Runcorn Linnets completed a rearguard action to earn their first home success in knockout competition this season with a 1-0 win over Bootle, writes Dave Bettley.

The bulk of the attacking in this Liverpool County FA Senior Cup first-round tie came from the visitors, who ultimately ran out of ideas in their efforts to break down a resolute Linnets defence.

While unable to make their mark at one end, Bootle effectively gifted Antony Kay's depleted side their passage into round two by scoring at the other.

An 11th-minute own goal from Courtney Duffus secured a reunion for Runcorn with former playing favourite Kevin Towey.

He will bring North West Counties League Division One North side Ashton Town to his hometown APEC Taxis Stadium, after their victory over NWCL Premier DivisIon outfit Litherland REMYCA.

The Ashton-in-Makerfield side were the hosts for Linnets' inaugural competitive match in 2006.

Much has happened since then but Runcorn certainly haven't won many games in the manner of this victory, which saw them very much on the backfoot.

Bootle had the better of the first half and virtually all of the second but Runcorn soaked up everything that the away side could throw at them.

On a poor run of form, the Bucks have now won only once in nine outings and with Runcorn being short of recent home success, something always had to give.

For all their territorial domination and attacking intent, Bootle were effectively snuffed out.

Stand-in skipper Peter Wylie and fellow Runcorn centre back, Harvey Washington had an answer to most things the away side could throw at them.

Karl Clair - the only Runcorn midfielder to complete the 90 minutes - energetically protected the defence as Bootle were largely restricted to long-range attempts.

Home 'keeper Bayleigh Passant was solidly behind them all.

The game had started as it would mostly continue with Bootle going forward.

Passant's first save, a tipover in the centre of his goal to keep out a good strike from out wide by left back Sean Smith, was perhaps his most difficult.

Centre half Jonny Spittle flashed a shot past the left upright from the resulting corner.

Bootle duly found the net from the next - but, fatefully, at the wrong end.

Clare's left-wing delivery to the near post saw centre back Washington vying for the ball.

But it was former Republic of Ireland Under 21s striker Duffus - recently signed from Macclesfield - who headed it past team-mate Tony Thompson in the Bootle goal.

Jorge Dwyer and Lewis Nolan, starting together in the Linnets' midfield for the first time, got through some good early work.

With their greater possession and territorial advantage, however, Bootle always looked likelier to score the next goal. But it never came.

Adam Morgan found occasional pockets of space, leading Runcorn's depleted forward line.

Already missing Ryan Brooke and Taylor Bowen, it was now without Adam Moseley because of the concussion injury he had suffered in Saturday's league win at City of Liverpool.

Morgan was unlucky as a speculate shot from 25 yards landed on top of the Bootle net.

At half-time, Duffus was withdrawn in favour of Tom Peterson, who had Ben Hodknson on his outside in a more familiar-looking and prolific Bootle strike partnership.

There were still few genuine chances for them, however, and none at all by this stage for Runcorn as stray passes saw possession repeatedly lost.

Bootle rarely found positions close to the Runcorn goal. They were only allowed to get so far.

Peterson with more than 100 goals in the bank for the Bucks, sent one header off target and another into the clutches of the confident Passant.

Runcorn finished with young defender Tom Ledward as another makeshift attacker - Josh Elverstone, who had earlier replaced Morgan, had to go off himself after pulling up. It has been that kind of season for the Linnets so far.

Chasetown visit the APEC this Saturday in Pitching In Norther Premier League West.

Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Sam Barratt, Naim Arsan, Karl Clair, Peter Wylie, Harvey Washington, Will Saxon, Lewis Nolan (Jacques Welsh, 57 mins), Adam Morgan (Josh Elverstone, 61 mins, replaced by Tom Ledward, 90+2 mins), Jorge Dwyer (Lewis Doyle, 57 mins), Eden Gunbs. Sub (not used): Alex Ellams (GK).

Attendance: 298.