Runcorn FC Halton 0 Nuneaton Borough 2

RUNCORN suffered their second successive league defeat after losing 2-0 to an in form Nuneaton Borough.

In a scrappy first half, chances were few and far between but the away side always looked the more comfortable.

In the 22nd minute, Borough forward Gez Murphy shot wide after John Robertson's slip had left him open.

Runcorn had their first chance in the 34th minute when Danny Byrne crossed to Nicky Young whose downward header went just behind the incoming Ged Courtney.

At the other end, Chris Tullin's cross failed to find either Murphy or Stuart Whittaker.

In the opening minutes of the second half, Byrne found himself free on the edge of the box but failed to get his shot on target.

On 56 minutes, Nuneaton finally opened the scoring when Murphy's spectacular shot dipped over Tony McMillan.

Just a few minutes later, Courtney could have levelled but his shot failed to trouble the 'keeper.

In an attempt to swing the game, Runcorn manager Alvin McDonald made all three available substitutions, but it was to no avail as the impressive Murphy secured the win with another wonderfully taken goal in the 71st minute.

He found himself on the edge of the box and curled the ball around the diving McMillan, into the bottom corner.

Runcorn: McMillan; Carragher; McGinn; Spearitt; Robertson; Ness; Brown; Lally; Young; Byrne; Courtney; Subs: Rendell; Nolan; Turner; Fields; Timms.