Bradford Park Avenue 3 Runcorn FC Halton 1

A SECOND half fight back from Runcorn FC Halton was not enough to salvage anything from a game played in very testing conditions, writes Debbie Quaile.

The Linnets fell behind in the second minute as a result of a bizarre goal.

A free kick, for what seemed to be an innocuous challenge, was conceded by the Runcorn FC Halton defence on the edge of the area and as 'keeper Tony McMillan was lining up the defensive wall, Andrew Hayward placed the ball into an unguarded net.

Bolstered by a very strong wind Bradford extended their lead on 17 minutes through defender James Stansfield.

Runcorn FC Halton fought back and as the first half came to a close they pressed forward for the goal that would get them back into the game.

New signing from Southport Kevin Leadbetter, broke clear of the Bradford defence but 'keeper Montgomery made an excellent save and then Chris Price saw his shot just clear the bar.

The Linnets kept up the pressure in the second half and Dave Gamble tried a spectacular 40-yard effort but he was denied by the ever-stubborn Montgomery. Gamble was denied a second time by the Bradford Park 'keeper when he struck at goal directly from a corner and Montgomery tipped the ball over the bar.

Runcorn FC Halton deservedly got back into the game after 50 minutes with a goal from Steve Carragher.

Leadbetter again broke clear of the Bradford defence and although Montgomery did well to save his powerful shot, Carragher was on hand to force the ball into the net.

The Linnets continued to press forward for the equaliser but just failed to capitalise on their greater share of the play.

Bradford sealed the points on full time with a goal from James Maxwell.

Runcorn FC Halton: McMillan, Carragher, Ness (McMahon), Baines, Tomlinson, Whalley, Price, Morley (Watson), McNally, Gamble, Leadbetter, Subs: Latham.

l Making his debut on Saturday was Runcorn FC Halton's new signing Kevin Leadbetter from Southport.

Leadbetter impressed during a loan spell with the Linnets in September and joined the club on a permanent basis in time for the game at Bradford.

Manager Liam Watson said: "I am delighted that Kevin agreed to join Runcorn FC Halton and I'm sure that he will be a great asset to the team.

Next match, Saturday, January 26, Frickley Athletic v Runcorn FC Halton, kick off 3pm.