Runcorn 2 Southport 1

Vauxhall 4 Runcorn 1

RUNCORN finished their pre-season exploits with mixed fortunes - but should be ready and raring to go for Saturday's league opener at Worksop.

A fine 2-1 win against Conference opposition Southport was followed by an indifferent performance against Vauxhall, newly promoted into the Unibond First Division from the North West Trains League.

Two second half goals from John McAllister and a Mike Smith penalty secured victory for Runcorn against Southport in a match which proved to be a good work out for both teams and provided fine entertainment for the Canal Street crowd.

Runcorn found it difficult to create chances in the first half but good work by youngsters Mike Tomlinson and Mike Moseley carved out an opportunity for Mike Heverin, but unfortunately his goal-bound effort just cleared the bar.

Runcorn Keeper Ray Newlands did well to keep the Southport forwards at bay and made fine saves from both Lee Furlong and Stuart Whittaker.

Southport did open the scoring in the 43rd minute when Furlong scored a fine goal.

His powerful right foot shot from the edge of the area found the corner of the Runcorn net.

Southport had a chance to extend their lead on half-time but Robert Pell hit the bar.

Runcorn looked far more lively and creative in the second half and Alan Cowley was unlucky to see his cross shot hit the post in the 58th minute.

Runcorn did equalise three minutes later when the promising McAllister headed the ball powerfully into the net following a corner.

Runcorn's winner was scored by Smith from the penalty spot in the 65th minute after Cowley was brought down by Brad Cullen.

The Linnet's final pre-season outing at Vauxhall did not prove to be the ideal curtain raiser to the forthcoming League campaign.

Runcorn were stunned by Vauxhall's opening attacking burst and were 3-0 down inside half an hour.

Kevin Lynch and Nicky Young (2) scored for Vauxhall.

Runcorn's only opportunity was a Paul McNally header towards the end of the first half.

A change of formation in the second half brought a better balance to the side and immediate reward when Ian Brunskill pulled a goal back with a well directed free kick but Vauxhall were able to extend their lead further.

However, pre-season scorelines will count for nothing as Runcorn endeavour to make that good start to the season that every team aspires to.

Runcorn's opening game is next Saturday at Worksop who will be parading new signing Chris Waddle.

Next games at Canal Street: Saturday, August 19, Runcorn Res v Guiseley, 11am Kick off.

Tuesday, August 22, Runcorn v Marine, 7.30pm Kick off

Saturday, August 26, Runcorn v Leek Town, 3pm Kick off.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.