MCSHANE HITS HAT-TRICK IN WIN OVER NEWTON

James McShane hit a "perfect" hat-trick and Will Dolan converted a late penalty as Runcorn Town moved into second place with a 4-2 win over Newton at Pavilions.

McShane latched onto a poor backpass before rounding the keeper and opening the scoring with his right foot in the 15th minute. He doubled the lead in the 32nd minute by lobbing the keeper with a 25-yard, left foot shot after good work by Danny Dalton.

Newton, playing down the hill in the second half, came back into the game on the hour when they were awarded a controversial free kick 25-yards which Ste Jones knocked in after Karl Wills had saved the initial shot. And five minutes later it was 2-2 with Jones again on the scoresheet after a Newton attack down the right.

Town took the lead in the 82nd minute when Ian Robinson sprung the offside trap on the left and put in a delightful cross which McShane headed back across goal and into the corner of the net for his 18th goal in just 17 games. Town's fourth came two minutes from time when Danny Cummins' effort was handled in the box, with Dolan slotting home the penalty.

Next up for Town is a Semi-Final against Poulton Vics in the Pyke Cup on Saturday (2.30pm), with the next league game not until the 8th March when we visit Christleton (3.00pm). Town Reserves are also away on Saturday in the Semi Final of the West Cheshire Shield at Mossley Hill Athletic (2.30pm), with their next league game also on 8th March when they face Ellesmere Port Reserves at home (3.00pm).

Posted at 23:02 on Wednesday 27th February 2008 - Viewed 254 times