Runcorn bag three points in fight against relegation

RUNCORN gained a valuable three points in their fight against relegation, while condemning their opponents to a quick return to UniBond football.

In their second game at Valerie Park, home of Prescot Cables, Runcorn's first clear cut chance fell to Phil McDiarmid whose 20-yard shot failed to trouble Ashton keeper Paul Dahl. John Robertson should have broken the deadlock when he volleyed wide.

The second half proved more eventful and Ashton should have been ahead courtesy of Phil Cooney. In the 71st minute, the Linnets' left back, David Ness, almost scored but Dahl saved his effort. Unfortunately for the Ashton keeper, Nicky Young headed home the resulting corner taken by Matty McGinn.

Just three minutes later, Young bagged his second and sealed the much-needed win for Runcorn.

Mike Jack was brought down in the box by Darren Bowman and the referee awarded the penalty without hesitation. Young made no mistake in sending the keeper the wrong way and firing the ball into the left-hand corner.

Cooney almost pulled a goal back for the Robins but saw his shot miss the target.

In the dying moments, Runcorn had the ball in the back of the net again, but the referee had already blown for an infringement.

Runcorn: Thompson; Spearitt; Moore; Robertson; Ness; Parle; Jack; McDiarmid; McGinn, Taylor; Young; Subs: Carragher; Denny; Heenighan; McGinn; Van Blerk.

Attendance: 211