NORTH WEST COUNTIES

RUNCORN TOWN kept the pressure on leaders Silsden with a hard-fought 2-1 win over 1874 Northwich.

Danny Thomas put 1874 ahead on 15 minutes after some early pressure.

John Shaw levelled for Town just after the half hour mark before Paul McManus netted on 77 minutes to secure the points.

City of Liverpool were comfortable 4-0 winners at Ashton Athletic.

The Purps made the perfect start by taking a fifth-minute lead when Craig Cairns laid the ball to Tom Peterson, who found the net with a crisp strike.

John McGrath doubled the lead in the second half, with Karl Clair duly adding a third.

Cairns got his almost mandatory weekly goal just before the end to wrap up a good win.

Congleton Town continue to look the real deal with a comprehensive 4-1 win over West Didsbury & Chorlton.

A free-kick for a foul on debutant Tom Schofield allowed Danny Cope to strike straight into the corner to put the Bears ahead and the lead was doubled through John Main on 52 minutes.

Cope struck again four minutes later to make it 3-0 and although Saul Henderson pulled one back for West, Emini Adegbenro secured the win on 80 minutes with an individual goal. GARY LANGLEY