Runcorn 2 Altrincham 1

TWO goals from Nicky Young were enough to give Runcorn FC Halton their third consecutive home win in the league, writes Wendy Osborne.

The first attack of the game fell to the visitors, but Colin Potts' 20-yard shot went just wide. Soon after, Carl Rendell put the ball in the back of the net for Runcorn but was ruled off side.

The Linnets broke the deadlock after 28 minutes when Ged Courtney's pass rebounded towards Young who managed to hit a low drive beyond 'keeper Richard Acton.

Seven minutes later, Young doubled the lead.

Gary Talbot hit an under strength back-pass and the striker reacted first to toe-poke the ball past the advancing keeper.

In the 43rd minute, Alty almost pulled a goal back when Marcus Hallows headed over after some fine passing play.

However, just before the interval, the Robins did pull one goal back through an own goal by defender Peter Ellis.

Hallows headed a deep cross back towards the goal and the ball hit the unfortunate Ellis on the heel and found the net.

In the second half, Runcorn almost got a third, but Acton managed to tip Courtney's looping header over the bar.

The Robins tried to put pressure on the home side's goal but the best chance fell to Runcorn when Kieran Durkan raced clear, only to hit his shot straight at the 'keeper.

In injury time, Hallows vollied wide from inside the box to deny Altrincham a point.

Runcorn: McMillan; Carragher; McGinn; Nolan; Robertson; Ellis; Garrity; Parle; Young; Rendell; Courtney; Subs: Kissock; Moore; Durkan; Williams; Ness.

Attendance: 353.

Runcorn 0 Stafford Rangers 1

FA Cup

Third Qualifying Round

RUNCORN failed to progress beyond the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, losing 1-0 to Stafford Rangers.

Craig McGaughtrie headed the only goal of the game in the 29th minute.

The Linnets started the game well with Carl Rendell going close and Nicky Young shooting straight at Rangers 'keeper James Dormand.

Mike Garrity saw his shot go just wide before Stafford forward Craig Wilding almost scored with a lob shot that went narrowly over.

Runcorn almost equalised in the 42nd minute after good work from Steve Carragher. His cross was headed forward by Matty McGinn towards Rendell but he put his shot over. Stafford could have sealed the game two minutes after the restart when Wilding's shot came back off the underside of the crossbar.

Despite putting pressure on the away side and pushing more and more players up front Runcorn could not manage the breakthrough that would have forced a replay.

Runcorn: McMillan; Carragher; McGinn; Ellis; Robertson; Nolan; Garrity; Parle; Young; Rendell; Courtney; Subs: Kissock; Moore; Durkan; Williams; Ness.

Attendance: 376.