Frickley Athletic 1, Runcorn FC Halton 0: NOT the ending Runcorn would have wanted as they try to get back on the UniBond League survival track.
As if failure to score for a fourth successive Premier Division match wasn't bad enough, there was an un-welcome finale to the game when Lee Siadankay was sent off after the full-time whistle.
The centre half had 'leaned into' a home player after taking a dig to the ribs.
There appeared no contact from Siadankay but the referee showed him a red card for an alleged headbutt.
Indications after the match were that both clubs would be giving the official, Scunthorpe's Keith Lawson, a sufficiently-low mark to warrant a written report from their respective secretaries on his performance.
Frickley, much the better side before the break, had a tougher time of it in the second half.
They had Nick Heinemann dismissed on the stroke of half-time for a hefty challenge on Adam Hunter, who was replaced - largely as a precaution.
Robbie Holcroft had earlier made some fine saves to keep Runcorn in the hunt but, after the restart, the Linnets could not capitalise on their extra man.
Martyn Woolford's 31st-minute strike - a six-yard finish from a right-wing cross by Alex Callery - was enough to make it nine games unbeaten for the promotion-chasing hosts.
Half-time reorganisation with Colin Flood pushing forward from left-back, where new signing Chris Fitzsimmons slotted in as a sub, had some effect.
Furlong replaced Hunter and took over in attack with Shaun Whalley reverting to a wide-right role.
Skipper Paul Scott fought hard in central midfield but the final ball was lacking from Runcorn.
Home keeper Gary Ingham was rarely troubled and scant consolation for Runcorn was that Frickley - having scored 10 goals over their two previous home fixtures - could not open the floodgates this time.
RUNCORN FC HALTON: Holcroft, Phillips, Flood (Moore 82), O'Driscoll, Siadankay, Bowden, Hunter (Furlong 46), Scott, Lamb, Whalley, Locke (Fitz-simmons 46). Attendance: 319.
