Runcorn FC Halton 3

Stalybridge Celtic 0

RUNCORN FC Halton stormed to a tremendous victory against Stalybridge Celtic to open up the race for a place in Conference North next season.

Goals from Carl Rendell, Chris Lightfoot and Mike Garrity secured a vital win for the Linnets to keep up the pressure on those teams currently in the top 13 positions.

In a fairly even first half Runcorn FC Halton did well to take advantage of the chances that were presented to them.

Carl Rendell opened the scoring after eight minutes and that helped settle any nerves. Celtic keeper Paul Horridge failed to hold a powerful long-range effort from David Ness and Rendell was on hand to put the ball into the net.

The Linnets looked to capitalise on this good start and scored a second after 25 minutes when unmarked Chris Lightfoot headed home at the far post.

Stalybridge threatened briefly with Phil Eastwood and Kevin Parr having the best of their chances.

In the second half the away side set about retrieving the game and put the Runcorn FC Halton defence under severe pressure, especially after the introduction of substitutes Ian Monk and Chris Denham but the home side's back line remained resolute and strong. But the Linnets hit Celtic on the break in the 75th minute with a well-worked goal from Garrity.

Although his original effort hit the post he was alert enough to put the rebound in.