RUNCORN Linnets’ recent signing Ryan Cox stole the headlines with a high-quality hat-trick in an eye-catching win on Tuesday.

It was a night when only a win would suffice, following the previous evening’s big match at the top of the NWCL Premier Division in which hitherto third-placed Atherton Collieries had beaten Colne, who had been in second, 3-0 to blow the title race wide open.

The top-placed Linnets prevailed relatively comfortably, despite Abbey Hey making the game a real contest and spawning good chances.

In a way, this match began at 1pm as club officials and volunteers answered last-minute calls to help prepare the pitch following an overnight deluge of rain, and it has to be said that each and all did a truly marvellous job.

Linnets supporters were buoyed by the news Matty Atherton had recovered from serious injury to resume his left-back mantle. Kieron Brislen also returned, in place of Kyle Armstrong, while the new pair of Steve Jones and Cox both started. Kurt Sherlock, not feeling 100%, dropped to a strong-looking bench.

The game started at a high pace from both sides but Abbey Hey took early control, forcing a good save out of Dean Porter and four quick corners. Linnets’ first chance fell to Mike Simpson after great build-up down the right from Brislen and Jones with Abbey ’keeper Ross Heywood tipping the shot round the post.

The deadlock was broken on 22 minutes as a ball in from the left was chested down by Mike Simpson for Cox to turn swiftly and poke home from eight yards; a real poacher’s finish.

Anthony Hickey went close when set up by Jones before Collins forced Porter into an excellent near-post save.

As the high winds, rain and sleet began to have a real influence the referee, excellent all night, brought the half to a close.

The general feeling was that more goals were to come, and Abbey went in search straight from the restart. James Moss wasted a glorious headed chance unmarked from four yards.

The Linnets promptly doubled their advantage with an extraordinary goal.

Picking up a loose ball 25 yards out and chipping Heywood, his quick-thinking effort was in from the second it left his foot.

Linnets dominated from that point, with Cox going close again with a left-foot curler before a foiled Abbey Hey raid inadvertently led to Runcorn sealing the points.

Jonathan Hardy’s attempt after a long free-kick brought another excellent save from Porter.

With Abbey players still committed forward, the loose ball found its way to Brislen who played in Simpson to charge 70 yards upfield with chasing defenders in hot pursuit. They were unable to prevent an inch-perfect ball across goal for Cox to slide in, completing his treble, on 68 minutes.

That's now five goals in two Linnets games for the hotshot striker. There was still time for Cox to almost score his fourth, Heywood making a fingertip stop.

The title chase continues on Saturday when Padiham visit the Millbank (ko 3pm).

Runcorn Linnets: Dean Porter, Keiron Brislen, Matthew Atherton, River Humphreys, Michael White, Michael Ellison, Mark Houghton, Michael Simpson, Ryan Cox, Antony Hickey, Steve Jones. Subs: Freddie Potter, Danny Hand. Not used: Taylor Kennerley, Adam Donohue, Kurt Sherlock.

Abbey Hey: Ross Heywood, Darren Talbot, Andrew Smith, Curtis Jones, Kane Hickman, Sam Freakes (capt), Justin Pickering, Jonathon Hardy, Nico Collins, Sam Hind, James Moss. Subs: Ollie Ford, Ashford Blake, George Noon. Not used Luke Gibson.

Attendance: 259.