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Runcorn Town put in a tremendous second half performance against a Colne side two leagues higher than them, but were ultimately defeated 5-4 by the Vodkat League club.

Jason Carey gave Town an early lead after just two minutes after Danny Cummins played him in, with the striker holding off the defender and shooting low into the bottom right hand corner.

Colne showed their intent with a free kick that went just wide of the left hand post and a shot following a cross from the left that went wide. Town did not heed the warnings though and were level after 10 minutes from Mark Tinker.

A cross from the right was only half cleared with Tinker hammering the ball home from 10 yards. Town almost retook the lead immediately with Marvin Molyneux's 25-yard effort hitting the bar and Carey's follow up going over, but after 13 minutes Colne had the lead when a cross from the right was turned in at the back post by Sam Hayes.

Colne looked a good attacking unit with some quick passing opening up several opportunities. However it wasn't until stoppage time when Richie Threlfall's gave them a deserved 3-1 lead, Threlfall turning in a quick break by the left post.

The second half saw Town give a good account of themselves and should have pulled one back on the hour after Danny Cummins had the ball in the net, however it was ruled out for a foul in the build up.

With Town pressing, Molyneux did well to chase down a ball on the right and with the ball sitting up nicely he whipped it across goal but just too far in front of Simon Burton and Tony Wynne.

Town's second came after 67 minutes from Emini Adegbenro. Hesitant defending allowed the midfielder in and he hit a first time strike into the bottom corner which gave the keeper no chance.

Five minutes later Town Simon Burton made the game all square as he headed in a cross from Tony Wynne who showed good feet to get the ball out from underneath him.

Colne retook the lead after 76 minutes following a break down the right that looked offside. The cross found Threllfall in acres of space with the forward having time to control it and fire in his second of the match.

Not to be outdone, Hayes added his second after 82 minutes with Town's defence parting through the middle to give him a shot, and with the score at 5-3 it was seemingly all over.

However Warren Bellew's lob from the edge of the box from Molyneux's throw in put Town back into it and they were unlucky not to emerge with something from the game when Adegbenro's diving header flew just over with two minutes to go.

This match report represents the views of the author and not particularly that of Runcorn Town FC.