Runcorn Town 0 Runcorn Linnets 1 A BUMPER crowd of 803 for Runcorn’s Boxing Day top of the table clash saw Linnets take the spoils.

Linnets started the game well and almost took the lead on seven minutes when Burke headed inches wide from a corner on the right.

Wills was certainly the busier of the keepers and brought off a string of fine saves to keep Town in the game.

Hickey was outstanding in the Linnets front line causing Town’s defence many problems with his close control.

Atherton then went close as Town’s defence were being put under what was becoming constant pressure but when Town counter attacked the speed of Shanley and Haughton were causing concern to the Linnets defence.

However, Shanley suffered an ankle injury on 26 minutes and that had a disruptive effect on the Town team and reduced their attacking options.

The lively Hickey was still proving a thorn to Town, from his powerful shot Kinsey cleared the ball off the goal line.

The second half became a midfield battle with neither team able to dominate the game.

Wills was still the busier keeper however and came to his teams rescue on numerous occasions.

Linnets grabbed the only goal of the game in the 58th minute when a shot from Hickey was charged down by Wills, the rebound fell to the same player who then had his shot blocked by Kinsey, this time however the ball fell to Kevin Towey who took his goal well with a clever first time chip over Kinsey and Wills into the far top corner of the net.

Town had a second penalty appeal turned down for hand ball.

Linnets defence looked comfortable dealing with the late Town onslaught, well marshalled by the impressive Burke they saw out the remaining minutes for a deserved victory.