A LIAM Watson penalty was enough to secure victory for Runcorn at Bamber Bridge on Saturday, as the Linnet's maintained their impressive away record.

Runcorn displayed character to come back from conceding an early goal before running out 2-1 winners, meaning they have won three of their first four away games, drawing the other.

Manager Derek Brownbill believed that victory was essential: "It was important that we got a win after the Guiseley game, which was disappointing."

Next up is Gateshead, relegated from the Conference last season.

"They're going to be tough, " said Brownbill.

"They came down from the Conference last year and can attract the better players with the name they have in the North East.

"We know it will be a tough game. The league is pretty even this year, with all teams beating each other."

Runcorn dominated the game, but fell behind in the eighteenth minute when Nigel Greenwood, brother of Bamber Bridge's manager Tony, headed past Morris in the Runcorn goal.

The response came instantly, but from an unexpected source.

Ian Callaghan, playing at left back, had not scored for Runcorn in five seasons.

But he rifled in a 25-yard effort on 20 minutes to restore parity.

Runcorn continued to apply the pressure, with Paul McNally forcing Bridge's keeper into a full length save with a shot from just outside the box.

But the pressure told on the hour when Runcorn won a penalty.

Dave Nolan, settling into the side following his close-season move, broke into the area only to be brought to the ground by Bamber Bridge's keeper.

The referee awarded a penalty, which top scorer Liam Watson slotted home for his fifth goal of the season.

Runcorn are now eight points behind early leaders Worksop, and entertain Gateshead at Canal Street next Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3PM).

Gary Randles is definitely missing, although Neil Whalley has an outside chance of playing.

Meanwhile the quest to get a work permit for St Lucian international Dexter Rismate continues.

He is currently playing for Gen Chems while the situation is sorted out.

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