HOCKEY: PLAY-OFF hopefuls Runcorn fell foul of a Didsbury side seeking automatic promotion from North West Counties Division Three.

Without six players who gained promotion along with their visitors last season, this NWC Division Three game looked one too far for the hosts.

Three 'soft' goals in the first five minutes of the second half turned the contest Didsbury's way.

Their captain was left free to score from three yards while poor marking was equally to blame for the second.

Didsbury's third goal was down to lack of concentration as all defenders charged a short-corner to leave Hampson helpless.

Sound tackling and good composure from Hill, McLucas and Wakefield had initially prevented real danger.

At the other end, Pretorius and Kenyon linked up well but Shallcross hit straight at the keeper.

Deeside Ramblers 0 Runcorn Veterans 3: A young and fit Deeside side were on top in the first 20 minutes but Mark Buckley's dribbling set up Iain Williams for the grass team's opener.

Robbie Roan was outstanding in defence, supported by Dave Crowther, Pete Thomas and Clive Hooper.

John Irvine, playing his first club game for five years, lobbed the fullback for winger Paul Carter to get to the byline and cross for Williams to net his second.

Fifteen minutes from time, Pete Thomas's powerful cross was stopped by Kirby on the goalline for Buckley to tap in.