THE sequel is often better.

While the story was familiar, and Northwich Victoria rolled over Runcorn Town for a second successive weekend, the end result was more resounding than previously.

An injury to in-form Rob Doran, who left the field with a back complaint in the first-half, was the only blemish for the home team.

“We’ve been threatening a score-line like this one,” said Vics boss Steve Wilkes.

“The trick is to keep it going.”

He praised a part played by goalkeeper Danny Taberner, who dived low to keep out Harry Brazel’s drive midway through the first-half.

A save to thwart Jamie Menagh, pushing a chipped attempt onto the crossbar, was an even better one.

In between, Runcorn custodian Adam Reid stretched fully to divert Harvey Whyte’s attempt to safety.

Wilkes said: “Danny made crucial saves at an important time.”

Vics never looked likely to lose from the moment Whyte stabbed in Joel Brownhill’s near-post corner shortly after the interval.

They doubled their lead on 56 minutes when Brian Matthews’ powerful shot, after substitute Darrhyl Mason had flicked on, found the roof of the net.

Matthews was less accurate when he had a clear sight of goal moments later, shooting high after trading passes with Brownhill.

Runcorn halved their arrears when Paul McManus converted a penalty after captain Simon Thelwell was nudged off course by Brandon Barski while attempting to reach Menagh’s cross.

However Vics stayed steady and led 3-1 when Andy Fitzgerald met Brownhill’s set-piece with a thumping header.

Reid used his legs to block Mason’s shot after he had left Liam Turner trailing before Carl Rodgers’ deft header was stopped by Taberner at the second attempt.

Matthews met Whyte’s cross with a volley at the far post to increase Vics’ lead and substitute Lewis Pilgrim added his name to a list of goal-scorers when his close-range header converted another Brownhill assist from the right.

Runcorn were grateful to Reid for sparing them from further embarrassment when he saved Matthews’ penalty in added time after Joe Camozzi had been fouled by John Shaw.

Town full-back Joe Heath was also sent off after being booked for a second time following a crude challenge on Kirtis Monson.

Wilkes added: “We really put them to the sword in the second-half.”

Vics | Taberner (GK), Camozzi, Monson, Fitzgerald, Barski, Craig, Cooke, Whyte (Whittle 78), Matthews, Brownhill (Pilgrim 87), Doran (Mason 39) Sub not used Clarke Goals Whyte 47, Matthews 56, 80, Fitzgerald 67, Pilgrim 90 (+ 1) Booked Craig (foul)
Runcorn | Reid (GK), Turner, Heath, Shaw, James (Jennings 70), McManus (Exell 75), Brazel, Rodgers, Burnett (Wright 86), Thelwell, Menagh Subs not used Jarrett, Wainwright Goal McManus 64 (penalty) Booked Heath (foul) Sent off Heath (foul, second caution)

Referee Mark Ryder

Attendance 161

Additonal reporting by Jamie Dewsbury