By Lewis Francis
Runcorn Linnets secured a comfortable Pitching In Northern Premier League West win against 17th-placed Vauxhall at APEC Taxis Stadium
The game started very well for the Linnets as home debutant Oliver Molloy towered above the Motors' defence to head the ball into the far corner to make it 1-0 in the fourth minute.
After the goal, the first half produced very little in terms of big opportunities until Vauxhall had their first chance of the game.
A fierce drive from Lewis Buckley forced a good save out of Linnets 'keeper Bayleigh Passant.
If anything, Vauxhall had the majority of the better chances in the first half.
After two heroic blocks from the Linnets defence had deflected to Conor Harwood, he could only fire the ball over from a few yards out.
Vauxhall also had a goal disallowed when Buckley played a lovely through ball to Craig Curran, who was deemed offside by the linesman.
Frustration began to show for the Motormen, as Stephen Rigby was shown a yellow card for a late tackle on James Short. Buckley, and Thomas Mitchell were also cautioned along with Sam Barratt and Peter Wylie of Runcorn.
After a strong start to the second half, Linnets made their pressure count on the hour.
Adam Moseley, who had come off the bench just a few minutes earlier, powered a thunderous strike into the centre of the goal following a corner.
Following the second goal from the Murdishaw team, Vauxhall had to press on to try to find a way back into the game.
This press for a goal began with a shot by Ethan Gouldbourne, which was easily collected by Linnets 'keeper Passant.
Just after, Vauxhall had their biggest opportunity of the game so far.
Mitchell won the header, following a free kick from the left, and powered it towards the bottom right corner where it was blocked on the line. The ball fell to Adam Hughes, who could only stab the ball over the bar.
But after that, it was a fairly comfortable win for Linnets.
It was well managed, Vauxhall being limited to few further chances with Runcorn earning a crucial three points in their season.
Overall, the fans, staff and players should be very pleased with the result.
It left Runcorn in seventh place in the division, just two points off the play-off places.
Vauxhall dropped to 18th place but four points clear of the relegation zone.
Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Sam Barratt, James Short, Jacques Welsh, Peter Wylie, Antony Kay, Will Saxon, Joe Lynch (Eden Gumbs, 81 mins), Oliver Molloy, Ryan Brooke (Adam Moseley, 57 mins), Lewis Doyle. Subs (not used): Harry Hagan, Kenny Brown.
Attendance: 593
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