Paul’s pen is high five for Town

RUNCORN TOWN ................ 1 ASHTON ATHLETIC............ 0 A SECOND half penalty from Paul McManus was enough to give Runcorn Town the three points on Bank Holiday Monday and keep up their 100 per cent start five games in to the Hallmark Security Premier Division season.

Mark Reed had the ball in the net in the first minute but it was disallowed for offside by the assistant referee.

A foul on Reed resulted in a free-kick that Carberry swung deep into the Ashton penalty area where Thelwell was unlucky to see his volley come back off the upright.

Thelwell and Cox combined to create a chance but Cringle was quickly out of defence to charge down the shot from Cox.

Then a cross from Ashton’s Howard resulted in a flicked effort from Hassall that Runcorn keeper Reid held at the foot of his post.

Thelwell then played Cox clear through the Ashton back four but the striker struck his shot straight at Pearson.

Ashton then had a chance when Nicholson’s shot hit the outside of the upright. They had another opportunity as half-time approached Holden played the ball through to Bandell and it took Reid to respond with a brave save at the feet of the Ashton striker.

After a goalless first half, Runcorn created a great chance straight from the restart. Weaver put Thelwell clear but his hurried shot was inches too high.

An obstruction by McManus resulted in a direct free-kick from which Nicholson hit a powerful shot that Reid held on to with Ashton players waiting for any loose ball off the Runcorn keeper.

Town were awarded the decisive penalty in the 66th minute following a high ball into the Ashton penalty area. As Cox waited for the ball to drop to him he was pushed in the back and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

McManus sent Pearson the wrong way to put his side ahead.

Cox then had a clear opening but his header from inside the six-yard box flew straight at Pearson.

Ashton were pushing for the equaliser but Runcorn’s defence stood firm, Ashton’s best opportunity fell to Nicholson but his hurried volley flashed wide of the target. ●