Redditch United 1

Runcorn FC Halton 0

AFTER a barren spell of three losses on the trot the Reds got back to winning ways against Nationwide North strugglers Runcorn thanks to a single goal by Scott Rickards.

The Redditch striker was quickest to react after Runcorn keeper Neil Thomspon could not handle a powerful Simon Hollis header on 13 minutes.

Rickards didn't give Thompson another chance as he placed home from close range.

Both teams went into the game with just one win in their last six league games but nerves weren't present as clear cut chances should have been taken at both ends with the game just seconds old.

Redditch's Asa Charlton picked out Hollis with a perfect cross-field ball from the kick-off only to see the winger pick out 'keeper Thompson with his half-volley.

Runcorn went straight down the other end of the field courtesy of James Lock's mazy run and cross but Linnets striker Phil Denny was just beaten to the ball by United's Gary Knight who cleared for a corner.

Two minutes after the interval Hollis should have put the game beyond the visitors when he was put clean through but Thompson just did enough to see Hollis' shot go wide.

Four minutes later the Redditch defence dropped off Phil Young who tried his luck from 22-yards but his low drive went agonisingly close.

Runcorn keeper Thompson was again called into action on 75 minutes as first Rickards blasted and then Danny Scheppel tried his luck but the Runcorn number one again came out on top on both occasions to keep the score down.

Linnets Tom Taylor could have nicked a point for the visitors at the death as he picked his way through a weary Redditch defence but the sprightly midfielder put his effort wide.

Redditch United: Richard Anstiss, Chris McHale, Asa Charlton, Mark Taylor, Gary Knight, Sean Flynn, Simon Hollis, Daire Doyle (Norman Sylla 83 minutes), Rory May (Matt Aubrey 61), Scott Rickards, Danny Scheppel (Mark Briggs 78). Subs not used: Richard Softey, Dave Clarke.

Runcorn FC Halton: Neil Thompson, Tom Spearitt, Matty McGinn, Robert Moore (Jason van Blerk 73 minutes), John Robertson, Lee Parle, Michael Jack, Barry Jones (Mike McGinn 80), Philip Denny, Philip Young, James Lock (Tom Taylor 66). Subs not used: David Ness, Phil MacDiarmid.