A strong and competitive Runcorn Linnets side moved into third place in The Northern Premier League Division One West and strengthen their play off hopes with a 3-0 win.

Darlaston manager Exodus Geohaghon continues to work tirelessly to strengthen his squad in an effort to become more competitive and give his side hope of getting out of the relegation zone. Consequently he made 4 changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Kidsgrove Athletic in midweek. Tom Beeby in goal making his full debut, as did Tom Parker whilst midweek signings , Zidan Sutherland and Abdourahman Cole also came in to the team on debut.

Runcorn showed why they are riding high in the table, making a bright start. Ryan Brooke and Scott Bakkor impressing with their forward play, with skipper Jacques Welsh a colossus at the back.

Matty Rain had an early chance for the visitors shooting wide whilst Kobe Arthur's first time snap shot went over the bar.

The visitors went ahead on 12 minutes from the penalty spot. An innocuous challenge on Declan McLoughlin saw the referee blow for a fairly soft penalty. Bakkor easily converted the spot kick sending young keeper Beeby the wrong way.

The visitors had the lions share of possession eventually doubling their lead on 28 minutes. Welsh rising highest at a corner to glance an header into the top right hand corner giving Beeby no chance.

The second half saw Runcorn push forward in an effort to put the game beyond doubt but some stoic defending and quite magnificent goalkeeping by keeper Beeby making several fine saves to keep the visitors at bay, including a fine save to deny Naim Arsan diving at his feet to claw the ball away, Substitute James Steele hit the bar late on.

A mistake at the heart of the Darlaston defence allowed full back Ferguson room to set up Brooke to add a third to complete the scoring on 84 minutes.

A thoroughly deserved win by an excellent Runcorn Linnets side.