Runcorn Linnets entertained Squires Gate at the Millbank Linnets Stadium on Saturday knowing that only a win would be sufficient in keeping the pressure on title rivals Glossop North End. Kyle Armstrong and Martin Crowder returned in the full back positions with Kev Towey and Mike Burke also reclaiming starting berths.

Linnets fans were delighted to see Kyle Hamid take his place on the bench after a long injury absence, before falling silent to immaculately mark the recent passing of North West Counties Football League official John Adams, in a moment of respect and reflection observed by the supporters, players and officials of both clubs.

The game got off to a flyer, with Freddie Potter shooting wide after ten or so seconds, as the Linnets made an attack-minded start. Squires Gate showed their early intent but Billy McKenna couldn't connect with a decent through ball. It looked as though the first goal wasn't too far on the horizon, and it arrived on the quarter of an hour mark, rather fortuitously, as a Squires Gate defender sliced home a probing Martin Crowder cross to give the Linnets the lead by virtue of an own goal.

Freddie Potter couldn't control the next through ball, and glared at the pitch, before Adam Wade released Martin Crowder, whose shot brought out the first of a string of excellent saves from Ben Fletcher in the opposition goal. Runcorn continued their pressure, and Mike Burke headed wide from a Matt Cross corner kick.

The second goal came on the half hour, with Adam Wade exquisitely controlling a peach of a volley into the corner with power from 25 or so yards, sparking celebrations among the players and fans alike.

Freddie Potter received a mysterious yellow card, and then good work from Mark Houghton and Kev Towey set up Wade, but this time his shot sailed into the Whitehouse Industrial Estate rather than nestling in the top of the net.

The Linnets continued to have the ascendency, ably aided by Burke and fellow centre back White who were winning headers for fun to keep the visitors at bay. Great Towey skill forced a corner, which White headed wide, and the half ended with Mike Burke forcing another great save from Fletcher.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with both sides showing total endeavour. Great team play from the Linnets set up Crowder but he was in an offside position, and Potter broke well and unselfishly squared for Towey, who again forced a good stop from Fletcher. Squires Gate had a really good spell, and forced Richie Mottram into a fine save, tipping over the bar. Although the second half was quieter than the first, both sided spurned decent chances, and Kurt Sherlock replaced Mark Houghton as Joey Dunn, the Linnets boss, looked for a third goal to seal the game.

Martin Crowder played in Adam Wade, and his flicked pass fell to Towey but his shot was blocked by the valiant Squires Gate defence. The visitors continued to assert pressure of their own, but the game petered out fairly tamely, although the home contingent felt they had a good penalty shout when Potter appeared to be pole-axed in the box.

Further frustration came via a caution for Richie Mottram in the Linnets goal, for alleged time wasting, when the hosts were obviously more intent on chasing the third. The whistle signalled a satisfying three points, and with games in the bag, there is another week to wait before the Yellows travel across town for the Easter Monday Runcorn derby fixture.

Runcorn Linnets: Richie Mottram, Kyle Armstrong, Martin Crowder, Mike Burke, Michael White, Michael Ellison (Capt), Matt Cross, Adam Wade, Kev Towey, Freddie Potter, Mark Houghton (Kurt Sherlock). Subs Not Used: Adam Hilton, Chris Lomax, Kyle Hamid, Jonathon Ritchie.

Squires Gate: Ben Fletcher, Andrew Richards, Brett Ferguson, Dan Penswick (Capt), Josh Westwood, Chris Anderson, Billy McKenna, Harry Dunn, Mark Buchan, Alexander Murphy, Zach Clark. Sub: Kiefer Cunningham, Joshua Kay, Alexander McKendrick, Ashley Rowley.

Attendance: 335.