Runcorn Linnets fans enjoyed a relatively stress-free afternoon at the Millbank Linnets Stadium as the league leaders extended their advantage at the top of the North West Counties Football League Premier Division to 18 points with a routine and largely comfortable 2-0 win over in-form Silsden.

Manager Joey Dunn will have been extremely pleased with an assured and, at times, commanding display that left him pondering positives all over the park, as the Linnets to a man produced a performance worthy of their lofty status.

With Michael Duffy once again missing through injury, Kyle Armstrong and Martin Crowder took on the full-back roles, while Mike Burke and Michael White remained at centre half.

’Keeper Richie Mottram looked back to his best after his injury problems, and the midfield trio of Adam Wade, skipper Michael Ellison and Frannie Smith complemented the attack-minded Chris Lomax, Kev Towey and Freddie Potter.

The bench could not have been stronger at this level of football, with Houghton, Sherlock, Cross, Humphreys and Ritchie all chomping at the bit to take part.

The opening minute from the Linnets was incisive and devastating, direct play being held up by Kev Towey before Freddie Potter was played in to loop the ball beyond the ’keeper and give the home side the best possible start.

The lead could have been extended almost immediately, but Michael White's header from Martin Crowder's corner lacked the necessary power to concern the Silsden stopper Thorpe.

More good build-up saw Chris Lomax curl a shot off target, before Michael Ellison's now customary speculative punt at goal was of more concern to the passing dog walkers than anyone inside the stadium!

Silsden's first opening fell to Grimes but great defensive work from Crowder and Mottram alleviated the danger without fuss, and at the other end, a fine ball in was chested down by Potter to Frannie Smith, whose shot flew wide. Potter continued to shine and he beat two men before being pulled down for a 21st-minute penalty, which Michael White stepped up to confront with his usual assurity. Striking a firm "daisy cutter" into the left corner, he sent the ’keeper the wrong way to give the Linnets a two-goal cushion.

Fagan for the visitors received the game’s first yellow for a foul on Potter, in a game played in largely good spirit, and for the most part really well handled by the officials.

The Linnets triumvirate in the centre of the park continued to dominate. Ellison and Wade combined to flick in Towey, whose lob was thwarted by the fingertip catch of Thorpe. Towey almost played in Potter, their understanding of each other's game growing quickly, and Towey then latched onto Crowder's cross, expertly chesting to shoot in one movement, only to again be denied by the excellent Thorpe.

When Silsden did show intent, Adam Wade, Michael White and Mike Burke were all on hand with "body on the line" style challenges and blocks to send the Linnets in at half-time two goals to the good, and in a comfort zone.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with the Linnets pushing from the off. Smith and Potter combined really well, with Frannie releasing Freddie down the right, before Potter pulled back into the path of Smith. But the resulting header once again lacked the necessary conviction.

When Potter was fouled, the referee played an excellent advantage as Lomax sprinted clear, but his lob fell just wide. The officials’ one moment of madness arrived after a foul, I think on Wade - resulting in a yellow for Silsden's Wademan, who was nowhere near the incident! With intervention from an assistant, the referee then showed a second yellow and red to the non-plussed Fagan, which, with the help of both sets of players and the majority of the crowd, was then rescinded before away skipper Lamb finally received the caution, and the correct outcome was achieved in the end.

The incident should not, however, overshadow what was a good day for the officials, getting decisions right and allowing the game to flow. Good to see for both players and fans alike.

Kyle Armstrong, who had an excellent afternoon all round, was released to cross for Potter to shoot first time, the striker lobbing the rebound over the bar. Potter and Lomax combined with Frannie Smith seeing his shot well blocked, before Silsden had their best chance of the game on a swift counter attack.

Nicholls broke clear for Grimes to fire unluckily against the post. Back at the other end, Wade found Lomax who was thwarted by the feet of Thorpe, and Lomax fired high and wide from the resulting corner.

Joey Dunn made changes with Mark Houghton, Kurt Sherlock and Matt Cross replacing Lomax, Towey and Smith. All three subs made an immediate impact and contribution. Sherlock was denied by a last-ditch tackle, Houghton played in Wade to fire just wide, and Cross, as ever, gave the Linnets a vocal and organisational lift.

The home side saw the game out without further concern and both sides left the arena to hearty applause.

A tip of the hat again goes to the Millbank ground staff for superb conditions.

Runcorn Linnets: Mottram, Armstrong, Crowder, Burke, White, Ellison (C), Wade, Smith (Cross), Towey (Sherlock), Potter, Lomax (Houghton). Subs Not Used: Humphreys, Ritchie.

Silsden: Thorpe, Moses, Deakin-Pickard, Mitchell, Lamb(C), Fagan, Hill, Moore, Grimes, Wademan, Nicholls. Subs: Riley, McNulty, Haigh.

Attendance: 288.

Linnets now have a free weekend, their next game being the inaugural visit of 1874 Northwich to the Millbank Linnets Stadium on Saturday week (February 28th).