TOWN END NEWTON'S UNBEATEN START

Runcorn Town put an end to Newton's unbeaten start to the season after a 2-1 victory in West Cheshire League One, with Town moving up to third in the league with a game in hand on the top two.

Two first half goals from Jason Caey and Mike Boyle gave the home side a 2-0 half time lead, put a below par second half performance for the second week running gave Newton hope, especially after Neil Miles' 54th minute goal halved the deficit.

Simon Burton almost gave Town the dream start after just four minutes when he brought down Carey's cross from the right in the box. He had more time than he was perhaps aware and shot first time past the keeper, with the ball striking the left hand post before Newton cleared.

The opening goal arrived in the 12th minute after Ste Latham quickly took a free kick from the right into the box towards Carey. It looked like Carey had nowhere to go near the touchline, but he cut back inside the last defender superbly before passing the ball into the net from an acute angle.

Newton didn't know how to control Carey and it was him who set up the second goal for Town after 37 minutes. Latham again released him, with the forward getting near the goal-line before crossing low across the box for Boyle to turn in at the far post.

It was almost 3-0 seven minutes into the second half when Boyle crossed from the left hand side with Burton just failing to connect with the ball in the box and Latham seeing his shot well saved.

But two minutes later Newton pulled one back after Town's defence was cut apart with Miles slotting past Dave Parkinson in goal after a one-on-one chance. Three minutes later Miles again got in behind the defence from a throw in on the left but this time put his one-on-one chance wide of the right hand post.

The rest of the game was played mainly in the midfield with chances at a premium. Debutant Matty Cass, who signed this week from Conference North side Burscough, had an opportunity to make it three with a minute remaining after a defensive error let him in, but his effort was well saved by the visiting keeper.

Posted at 12:27 on Sunday 28th September 2008 - Viewed 306 times