RUNCORN Town are favourites for Carlsberg West Cheshire League's Division Two title after a 4-0 demolition of visiting leaders West Kirby Reserves.
Town are within a point of the summit with two games in hand and look certain for promotion.
Despite the scoreline, chances were at a premium and after going in front from Ian Robinson's 22-yard shot, just after the half hour, Town had to wait for consolidation.
George Donnelly held his nerve for their second 16 minutes from time after getting behind West Kirby's defence.
The Wirral side's resistance was now almost broken and Ryan Wade made it 3-0 on 81 minutes, the winger scoring from close range after rounding the keeper.
The same player had a part to play in Town's fourth two minutes from time although sub Andy Faraday provided the scoring pass, laying off for Donnelly to net his second.
Town: Parkinson, Hawkins, Dale, Duffy, R Moore, Ingham, Robinson (D Moore), Tierney, Donnelly, Obong (Faraday), Wade.
* Halton hit the goal trail to bolster their mid-table status. Ian Cocks (2), Kevin Ward, Dave Tierney and Stephen Horrocks set up a 5-1 defeat of Capenhurst Villa.
But fellow Division Two side Helsby's relegation fears remain after a 3-2 home defeat to Christleton Res, despite strikes from Mark Connor and Gary Cottiga.
