Whilst disappointed not to come away with a home win, Runcorn played well to hold third position Harrogate to a 0-0 draw. In a very evenly matched game both sides created chances that weren't fully utilised, but Runcorn's defence, despite missing regulars Tom Spearritt and John Robertson, kept the visitors at arm's length for the bulk of the play, giving 'keeper Tony McMillan little to do for most of the game.

Peter Ellis had to be substituted after receiving a cut to the head, and feisty new signing Martin Molyneux showed his pace when he was brought on in the second half.

Match Report

On a less than perfect pitch, Runcorn held a decent Hinckley side to a goalless draw. Hinckley attacked from the start, with possibly one or two players left out of their squad in favour of the FA Cup tie against Burton Albion at the weekend, but the Runcorn defence stood firm even without regulars Spearritt and Robertson.

Ged Courtney nearly sneaked in early in the first quarter only for the keep to block him.

In the second half Hinckley upped the tempo but with the Runcorn defence maintaining their defiance. Robbie Moore, showing himself to be worthy of this level of football, hit the cross bar via the keeper's save. Towards the end keeper Tony McMillan made a terrific closing down save on their centre forward after a mistake by Mike Garrity, with the pitch playing a big part in that. Leon Williams was brought on later in the match.

The game was characterised by the whole team working their socks off and battling hard. It's early days but two solid draws in four days against difficult opponents is a positive start, and will give the players and the new management regime greater confidence moving forward.

Tonight's game at Hinckley will be missing a number of key faces in the opening line-up. Tom Spearritt has been out for the last few games with a hamstring injury, and the same problem has befallen David Ness, along with Carl Furlong who was suffering with the problem when he joined the club last week. John Robertson suffered two cracked ribs during the Stafford game in the Cup. Anton Lally is out with knee ligament trouble and, sadly, Carl Rendell has been diagnosed with a hernia and will probably not start at Hinckley.

A goal from Nicky Young in the 84th minute equalised Worksop's 69th minute effort. Young could have put the Linnets ahead in the first half if his shot from 20 yards out had dipped under the cross-bar rather than hitting it.

Runcorn, playing in a visibly different way under the new management team of Alvin McDonald and Peter Carroll, put on a display that earned the description by a Worksop fan as "the best footballing side" they had seen all season. Improved use of the width of the pitch, and much more passing characterised Runcorn's play.

Runcorn FC Halton have wasted no time in appointing a new managerial team with the announcement that Alvin McDonald and Peter Carroll have taken over the reins at the club. Barry Taylor will remain at the club as kit man.

The news comes just 24 hours after the former managerial team of Chris Lightfoot and Eddie Bishop were relieved of their duties after a poor run of form and results.

Alvin and Peter were formerly in charge of fellow Nationwide North outfit Vauxhall Motors, with the duo achieving numerous successes at Rivacre Park. They also had a brief spell at Conference National side Northwich Victoria last season.

The new managerial team will formerly meet the players at training tomorrow evening, and will be in charge of their first game on Saturday. This will be the Nationwide North match between Worksop Town and Runcorn FC Halton.