RUNCORN are still without a home win after the fifth attempt ended in a comprehensive 3-1 defeat against Guiseley on Saturday.

Supporters must be wondering if the close season saw Mohammed al Fayed misdirect one of his fabled Egyptian curses towards sunny Canal Street, as Runcorn have drawn four and lost one of their home games thus far.

Reflecting on the display, manager Derek Brownbill said: "Collectively we were awful.

It wasn't just one or two players not performing, it was all 11 - Brownbill

-

But he does not feel that there is any particular reason for the poor home form: "Teams are coming and making life hard for us, as you would expect, but we haven't played well."

A second-half hat-trick by Guiseley striker Parke was enough to guarantee the mid-table visitors their first away victory of the season.

Parke also hit the bar and had a shot well saved by Runcorn keeper Morris in a second-half tour de force.

A goal-less first half yielded few chances, with the lethargy that has gripped Runcorn in the earlier home matches failing to lift.

The second period ignited with three goals in three minutes.

Parke netted in the 55th and 56th minutes, exploiting a porous Runcorn defence.

Runcorn responded immediately. Irving broke away and played Watson in to restore some hope to the forlorn Linnets. But Guiseley reassumed command, with Parke bringing a save from Morris.

On 71 minutes, the Guiseley man completed his hat-trick, when he headed a left-wing cross in. Five minutes later, the same player shot against the bar.

Runcorn, who now lie eighth in the Unibond, nine points adrift of leaders Worksop.

The Linnets must now galvanise themselves for trips to Chorley and Bamber Bridge. But fans can take consolation from the fact that Runcorn possess a 100 per cent away record.

Derek added: "We could have been better, but it's early days and we are not despondent."

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