Runcorn Linnets 2 Hanley Town 1
Report by Dave Bettley with photo collages by Peter Cantwell (above) and Kelly Jones
Linnets made hard work of completing their first double of the season in Pitching In Northern Premier League West.
Restricted to the slenderest of leads after a first half of almost total domination, Runcorn struggled to reassert their superiority after the break.
When bottom-four battlers Hanley equalised 16 minutes from time, after barely threatening the Runcorn goal, the hosts needed to raise their game again.
Within three minutes of conceding, they were back in front and on course for their ninth league win of 2024-25.
Even so, the hard-working visitors struck to the task and caused Linnets some late anxiety before ultimately having to accept defeat.
The Stoke-on-Trent outfit boasted a good recent record at APEC Taxis Stadium but Antony Kay's side had won 2-1 earlier in the season at Potteries Park.
Peter Wylie, sidelined by illness in midweek, returned in central defence while Lewis Doyle was given a midfield starting berth after confirming his recovery from injury in two substitute appearances.
The two paired up as creator and scorer of the Linnets' opener.
Hanley started positively with Runcorn, as in Tuesday's Cheshire Senior Cup victory against Vauxhall Motors, slow out of the blocks.
But from the 10th minute mark, it was virtually one-way traffic for the remainder of the first half.
With Will Saxon and Naim Arsan stretching Hanley on the flanks, Linnets delivered plenty of crosses into the opposition's box.
They also found the net in the 20th minute but were thwarted by an offside flag.
Genuine chances were, however, in short supply, although Town 'keeper Adam Whitehouse leapt high to his left to save a snapshot by man of the match Saxon from the right edge of the area.
Linnets' 33rd-minute breakthrough goal was even more spectacular.
Wylie's drifting through ball fell perfectly for Doyle to meet it first time on the volley from the left of the box.
Runcorn's failure to fully exploit their possession and territory was always a worry.
They found inspiration occasionally, second-half substitute Adam Moseley being foiled at close quarters after a fine team move.
Despite Hanley having a bigger share after the turnaround, their final pass was lacking.
Defender Henry Briscoe forced Tom Myles into his first significant save with a speculative 30-yard effort.
The rebound fell to Lewis Holdham, who was not only off target from an acute angle but also offside.
However, the Hanley No.9's next sight of goal brought their leveller in the 74th minute.
He found himself free to take the ball around Myles at the Forest End.
The game now had a different complexion, although not for long.
Moseley's cross from the left was intercepted but only half dealt with by Hanley's defence.
Runcorn recycled the ball to the right from where Saxon finished superbly into the far corner.
That didn't deter Hanley from pushing forward with more purpose than at any stage, in a late salvage operation.
Runcorn's defenders had to be brave to protect the restored lead.
Right back Sam Barratt felt the full force of a shot after Runcorn had scrambled away a free-kick from deep inside their area.
Linnets continued to search for a third goal to seal the win.
Left back Arsan had an extra swagger on his birthday and almost scored it.
A meandering run into the box ended with Whitehouse charging down his shot.
But Runcorn had done just enough in the first of two successive Saturday home games as they strive to stay in touch with the play-off contenders.
Wythenshawe pay their first visit in the second of these, the sides having shared the spoils from a goalless draw in Manchester on the opening day of the campaign.
Runcorn Linnets: Tom Myles, Sam Barratt, Naim Arsan, Karl Clair, Peter Wylie, Harvey Washington, Will Saxon (Lewis Nolan, 87 mins), Jacques Welsh, Ryan Brooke (Adam Moseley, 57 mins), Lewis Doyle (Jaden Jones, 76 mins), Luke Wall (Lewis Crane, 90+3 mins). Sub (not used): Bayleigh Passant (GK).
Attendance: 409.
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