The Blues will be looking to bounce back in mid-week against Marine and former boss David Lynch after suffering a second home defeat of the campaign.

An early goal from Ross Dent wasn't enough for the Blues to make it back-to-back wins as in-form Runcorn came from behind to take the points at Shawbridge. Clitheroe keeper Chris Thompson did his best to stifle the fightback with a first-half penalty save. But a brilliant winner from Ryan Brooke gave Linnets the points as they climbed above the Blues - who again finished with 10 men following the late dismissal of Richie Baker - inside the NPL West Division's top-six.

The Blues made a superb start capped by another goal from midfield man Dent, who again timed a run into the box perfectly to deflect home a Baker effort and fire the hosts into a seventh-minute lead. Billy Priestley and Gary Stopforth's men - top scorers in the division going into the weekend - were all over the visitors in the opening exchanges. But, crucially, they couldn't add to their lead, with Jamie Edwards going closest to a second goal.

And Clitheroe were made to pay when Dapo Olarewaju made it 1-1 as he lifted the ball over the Thompson to stem the Blues' momentum. Runcorn had barely been in it at the stage but could have led at the break but for Thompson's fine stop from Iwan Murray's spot-kick following a push in the box. That failed to deflate the visitors, however, who then clinched their fifth win in six league games with a superb solo effort from Brooke 10 minutes into the second half.

The Blues threw on Conor Gaul and Alex Turner to try and salvage a point late on as they belatedly cranked up the pressure. But Runcorn stood firm and with Baker's frustration showing with a second yellow card late on, the Blues finished empty-handed and turning their thoughts to Wednesday night's visit of Marine, who moved up to second in the table with their weekend win at Northwich.

Attendance 550

Team : Chris Thompson, Gary Stopforth, Cole Lonsdale, Richie Baker, Harrison Burke, Billy Priestley, Jamie Edwards, Danny Wilkins (Joel Mills), Sefton Gonzales (c), Ross Dent (Alex Turner), Jake Connelly (Conor Gaul). Subs - Joel Mills, Alex Turner, Conor Gaul. Not used - Jack Burrows, Taylor Brickell.