FREDDIE Potter’s winner edged Runcorn Linnets closer to promotion, leaving 1874 Northwich to contemplate the end of their title bid.

His header from close range, with two minutes left, was a defining moment in a controversial derby that included three dismissals – two for the visitors – and penalties at both ends.

Ian Street’s men are 30 points adrift of their conquerors, with seven games in hand.

Linnets took the lead on 12 minutes when Kevin Towey stroked in after a long cross from the right reached him at the far post.

Mike Brandon could not connect cleanly when he had a sight of goal, while Potter prompted goalkeeper Matthew Conkie to save smartly.

1874 drew level after half an hour, Brandon pouncing to apply a finishing touch after Runcorn custodian Richard Mottram had spilled the ball at a corner.

When Linnets looked likely to take the lead again, Ryan Mitchell thwarted Adam Wade.

A final chance of the opening period was created for Ryan Stewart by Brandon’s fine hold-up play, but his shot was off-target.

1874 edged ahead six minutes into the second half when Stuart Wellstead supplied an assist for Brandon to claim his 15th goal of the campaign.

Michael White headed too high from a set piece as Runcorn rallied, though he was more accurate from the penalty spot after Adam Bayley felled an attacker in the area.

The game’s flashpoint followed with five minutes left, when Wade’s tackle on Matthew Ward sparked a melee involving players from both teams.

Referee Joe Hull dismissed Ward for his part in the original collision, then showed red cards to Neil Chappell and Runcorn substitute Matthew Atherton as punishment for their reaction.

Linnets made their extra man count, conjuring a winner for Potter with time running out.

Linnets Mottram (GK), Armstrong (Atherton), Crowder, Burke, White, Ellison (Cross), Wade, Smith, Towey, Potter, Houghton (Hilton) Subs not used Lomax, Ritchie Goals Towey 12, White 78 (penalty), Potter 88

1874 Conkie (GK), Mitchell, Bayley, Thomas, Duckworth, Wellstead, Chappell, Matthew Woolley, Stewart, Brandon, Ward Subs not used Connor, Beadle, Lunn, Crofts, Bowyer Goals Brandon 28, 51 Booked Bayley, Mitchell, Chappell Sent off Chappell, Ward

Referee Joe Hull

Attendance 665

Additional reporting by Brian Edge