NWCFL Premier Division leaders Runcorn Linnets cruised past AFC Blackpool at the Millbank Linnets Stadium 5-1.

Early on, Freddie Potter headed over from Kurt Sherlock’s free-kick, and then Sherlock volleyed just wide from distance twice.

Potter’s brilliant lobbed effort from way out went just wide.

The deadlock was finally eased apart in the 20th minute when Potter headed down Michael White’s forward ball to Mark Houghton, and he stroked home a delicious volley.

A great pass from Potter found Sherlock who chipped just over, and then just after the half hour Kyle Hamid’s peach of a free kick was struck home from 20 yards.

The third goal followed quickly, Hamid again rounding the keeper and finishing from an almost impossible angle with a deft and skilful curling shot.

Michael Simpson was unlucky to hit a post with a shot, and the half finished with a Blackpool goal from the penalty spot after a handball.

Blackpool came back into the game, giving the second half a flatness and attritional quality.

Hamid went in search of his hat-trick, seeing his header saved after great work from Simpson driving forward and Sherlock’s cross.

The game was put beyond any doubt in a three-minute spell.

Michael Ellison beat two players and thundered a strike from 30 yards to make it 4-1, and Potter rose highest to head home the Linnets’ fifth moments later.

Linnets: Dean Porter, Kieron Brislen, Matthew Atherton, River Humphreys, Michael White, Michael Ellison (C), Michael Simpson, Kyle Hamid, Freddie Potter, Kurt Sherlock, Mark Houghton. Subs: Kyle Armstrong, Franny Smith, Tom Hardwick. Subs not used: Ryan Cox, Steve Jones.