PLAYER/Manager Liam Watson's swoop into the transfer market paid dividends as Runcorn FC Halton scored an excellent win at Bishop Auckland to get their season back on track.

Watson signed tough midfielder Dominic Morley from Droylsden and striker Kevin Leadbetter on a month's loan from Southport and both were outstanding in a well-deserved victory.

In fact both were involved in the opening move of the game and, together with Paul McNally, set up Franny McMahon whose shot went just wide of the post.

Although Steve Carragher did well to clear off the line from Bishop's Stephen Bell, it was the Linnets who always looked the more likely to score.

Leadbetter was causing all sorts of problems for the Bishop defence and twice went close to opening the scoring before forcing a fine save from keeper Campbell with a fierce low drive.

Bishop took the lead against the run of play on 27 minutes when Lee Ellison netted from eight yards.

Runcorn FC Halton were undeterred and went in search of the equaliser and McNally saw his header go just wide.

The Linnets got their reward in the 35th minute.

Bishop defender Lee lost possession to Leadbetter whose excellent cross-floated over keeper Campbell and hit the bar but McNally was on hand to force the ball home for a deserved equaliser.

The half finished with Leadbetter again hitting the bar with a fine shot.

It was all Runcorn FC Halton in the second half and keeper Campbell again denied Leadbetter when he was through on goal.

The Linnets were playing some delightful football, with Morley providing the much needed balance and stability in midfield, and deservedly took the lead on the hour.

Carragher made excellent progress down the right and delivered an inch perfect cross to the far post for McNally to head home.

Carragher was again involved in a fine move and Chris Price met his cross this time but his header went just over the bar.

The Linnets did make the game safe 15 minutes from time when Leadbetter was the provider for Carragher to force the ball home, much to the delight of the travelling Runcorn FC Halton supporters.

The Linnets continued to provide problems for Bishop with their movement off the ball and their incisive passing and were denied the opportunity to make it four when Leadbetter appeared to be fouled in the box.

The referee waived away Runcorn's appeals.

Runcorn FC Halton: Winstanley, Carragher, McMahon, Ellis, Tomlinson, Whalley, Price, Morley (Latham), McNally, Gamble, Leadbetter, Subs: Ness, Lunt.