those crunch games against Lancaster will be played at Haig Avenue, home of fierce local rivals and championship hopefuls Southport.

The Sandgrounders have generously offered the use of their ground after Valerie Park became unavailable for the April 30 clash and Runcorn have contacted the World to publicly say thanks to their high-flying neighbours.

With both Moor Green and Stalybridge losing last weekend and facing tough trips to play-off contenders Altrincham and Harrogate respectively, Sunday's visit of Hucknall becomes the latest in a mini-league of crunch games.

Hopefully a trip to Southport on the last day of the season will not see Runcorn stumble at the final hurdle and fall out of the league they did so well to get in to.

Meanwhile, efforts to raise money for the financially ailing club have gained momentum thanks to local businesswoman Maggie Fowler who is backing a 'Save Our Soccer' campaign.

Among the plans are a raffle of which tickets are available from 'Alice's Attic' in Runcorn Old Town, a band night in July, a drama production at The Brindley and a Miss Runcorn FC contest.

If you are planning to raise money to help save Runcorn FC why not let the World sportsdesk know on 0151-907 8527.