Solid Defence Earn A Draw

Vauxhall introduced new recruit Matt Higgins to the side who replaced Steve Hilton in goal who is on-loan from Macclesfield Town in order to find first team football.

A typical derby display at the Halton Staduim saw a scrappy start to the game. No chances were created until five minutes from the interval when Vauxhall full back Wayne McDermott sent Fearns running down the left who was able to force his way into the box, before playing in Peter Cumiskey who saw his shot parried by the Runcorn keeper, but he managed to score the re-bound.

Half Time: Runcorn FC Halton 0-1 Vauxhall Motors

In the second half the home side came out the stronger looking for an equaliser but a solid Vauxhall defensive performance continued and Kevin Lynch was having a fine game in midfield, breaking down most of the attacks.

It was a huge blow for The Motormen on 72 minutes when their skipper Kevin Lynch picked up an injury and was soon replaced by Neil Rigby. Moments later Runcorn eqaulised through a corner from the right that hit Motors' centre half Chris Whelan and rolled into the back of the net.

The home side then began to push on and Vauxhall were doing well with everything The Linnets threw at them and the scoreline remained the same.

Motors will take more possitives from this game than there opponents as Vauxhall had lost four in a row, and Runcorn had won three in a row scoring just over a dozen goals.

Man of the Match: Wayne McDermott for a solid performance in defence.

Teams:

Motors Higgins, Ward, McDermott, Griffiths, Whelan, Lynch (Rigby 72), Nesbitt, Lawton, Fearns, Young, Cumiskey. Subs: Norman, McIIroy.