RUNCORN Linnets edged out in-form Clitheroe 2-1 at the Millbank Linnets Stadium on Saturday.

Two first-half Runcorn goals proved a bridge too far for the visitors.

There had been little to separate the sides when Paul Shanley opened the scoring for the hosts on 23 minutes, stooping low to head Mike Simpson’s cross over the despairing reach of goalkeeper Terry and into the top corner.

As half-time approached, Runcorn doubled their lead from the penalty spot after Terry had brought down Connor McCarthy.

Question marks remain as to whether the offence was inside the box or outside, but the referee made his judgement and Kurt Sherlock sent Terry the wrong way from the spot.

Clitheroe came on strong in the second half, going on to be the better side and getting themselves back into the game via a superb solo goal from substitute Harry Cannon-Noren.

However, chances for both sides were few and far between and Runcorn held out relatively comfortably to secure a victory which kept them second in Evo-Stik League Division One West after the weekend's games.

The attendance of 399 was Linnets' biggest of the season so far.

Linnets have another welcome home fixture on Saturday against Newcastle Town.

Linnets: Matt Holmes, Louis Corrigan, Aaron Morris, Peter Wylie, Michael Simpson, Ronnie McCarthy, Kristian Holy, Kyle Hamid), Connor McCarthy, Paul Shanley, Kurt Sherlock. Subs: Zac Aley, Liam Morris. Not used: Danny O'Brien, Niall Watson, Jack Hinnigan.