Runcorn began the game strongly, retaining possession and putting together some good football. Robinson saw his shot deflected straight into the path of Boyle who fires straight at the keeper from 8 yards.

The lively Robinson then beat 2 defenders before crossing to Carey who headed over the crossbar. A long centre by Toohey resulted in an appeal for a penalty as McEvoy appeared to be tripped, the referee immediately waving play on. It had been all Runcorn for 15 mins, but when Heswall broke, Davey hit a shot that brought a good save from Wills. Runcorn took a deserved lead in the 27th min., Boyle found JASON CAREY inside the penalty area, Carey turned the central defender before hitting a powerful shot with the outside of his boot into the top corner. Latham and Cummins both tried long range efforts that flew wide. Heswall should have equalised in the 36th min when a cross found Riley unmarked on the edge of the 6yd area, with an open goal he hit his shot high over the crossbar. Riley broke through mins later his shot beat the advancing Wills but then rolled inches wide of the post. Cumpper did well to block another cross, Wills hacking the ball to safety.

The second half was only mins old when CAREY finished off a superb interpassing move involving Boyle, McEvoy and Robinson to hammer the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Carey then unselfishly played McEvoy in on goal but the co striker delayed his shot and the opportunity had gone. At the other end the dangerous Riley beat Salt and Dalton before firing into the side netting with Wills seemingly having the goal covered. A mistake by Cumpper presented Heswall with a clear route to goal but again they failed to take advantage of the situation, Riley shooting well wide.

The former TNS star Ronnie Morgan came on as a sub for Heswall and his experience improved the home sides play.

Riley curled a shot wide of Wills and the Runcorn keeper was relieved to see the ball come back off the upright. A fierce shot by McEvoy then brought a superb save from Heswall keeper Connor, going full length to tip the ball for a corner.

In the final minute Carey broke clear down the right, with Burton and Davies up in support the striker went for his hat trick but ended up putting the ball well wide of the post.

RUNCORN TOWN: Wills; Toohey, Dalton, Salt, Cumpper; Boyle, Latham [capt], Cummins, Robinson; Carey, McEvoy.

subs; Glynn, Burton, Davies all used, Bond.