THE penultimate home North West Counties Football League Premier Division fixture for table-topping Runcorn Linnets saw relegation-threatened Squires Gate travel to The Millbank Linnets Stadium with points essential for both clubs, albeit for different reasons.

With games coming thick and fast for Joey Dunn’s men, The Linnets manager once again made a few changes from within his strong and tight-knit squad, with Steve Jones coming back into midfield and Ryan Cox and Kurt Sherlock this time forming the attacking partnership.

The Linnets started brightly although a great knock forward from Mark Houghton just had too much on it for Ryan Cox.

The first real chance fell to River Humphreys, who headed just over from a decent Jones cross.

A stirring drive forward from Jake Higham for Squires Gate played in Ryan Tansor, who shot tamely wide.

Despite these chances, the opening 15 minutes were extremely cagey, until a great effort from Sherlock that curled just wide from outside the penalty box seemed to give the home side some impetus.

Houghton drove into the box and seemed to be checked, with penalty appeals waved away by the referee, and despite constant pressure, the ball would drop kindly in the area for The Linnets.

The goal finally came from an unlikely route, with Steve Jones’ right-wing curling cross eluding everyone and sneaking in at the far post.

The goal brought more Linnets pressure with Jones looking extremely dangerous.

Kyle Hamid played in Sherlock who couldn’t quite take it on his foot, and after a majestic Mike White header, Ryan Cox saw his shot blocked, and Jones’s follow-up was deflected for a corner, which Jones himself again delivered accurately and dangerously.

Sherlock and Hamid combined to find Keiron Brislen, who was fouled, but the ensuing free-kick came to nought. Despite contentment with a half-time lead, The Linnets maybe felt they should have had more, and they set about the second half with the same commanding authority enjoyed in the first period.

A great pass from Hamid found Cox, who in turn fed Sherlock but he couldn’t control the through ball. A ball in from Kyle Hamid saw Cox bundled over in the box, and although it looked less clear cut than the first-half appeal, the referee pointed to the penalty spot.

Mike White uncharactistically fired over, but The Linnets kept their focus. Moments later, a great volleyed effort from Sherlock dipped just over, and then as Cox was again brought down in the penalty box in the 56thminute, the official awarded another spot-kick. More clear cut this time.

White stepped up with nerves of steel and slotted home with aplomb, giving the home side a two- goal advantage.

The Linnets were in full flow now, and Steve Jones nearly bagged a deserved second with a rasping effort that went just over.

Michael Simpson combined with Ryan Cox to release Mark Houghton who shot wide, and inevitably The Linnets took their foot off the gas to allow Squires Gate their best period in the closing stages.

Despite this, Dean Porter in the home side goal claimed everything thrown in his way to cap another solid performance.

The final act of note was the tireless Ryan Cox chasing down a lost cause to force a Linnets corner, typifying a masterful and thoroughly convincing win for the league leaders.

The 29th win of the league season keeps the title dream very much alive, as The linnets face a tough final five games.

This Tuesday’s trip to Nelson will be followed next Saturday by the visit of 1874 Northwich, this being not only the final home outing of the campaign, but also a chance for fans to celebrate the home club’s 10th anniversary.

Runcorn Linnets: Porter, Brislen, Atherton, Humphreys, White, Ellison (capt), Houghton, Hamid, Sherlock, Cox, Jones. Subs: Potter, Simpson, Smith. Not used: Kennerley, Hardwick.

Squires Gate: Fletcher, Norlet, Ferguson, Hall, Westwood (capt), D Penswick, McKenna, Stayte, Tansor, Fishwick, Higham. Subs: Trout, Higgins, Maguire, B Penswick, Bucjan.

Attendance: 332