Colls bounce back to stun high-flyers Runcorn Linnets

Michael Clegg's side returned to winning ways in impressive fashion following the disappointment of five dropped points in two home games the previous weekend.

A remarkable second-half performance at Runcorn, who dropped to third place in the North West Counties Premier Division following the defeat, saw the Alder House men come back from a goal down with four strikes in 34 minutes.

It was only a second defeat in eight games for Linnets who would have gone top with a win, while Colls moved up to 11th place, seven points off the top, after putting on a great show in front of a crowd of 360.

Kyle Hamid put the home side ahead after just three minutes with the leveller coming from James Kirby six minutes after the break.

That was the signal for the floodgates to open with Kristian Holt putting Colls ahead six minutes later and Kirby scoring his second and third of the game on 72 and 84 minutes.

Colls now travel to Little Wembley – the home of fourth-placed Nelson – for tomorrow's 7.45pm kick off hoping to down another potential promotion rival and put themselves back in the mix.

They also face a trip to AFC Blackpool on Tuesday in the Lancashire Challenge Trophy before returning to Alder House next Friday for their FA Vase second qualifying round tie against neighbours Atherton LR.

Ninth-placed LR played out an entertaining goalless draw with Stockport Town in the First Division at the weekend.

They were always in what was an end-to-end affair and had chances to claim victory against the fourth-placed visitors.

Ben Hyde forced an early mistake in defence and would surely have put LR ahead but for a tremendous last-ditch tackle.

Midfielder Jordyn Fitton then saw his stunning 25-yard free kick rattle the Stockport crossbar and after the break Niall Callaghan went close with a chance created by the industrious Hyde.

LR host second-bottom Daisy Hill on Saturday, kick off 3pm.