Ashton Athletic 1
Runcorn Linnets 0

RUNCORN were kept scoreless for the first time this season as they fell to defeat at Ashton.

The Linnets were unable to get into their usual passing game, having only long-range efforts in the opening stages.

Meanwhile, Andy Robertson saved Adam Howard's shot for the hosts up the other end in a first half in which clear-cut chances were at a premium.

In the second half, Matt Atherton shot straight at Ashton 'keeper Jason Foulds. However, the home side started to look more dangerous.

And on the hour-mark Michael Downing broke and opened the scoring for Ashton.

Linnets were jolted into action by the goal, Mike Tomlinson's header missing a great chance to equalise.

Kyle Hamid's thunderous free-kick hit the cross-bar, Ashton 'keeper Foulds then tipping the rebound on to the bar.

And when Atherton headed over with the goal at his mercy there was a sense that it was not going to be Runcorn’s day.

Runcorn were given a free kick just outside the penalty box, with the Linnets camp making strong claims that the foul had taken place in the area.

Hamid shot over the bar with the effort to complete Linnets' frustrating afternoon.

Runcorn Town  1
AFC Blackpool  2

TOWN desperately needed to win this game but despite enjoying a lot of ball possession could not break down a resolute Blackpool defence backed by a superb display from their man of the match goalkeeper Phil Priestley.
 

Blackpool took the lead through a Ben Singleton volley. Mitchell Newsham doubled that lead on 69 minutes.
 

Town pulled a goal back in the 89th minute when James McShane deflected a goal bound shot by Keddie into the net.
 

Despite five minutes injury time Town were unable to further test Priestley’s goal.