Runcorn FC Halton 1 Lancaster City 4

AN injury-hit Runcorn side could not have made a worse start against Lancaster last week when they conceded a Brian Welsh goal after just seven minutes, writes Debbie Quaile.

The home side rallied and Lancaster keeper Mark Thornley had to be alert to save a cross-shot from Lee Parle. But as they searched for an equaliser, they concede a second goal from a Lancaster set-piece through defender Dene Whittle-Williams.

And the Linnets' woes were further compounded when their captain and midfield driving force, Dominic Morley, had to be substituted with an ankle injury.

Runcorn continued to test their opponents and looked to have got back into the game when Steve Carragher unleased a tremendous shot on the turn, which seemed destined for the top corner until the late intervention of Welch who deflected the ball for a corner.

The second half followed much the same pattern, with the home side still looking to get back into the game and with Lancaster always looking dangerous on the break.

One such sortie into Runcorn territory saw Andy Whittaker add a third for the away side.

What followed was the home side's best spell of the game but Thornley was in outstanding form and twice made point blank saves from Lee Parle and Chris Price before diverting an excellent strike from Matty McGinn over the bar.

Runcorn finally got a reward for their endeavours when Chris Price pulled a goal back two minutes from time, only for Whittaker to add his second and Lancaster's fourth seconds later.

Runcorn FC Halton: McMillan, Parle, Ness, Ellis, Harris, Lightfoot, Price, Morley, Prescott (Watson) Kinney, McGinn. Subs not used: Dacey and Whalley.