CONGLETON started the game at a tremendous pace on a pitch in remarkable condition considering the inclement weather, an absolute credit to the Congleton groundsman.

Marshall cut inside then hit a shot that flew into the arms of Lever, Runcorn defended well and weathered the early onslaught, in their first attack a superb ball from Keddie split the Congleton defence putting Shanley through but with just the keeper to beat the Runcorn captain lifted his shot over the crossbar.

The home side were having the better of the ball possession and Marshall tested Lever with a powerful shot from 20 yards.

Runcorn has another chance when Kelly sent a perfect ball up the touchline, from Shanley’s cross the unmarked Bellew’s header lacked enough power to trouble Kurasik.

Some clever play by Moores created himself space but he shot into the side netting to the dismay of Marshall in a better position inside the penalty area.

When McShane found Shanley it took a perfectly timed last ditch clearance by Kenny to deny a certain goal for Runcorn. Congleton took the lead in the 20th minute, from a corner kick Kieron Kenny headed powerfully into the net from six yards.

Runcorn responded immediately and from Bellew’s accurate free kick Dykes headed against the outside of the post.

A pass from Bailey created an opening from which Marshall fired a shot straight at Lever. Ablewhite with the goal at his mercy hit a poor shot that was saved on the goal line by Congleton keeper Kurasik.

Runcorn missed another opportunity in the opening minutes of the second half when from Bellew’s cross Ablewhite headed against the crossbar.

Congleton quickly struck back and when Sam Marshall cut inside in the 50th minute he hit a fierce shot that beat Lever at his near post, although Lever got a hand to the ball it squirmed under his body into the net.

Congleton got a third goal in the 70th minute when Fletcher beat two defenders on the dead ball line before crossing to Brian Matthews for a simple tap in.

The goal deflated Runcorn but they gave themselves a lifeline in the 74th minute when Paul Shanley’s header came back off the crossbar, responding quickly he headed the ball in to the open goal.

Cummins tried a shot that Kurasik dealt with comfortably then the keeper produced a great save to turn a Martland goal bound shot over the angle. Declan Fletcher sealed the game for Congleton in the 78th minute when he broke through the middle of the Runcorn defence beating two defenders before hammering the ball into the bottom corner.

The well marshalled Congleton defence with held firm to late pressure ensuring a thoroughly deserved victory.

A disappointing end to the recent good run of results by a Runcorn team who failed to take their chances in this game.

The new management team at Congleton got off to a flying start and the organised performance by their team fully merited their victory today.

On Saturday Runcorn entertain West Yorkshire Club Garforth Town from the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division in the second round of the FA Vase.

Garforth currently lie in 12th position in the Premier league, the Kick Off at Pavilions is 3pm.