Runcorn Linnets staged an unlikely comeback from two goals down, and frankly playing quite poorly, to grab a late winner at Winsford United's Barton Stadium.

With the game looking out of reach, the character of Joey Dunn's team shone through, and again the noisy Linnets fans were able to show their delight at an important three points in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division.

Jason Carey returned to the side, after being FA Cup-tied, and the Linnets saw an effort from an early chance tipped onto and then bounce on top of the crossbar before falling agonisingly over the top.

A melee in the area followed from the corner, but Daniel Egan soon found himself totally unmarked at the other end to head Winsford into an early lead.

Kurt Sherlock showed skill after Michael Simpson's corner, and Freddie Potter almost latched on to a pass back, but on 20 minutes it was two-nil, Egan firing smartly under Richie Mottram.

Carey's great strike was tipped wide, and Potter couldn't connect with Kieron Brislen's deep cross. Brislen continued to shine at right back, but the Linnets' defence was carved open once again by Winsford with the visitors only being saved by the ball hitting a post.

The players of both sides could not have been helped by the constant public address announcements during play as Winsford looked to grab a third after dominating the half.

Runcorn's final ball was too deep on numerous occasions, although Brislen's probing cross was deflected safely back to the 'keeper. The half-time whistle sounded with the Linnets still in the game, but only thanks to the width of that upright.

The second half started with the Linnets continuing to look disjointed, and possession being surrendered too easily. Winsford still enjoyed confident possession.

The Linnets pulled one back on 55 minutes, and while the writer is loathe to use the phrase "trademark", Michael White's towering and powerful headed finish from a Hamid free-kick brought a collective surge in hope and confidence around the green and yellow contingent within the ground.

White's effort was also more than a little reminiscent of his recent winning goal from a corner - and into the same net - against Winsford's tenants 1874 Northwich.

Matt Atherton found Kyle Hamid, who shot wide, and Sherlock's long-range shot was seemingly denied by the face of the home keeper!

Great tackling and perseverance from Simpson led to a controlled shot that deserved more, and likewise Sherlock did well but Potter couldn't quite latch on to his cross as the Linnets took a hold on the game.

However, when Potter won the ball in midfield, he unleashed a powerful drive that bounced awkwardly and over the 'keeper for the Linnets' equaliser. To their credit, Winsford, although tiring, tried to attack where possible. Meanwhile Hamid forced a corner at the other end, and Sherlock's shot was blocked after a neat head on by Atherton.

Winsford pressed too, but the Linnets saw a move break down with five attackers facing only three defenders, and probably should have done better.

Manager Dunn sent on Adam Hilton as he looked for the winning goal. The impact was immediate, with Hilton latching onto Potter's great pass, and then accurately squaring from the right for the on-rushing Kurt Sherlock to finish emphatically. This sent the away fans into delirium with just five minutes to play.

There was no chance of Runcorn sitting on the lead, as Dunn sent on striker Ben Halfacre. Winsford had a late chance headed over, and a corner which the Linnets defence dealt with just before the end. Full-time was greeted with a mixture of relief and emotion.

The Linnets players received a wonderful ovation from their travelling fans. Winsford will be disappointed after a spirited display, and an hour of being the better side on the night, but the Linnets will be really pleased with the character and resilience shown.

Runcorn Linnets: Mottram, Brislen, Atherton, Humphreys, White, Ellison, Simpson, Hamid, Potter, Carey, Sherlock. Subs used: Hilton, Halfacre.