IF never giving up and pulling off late victories are hallmarks of champions, then Runcorn Linnets stamped their title credentials once again in an eventful North West Counties League Premier Division encounter.

Three red cards in the closing stages with the scores at 2-2 marred what had been a fiercely contested derby in front of a bumper 665 crowd at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.

With Runcorn down to 10 men and Northwich finishing with nine, Freddie Potter glanced home a header from Martin Crowder’s cross to send the league leaders 21 points clear of Glossop North End, who have eight games in hand..

Leading marksman Kevin Towy put the Linnets ahead but a bizarre leveller came in the 28th minute, home keeper Richie Mottram not claiming a corner at his near post and centre back Mike White inadvertently finding the net in his efforts to clear the danger.

Northwich stole ahead in the 51st minute thanks to Mike Brandon after a good through ball caught out the Linnets defence.

The hosts were in no mood to give up their proud unbeaten home record though and continued a recent run of last-gasp home comebacks.

Firstly, White dispatched a penalty after Towy was brought down, paving the way for late drama with Potter’s winner.