Heswall 1, Runcorn Town 2: TOWN made a mockery of their lowly league status for a fine win at third-placed Heswall in Carlsberg West Cheshire League Division One.
Such was their early domination, it was no surprise when Runcorn went ahead in the 14th minute.
Paul Hives swung in a corner from the right for Ricky Thompson to head in on his first senior start of the season.
Town extended their lead soon after the half hour - Martin Molyneux signalling his return after a month's injury lay-off with his fourth goal of the season after catching Heswall's de-fence flat-footed.
On the stroke of half-time, Runcorn's rearguard was caught napping, Jamie Kenyon heading home unmarked from inside the six-yard box at a corner.
The second half was mostly one way traffic with Runcorn content to sit back and try to grab a third on the counter attack.
Runcorn survived the last 17 minutes with 10-men after defender Mick Garland was sent off for a second bookable offence.
RUNCORN TOWN: Murphy, Garland, Woolley, Atkinson, Tull, Hives, Thompson, Moore, Molyneux, Cocks, Ramanouski. Subs: Norton, Hughes
Runcorn Town Res 3 Ashville Res 0: The Reserves put a lacklustre first half behind them to score three goals in seven minutes.
With several regulars being selected for the first-team game at Heswall, caretaker-boss Dave Leach gave a group of youth team players a chance and all did well.
But the interval introduction of veteran Eddie Droughton for injured Matty Johnson changed the game as he had an influence in goals from Darren Mayers (55 minutes),Ged Bushell's 14th of the season (58) and youth teamer John Dover's 35-yard debut special.
RUNCORN TOWN RESERVES: Wise, Ginever, Stubbs, Hammond, Tudor, Johnson, Lancaster, Mayers, Dover, Bushell, Neary. Subs: Droughton,
Stringer (not used), Judge (not used) nRuncorn Town first team travel to Upton AA on Saturday in Cheshire Amateur Cup round two (ko 2pm).
Town Res travel to Moore United in the Guardian Cup first round (ko 2.30pm). On Sunday, Runcorn Town Youth have a home game against Altrincham U21 League leaders West Didsbury & Chorlton in the Edgar Webb Cup first round.
Kick off is 2pm with Anthony's Travel sponsoring the tie.
