HALTON FC have installed Dave Leach and Paul Jameson as managers after their resignations from Runcorn Town.

The pair had been in charge of Town's reserves and the club's head coach Gary Siner believes their arrival will only benefit the West Cheshire League club.

After completing their pre-season schedule there is a real belief Halton will be in a position to challenge for West Cheshire League honours.

They were beaten by Marine's UniBond League Premier Division side at the weekend but have assembled a vastly-improved squad.

Former League of Wales player Michael Thompson and Conference North striker Martin Molyneux have signed.

Adam Horrocks, Connor Taylor and veteran striker Karl Thomas will improve the conversion rate.

Siner said: 'Alvin McDonald paid us a terrific compliment by bringing his entire Marine first-team squad here and that gave us a terrific benchmark.

'These players are now starting to shine at this level of football. The experienced players brought in, and my appointment of Dave Leach and Paul Jameson gives us far more strength in depth.'

* Halton defend their Carlsberg WCL penalty shoot-out title tonight, in an eliminator at Pavilions (6.30pm). Runcorn Town and Helsby are among the other contestants.

Halton open their Division Two league campaign on Saturday with a home Runcorn derby against Runcorn Town before travelling to Ashville on Monday (ko 7.30pm).