RUNCORN went two points clear in North West Counties League's Division Two as one 100% record prospered at the expense of another.

Cheadle had arrived at Wincham Park having won their two league games but Linnets made it four victories from four with a performance topped and tailed by Paul Scott.

Midfield ace Scott finished a move he had started to slide home right-winger Andy McCoy's choice fourth-minute cross and later hit a magnificent 35-yarder, leaving keeper Peter Mellor rooted to the spot as the ball flew over him.

This made it 3-1 - the excellent Thomas Lamb having headed Runcorn's second just before the break.

But resilient Cheadle would not lie down at any stage - although Linnets, back to a 4-4-2 formation, were not helped by some strange decisions from the referee.

By the time the visitors had cancelled out Scott's opener through Aaron Riley's low-left foot drive on 25 minutes - the first goal conceded by Linnets this season from open play - Runcorn should have been out of sight.

Only their finishing was off-key in an otherwise finely-tuned start.

Cheadle made it an anxious last five minutes when Tosin Onibudo headed in after George Caulfield had only parried a left-wing free kick at his near post. But Runcorn held on for a deserved victory.

Manager Steve Carragher said: 'It is hard to be critical when we have won four out of four although we are still looking to improve.

'There are a few things we have had a little gab about.

'We knew Cheadle weren't a bad side but we had enough chances before half-time to have killed the game off.

'I think we have missed Mark Phillips' input at the back but all credit to the lads.

'Not every game is going to be a stroll and they have proved their battling qualities.'

LINNETS: Caulfield, Davies (Edwards 68), Rollinson, O'Driscoll, Newell, Quirk, McCoy, Scott, Thompson (S Swales 53), Lamb, Young. Sub (not used): J Swales.