Although the Blues were riding high after their historic FA Trophy win against York at the weekend, they couldn’t carry that momentum into this clash with Runcorn which saw Sean McConville’s men struggle.
Runcorn took an early lead in the 16th minute after a floated Naim Arsan cross found James Steele free at the back post who headed into the far corner beyond the reach of Zac Hadi.

The home side then doubled their lead from another cross when Matthew Rain’s delivery caused a mix up between Jake Carroll and Hadi that left an easy tap in for Scott Bakkor in the 35th minute.

Clitheroe offered little in response with their best chance of the first half falling to Sefton Gonzales in stoppage time as he powered a downward header but Bayleigh Passant got low and kept it out.

Half Time: Runcorn Linnets 2-0 Clitheroe

Into the second half Clitheroe looked more up for it as a good chance came from substitute Leon Creech whose whipped cross had to be tipped over the bar by Passant at full stretch in the 62nd minute.

Another half chance fell for the Blues in the 70th minute when Charlie Martin laid off Harry Scarborough on the edge of the box but the striker’s shot went high and wide.

The visitors didn’t give up however as they kept pushing for a goal and they did come close late on in the 88th minute after Jack Morris danced through four Runcorn defenders just to see his shot saved comfortably at the near post by Passant.

Full Time: Runcorn Linnets 2-0 Clitheroe

While the result ended Clitheroe’s recent run, there were encouraging signs in the second half as they now turn their focus to Saturday’s home fixture against Shifnal Town.