RUNCORN FC Halton got their season off to a flying start with a hard fought victory in difficult conditions at Frickley.

Two goals from Chris Price in the first half ensured that it was a pleasant trip home for the Linnets.

And it left manager, Liam Watson, singing the praises of his Linnets' side.

"I was delighted with the win. Frickley is always a difficult place to go to and I was pleased with the hard work and attitude of the players, especially as the game was played in energy sapping conditions. I hope that we can build on that performance for our two home games this week.

Price opened the scoring after just five minutes with a delightful lob from 35 yards.

Winning the ball just inside the Frickley half, Price made progress before spotting Frickley keeper Mark Samways off his line and delivering a perfect chip into the top corner of the net.

Five minutes later Steve Carragher should have added a second after a delightful move involving Tom Spearritt and Chris Lightfoot gave the Runcorn FC Halton wingback a clear run on goal but he put his shot just wide of the post.

The away side were playing by far the better football with Kevin Leadbetter and Steve Daly both having chances to increase the lead before indecisiveness in the Runcorn FC Halton defence allowed Paul Marquis to equalise after 22 minutes.

The Linnets set about their task of regaining the lead with purpose and Daly had another shot that was just over the bar.

Then just before half-time Price got his second goal. From a corner Daly unleashed a powerful shot which appeared to hit Gary Hatto on the line.

The ball rebounded to Lightfoot who found Price in space and the Runcorn FC Halton midfielder forced the ball over the line despite desperate attempts from the Frickley defence to clear but an alert assistant referee gave the goal.

The home side began the second half much more enthusiastically as they set about retrieving the game but they found the Runcorn FC Halton defence in superb form with young Spearritt particularly outstanding.

In fact, such was the dominance of the back line that keeper, Tony McMillan didn't have a save to make.

Daly and Leadbetter both shot wide as Runcorn FC Halton looked to make the game secure and 20 minutes from time Lightfoot should have put the match beyond doubt.

A fine move resulted in Price finding Daly in the penalty area, he squared the ball to Lightfoot who put the ball agonisingly wide with just keeper Samways to beat.

Frickley's best chance fell to Lee Morris but he put his header well wide of the target.

So the Runcorn FC Halton defence held firm to the end to give the Linnets a much deserved winning start to the season.

l NEXT MATCHES: Tuesday, August 19, Runcorn FC Halton v Droylsden, kick-off 7.45pm & Saturday 23rd August 2003 Runcorn FC Halton v Bradford Park Ave, kick-off 3pm.