Squires Gate 1 Runcorn Town 2: Match report
Town arrived in Marton having won all four games and with striker Chris Cairns having scored 11 goals, including five against Northwich Victoria in midweek.
The first chances fell to Gate as Jack Williams’ shot was blocked after three minutes and strike partner Tarren Moxon fired over.
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Hide AdThe host deservedly opened the scoring after 17 minutes, when Williams rounded keeper Andy Metcalf, leaving him on the floor as he tapped into the empty net.
The visitors had a fine when a corner was headed over and they equalised after a free-kick on 37 minutes.
Ben Fletcher saved with his feet at the expense of a corner, from which Mark Reed found the unmarked Simon Thelwell for a back-post tap-in.
Both sides had chances to take the lead before half-time as Gary Pett’s powerful free-kick for Gate was blocked and Fletcher again used his feet to deny Kieran Evans.
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Hide AdChances continued at both ends after the restart, Gate’s Nick Greenall having a shot blocked before Runcorn rattled the crossbar.
Williams went close to a second when Gate player-boss Danny Penswick played him through on 63 minutes but his chip from the edge of the box landed on the roof of the net.
The winner on 78 minutes was harsh on Gate but striker Mark Reed was allowed too much space on the edge of the box to turn and shoot to maintain Town’s 100 per cent start.
Gate host league rivals Congleton Town in the FA Vase on Saturday.
MARK ASHMORE
Gate: Fletcher, O’Mahoney, Douthwaite, Hall, Darnell, Moorhead, Moxon, Penswick, Williams, Pett, Greenall. Subs: Carroll, Colquhoun, Buchan, Smith, Webb.