Barrow 1

Runcorn 2

TWO goals from player/manager Liam Watson secured Runcorn's second win of the season at Holker Street and more importantly ensured that the Linnets climbed a place in the league table.

With Gary Lunt and John Benson making their first league appearances of the season in midfield, Runcorn looked solid from the start and prevented Barrow from creating many chances.

They were restricted to long-range efforts which were dealt with confidently by Runcorn keeper, Mark Winstanley.

Runcorn were adapting their play well and the midfield got forward as often as possible to support loan striker Watson.

They carved out an opportunity for him after 41 minutes but Barrow keeper, Simon Bishop made a fine save and Watson was just unable to convert the rebound.

Barrow took the lead just before half time when Mark Hume headed in from a corner.

Watson responded positively to the deficit and for the second half brought on young strikers Mike Moseley and John McAllister for Tony Ward and Benson.

The move proved most effective as Runcorn dominated play for the opening 20 minutes of the second half as they pressed forward for the equaliser.

The Linnets nearly opened their account after 48 minutes when McAllister made a fine run down the left and crossed for the onrushing Watson whose shot was just diverted away by Barrow keeper Bishop.

Runcorn kept up the pressure and four minutes later Watson equalised with a superbly taken goal.

Lunt did well to win the ball in midfield and Watson, from 20 yards out, spotted Woods off his line and sent a delightful chip over the keeper's head and into the net for an excellent goal.

Runcorn were not content with a point and continued to trouble the Barrow defence with their adventurous play as they went in search of the winner.

This came after 71 minutes when Lee Warren threw a punch at Watson in the area.

The Barrow defender was dismissed for the offence and despite the long delay, Watson coolly converted the resulting penalty to give Runcorn a tremendous victory.

Runcorn: Winstanley; Salt; Ness; Ellis; McNally; Ward (McAllister 45); Lunt; Robinson; Benson (Moseley); Tomlinson; Watson (Chamber 80).

Next match Frickley Athletic v Runcorn on Saturday, January 27, kick-off 3pm.

Goalkeeper Richard Acton has been placed on the transfer list.

All enquiries should go to Runcorn manager Liam Watson and midfielder David Nolan is bound for Droylsden.

As a cost cutting measure Runcorn have withdrawn their Reserve team from the Lancashire League.

However, the Youth team and Academy team will continue.