DEPLETED Runcorn Linnets Ladies returned to winning ways in Cheshire Women’s League Division One as comfortable 5-1 victors at Stockport HNR.

Persistence and determination of young striker Beth Coppin provided the simplest of chances for lively Frankie Valdez to open the scoring.

From a ball over the top Stockport equalised in the 28th minute.

Runcorn should have retaken the lead on 35 minutes but Coppin and Valdez were denied by a tremendous double save by the home 'keeper.

Stockport could have gone in ahead themselves but for Nat Pinnington thwarting a home forward with a super save.

The Linnets began to look more at ease after reverting from 3-5-2 to a more customary 4-3-3 shape in the second half and added three goals in a six-minute spell.

Kim Roberts teed up Coppin for number two on 51 minutes before the scorer turned provider for Lucy Wieland to grab her first senior Linnets goal.

Wieland then provided the cross at the back post for Roberts to tuck away number four.

In stoppage time Roberts, joint player of the match with Nichola Hyland, set up Valdez for a simple near-post tap-in.

Linnets return to the Millbank Linnets Stadium on Sunday, April 23, against Witton Albion Ladies, kick off 2pm.

This will be the last run out before playing in the League Challenge Cup final against Crewe Alexandra Ladies Development Squad on Sunday May 7th, at Barnton FC (ko 3pm).