Runcorn Linnets took a reasonably early chance to settle a score as they faced Nelson, the only side to have beaten them in the North West Counties Football League this campaign, at the Millbank Linnets Stadium, writes mark Buckley.

Nelson had been 2-1 victors just two months ago, with the Linnets having a perfect league record since, and manager Joey Dunn was keen to keep that run going.

Michael White and Mike Burke retained their positions at the heart of the defence, with Kyle Armstrong and Martin Crowder in the full-back spots.

Franny Smith, Adam Wade and skipper Michael Ellison anchored the side, with Mark Houghton, Freddie Potter and Kev Towey spearheading an attacking-looking line-up. Jonathon Ritchie became the third 'keeper to wear the Linnets' number one jersey this season, having arrived from Vauxhall Motors during the week.

The returning Matt Cross took a place on what was, as usual, an extremely strong-looking subs bench after his spell with Mossley.

Ritchie was immediately thrown into action, punching well from an early foray by the visitors, while a great pass from Freddie Potter saw the ball into the box cleared in a frenetic start that also saw yellow cards for Mark Houghton and Nelson's Edward O'Neill.

Ritchie managed to rectify an early mistake by gathering the ball on his own line, and Michael Ellison became the third player booked for nothing more than a tough challenge.

Kev Towey had a great chance from close range after good work by the industrious Adam Wade. Michael White shot wide from distance, and then his long pass just evaded Potter as the Linnets looked to take a hold on proceedings, with both Towey and Houghton creating good pressure.

A cross, headed on by Potter, wouldn't quite drop for Towey, who picked up and then quickly shook off a knock, as the game descended into a series of niggling fouls.

Martin Crowder made a decent clearance just before popping up at the other end to fire in a wondrous strike from just inside the box, giving the visiting 'keeper no chance and the home side a half-time lead.

An earlier clash of heads between Freddie Potter and Mark Houghton led to Potter's withdrawal during the break, and the ambulance journey to hospital thankfully remained only precautionary, the striker having slight concussion. Matt Atherton replaced him, and White headed the first chance of the second half wide of a post.

Another shot was saved by the Nelson 'keeper Ben Woodhead before Nelson started to exert a period of pressure.

The equaliser arrived from Matty O'Neill, who finished neatly from close range after Paul Fildes' pass across goal. Peter Wright almost gave the visitors a lead but lobbed wide after beating the Linnets offside trap.

Fildes was then booked for a late challenge on 'keeper Ritchie, with the home stopper staying down for a while - causing dismay and disbelief among home fans, desperate not to have to endure yet another goalkeeping injury. Ritchie thankfully continued, and his counterpart Woodhead saved smartly from both Towey and Atherton in quick succession.

Atherton then had a testing cross cleared, but the visitors were still looking the most likely to score.

Fildes saw a header ruled out for offside, and Wright shot wide. Matt Cross replaced Franny Smith and had an immediate effect, sending his 25-yard free-kick rattling against the crossbar.

Cross's introduction galvanised the home side, with his motivational and organisational prowess in evidence straight away.

With 10 minutes to go, Towey crossed in and while his pass was headed away, Mark Houghton was on hand to smash home and reinstate the home side's lead, leading to jubilant scenes on the pitch and terracing too.

Kev Towey had one further chance well saved, but Runcorn were able to use their usual holding up and keep ball tactics to secure their fourth successive league win by the odd goal.

The game wasn't a classic, it remained physical for the whole 90 minutes, and Nelson will be aggrieved not to have got anything from the game.

For the Linnets, another precious three points takes them 15 points clear at the top of the table, and although teams remain in touch with games in hand, the Runcorn management team will be more happy with that advantage.

Runcorn Linnets: Ritchie, Armstrong, Crowder, Burke, White, Ellison, Wade, Smith (Cross), Towey, Potter (Atherton), Houghton. Subs (not used): Bellew, Lomax, Humphreys.

Nelson: Woodhead, Walmsley, Porter, E. O'Neill, Fletcher, Mason, M. O'Neill, Mahoney, Wright, J. O'Neill, Fildes. Subs: Lloyd, Hessain, Mamoke.

Attendance: 327