John Rooney’s hat-trick ensured Gary Jones celebrated success in his first game as caretaker manager.
Former assistant boss Jones, who has taken over on a temporary basis following the departure of Neil Young last week, guided Chester into the quarter-finals of the Cheshire Senior Cup last night.
North West Counties League high flyers Runcorn were undone by Rooney, whose transfer to Chester from Bury was rubber-stamped yesterday.
The brother of Manchester United star Wayne netted twice at the end of the first half. He chipped his first over Runcorn keeper Karl Wills before scoring from the penalty spot after Tom Peers had been fouled.
Jamie Reed made it 3-0 for Chester in the 52nd minute before Rooney sealed the win with his third of the night in the final minute.
Chester: Danby, Lindfield, Kay, Horan, McIntyre (Mahon), Rooney, Jarrett, Menagh, Williams (Heath), Peers (Miller), Reed. Subs: Fearon, Linwood, Blake.
