Atherton LR 0 Runcorn Linnets 2 LINNETS swept to a second away victory in five days, despite continuing to blow hot and cold in Vodkat League Division One. There were times in the first half when Steve Carragher’s side were threatening to rediscover their best form. They never quite built on an excellent start but will be happy with a clean sheet. The other major plus points for Steve Carragher were the performances of Dave Thompson and Michael Young. Young was more incisive and involved than of late while Thompson’s sharpness is returning after playing through injury. Both had hands in Runcorn’s goals with Thompson scoring the 28th-minute second to take his tally to eight, Young’s free kick having been fumbled by Craig Clare. Earlier, a Young corner was headed on by Thompson for centre back Neil Roberts – scorer of an own goal on his last start – to make amends. With Colin Flood (knee) forced to sit out Saturday’s game at Crilly Park, the captain’s armband Flood had been looking after for Paul Scott went to Thomas Lamb. As Runcorn opened with greater fluency and purpose than of late, the striker could have celebrated his promotion on the half hour. But after trading passes with Thompson and tricking a defender, Lamb saw his effort rebound off a post. Runcorn, in blue and white quartered shirts, black shorts and red socks due to a double colour clash with the hosts, had enough chances to have put the game to rest. However,a couple of home misses, followed soon after half-time by Rick Arnold’s volley against the Linnets bar, reminded them the job was far from done. But the win was comfortable enough in the end. Linnets: Holcroft, O’Driscoll, Standley (Holmes 46), Roberts, Boden, McInerney, Loughlin, Edwards, Thompson, Lamb, Young. Subs: Whyte, Boyd (GK). | 
