RUNCORN LINNETS were on the right end of an extraordinary 13-goal affair against Stone Dominoes in the North West Counties League’s Premier Division, winning the clash 8-5.
Three players netted hat-tricks with Runcorn’s Kevin Towey completing his within the first three minutes of the kick-off.
Elsewhere in the division, second-placed Runcorn Town fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Squires Gate, Andy Richards’s 65th minute strike the difference between the sides.
Bottom club AFC Liverpool’s woes go on as they went down to a 3-2 loss at Bacup Borough.
Liam Nethercott netted twice for AFC on 51 and 60 minutes but goals from Davey Luker (17), Tommy Turner (67) and Daniel Cocks (75) won the points for the Lancastrians.
St Helens Town had no joy at Barnoldswick Town losing the game 4-0, but there was better fortune for Bootle on their travels to Derbyshire as Ross McDowell’s 67th minute goal proved the match-winner at Glossop North End 1-0.
Southport’s fabulous form in the Blue Square Bet League’s Premier Division continued as they earned a 3-1 success at Mansfield Town.
Liam Watson’s side have now lost just once in their last 11 games and the three points bagged against the Stags, thanks to an own goal and strikes from Shaun Whalley and Tony Gray, moved the Sandgrounders up to seventh place in the division, just seven behind the pacesetters, Wrexham.
In the Blue Square Bet North Division, Vauxhall Motors lost to a last-minute Simon Richman goal for Altrincham as the home side won 3-2. Lee Dames (11) and Leighton McGivern with a 34th minute penalty netted for Motors.
Marine moved up to fifth position in the Evo-Stik League’s Northern Premier Division with a 1-0 win over Buxton at the Arriva Stadium, thanks to a Stephen Johnson’s goal seven minutes into the second period.
At the other end of the division, Burscough now prop up the rest after falling to a 2-0 home defeat against Worksop Town.
Chester FC are in second place and collected maximum points with a 3-2 triumph at FC United Of Manchester, George Horan the visitors’ hero netting the winner in the final minute.
In the Evo-Stik League First Division North, Prescot Cables announced they are to revert to being an amateur side.
On Saturday, Cables went down to a 2-1 defeat at Bamber Bridge, despite going ahead through Ryan Salmon.
Elsewhere in the division, Skelmersdale United remain unbeaten in their opening 13 league games after a 1-1 draw at Wakefield.
Skem fell behind but Paul Woolcott levelled, although he was sent off soon after for a second bookable offence.
Cammell Laird remain in trouble losing 3-1 at Woodley Sports, Helio Andre with the visitors’ goal.
However, Warrington Town had better fortunes winning 3-1 at Harrogate Railway Athletic.
In the North West Counties League’s First Division, Formby’s Paul Speed was in form netting twice on 62 and 68 minutes. However, visitors Irlam won the game 5-2, Chris Palmer and Adam Pegg each netting braces with an own goal completing the scoring.
