DESPITE a third home pre-season defeat against senior opposition, Runcorn Linnets gained respectability and escaped further injury woe in a 3-0 defeat by Witton Albion.

More than 200 supporters turned out to watch another useful workout, with it being unlikely for Linnets to come across teams with the quality of Chester, Ashton United or Witton on a regular basis.

Freddie Potter proved to be Runcorn's biggest attacking threat early on, however Witton proved good value for the victory, taking the lead after 38 minutes through Will Jones and Rob Hopley doubling it two minutes into the second half.

Runcorn had the ball in the net themselves after a tidy finish from a trialist striker, but it was ruled out for a handball in the build-up.

Potter’s angled shot gave Linnets hope, however formed part of a series of efforts failing to seriously trouble Witton.

The Evo-Stik League Premier Division side wrapped the game up with a late penalty, dispatched by Billy Smart despite a valiant effort from Dylan Forth to keep it out.

Although not the result Runcorn would have wanted, Linnets' performance demonstrated that they are well capable of building on last season's success, starting with Sunday’s cup tie away at Hallam.

Runcorn Linnets:

Dylan Forth, Louis Corrigan, Aaron Morris, Trialist A, Michael Simpson, Kieran Nolan, Ronnie McCarthy, Kyle Hamid, Freddie Potter, Trialist D, Paul Shanley. Subs: Mitch Bryant, Kurt Sherlock, Adam Gilchrist, Kasie Jones, Trialist B, Trialist C, Danny O'Brien, Matty Holmes.

Attendance: 223