Stalybridge beat Hucknall, who fielded what could be described as a reserve side, 2-0 which puts them out of reach of Runcorn in the fight to avoid the third relegation spot.

Runcorn will now travel to Haig Avenue in Southport for their final fixture of this season knowing that, regardless of the outcome of the match, they will be playing in the UniBond Premier Division next season.

A fantastic goal from Matty McGinn nine minutes from full time was insufficient to overcome the two goal lead that an average looking Kettering enjoyed. The home team profitted from two clearances from Thompson that didn't quite go far enough.

Hucknall went ahead after 32 minutes, and then increased their lead in the second half. Craig Heenighan scored his debut goal for Runcorn by capitalising on a deflection from the Hucknall 'keeper to his feet, but other than that the Hucknall 'keeper was relatively untroubled.

Despite an improved performance over the Lancaster game, this loss leaves Runcorn perilously close to relegation. Ashton, and Bradford P.A. make up the bottom two places of the drop zone, with only Stalybridge, Runcorn, and Moor Green in a position to join them. Stalybrdige have two games to overcome a two point lead that Runcorn have on them, and Moor Green enjoy a five point lead on Runcorn that can only be overcome by Runcorn winning their remaining two matches and Moor Green losing theirs. If Worksop are deducted 10 points for entering a CVA then they could be a factor too.

Two goals from Nicky Young, one from the penalty spot, secured Runcorn a much needed 3 points from the match against Ashton at Valerie Park.

Runcorn FC Halton can today confirm that their final Nationwide North game of the season against Lancaster City will be played at Haig Avenue, Southport – the home ground of fellow Nationwide North side Southport FC.

The Linnets left the Halton Stadium for financial reasons last month and intended to see out the season at Valerie Park, Prescot, which is the home ground of Unibond Premier League side Prescot Cables FC. However Valerie Park is unavailable for the April 30th clash, and the tie cannot be moved to another date since all league games on the final day have to kick off at the same time.

The club would like to place on record their thanks to both the Nationwide Conference, who have allowed the game to be switched to Haig Avenue, and to Southport FC, who have kindly offered the use of their ground so that the fixture can take place.

Runcorn’s next two home games, against Ashton United tomorrow and against Hucknall Town on Sunday 17th April, are unaffected and will be played at Valerie Park, Prescot. Kick off for all three remaining home games is 3.00pm.