Runcorn FC Halton 2 Bradford PA 0

NEW signing Chris Lightfoot scored both the goals to secure the Linnets' first win of the season last weekend, writes Debbie Quaile.

Manager Liam Watson said he was "delighted" with his team's impressive performance against a reasonable Bradford Park Avenue side.

The Linnets looked sharp from the kick-off and Steve Carragher should have opened the score after just ten minutes when a through-ball from Chris Price forced a hurried clearance from the Bradford keeper.

The ball fell at the feet of Carragher whose snap shot from 30 yards flew past the wrong side of the post.

Matthew McNeil, who proved a handful for the Yorkshire defence all afternoon, then slipped a clever header into the box for Watson to try a dramatic overhead kick, which went wide.

Bradford's best chances fell to Dean Martin, who was inches away from connecting with a low cross from Andy Hayward, and former Chester and Darlington striker Robbie Painter, whose snap shot forced a terrific save from Tony McMillan in the Runcorn goal.

Midway through the first period, Gary Lunt thought he had opened the scoring when he slotted the ball into the net but it was ruled out by the referee for a foul on the keeper.

The Linnets finally did go in the lead though when a good save from a strong Carragher shot led to a corner, from which Lightfoot headed in from close range.

The former Crewe defender grabbed his second 11 minutes into the second half when he found himself unmarked in the box following a Chris Price freekick.

The Bradford attack rarely threatened a strong Runcorn back line, which was boosted by the return of captain Michael Tomlinson from injury, and the Linnets could have easily made it 3-0 late on but Lightfoot spurned an opportunity for his hat-trick.