NORTHWICH Victoria were too good for their North West Counties League top-flight rivals and secured with it a place in the Macron Cup last 16.

A home date with Cheadle Town, conquerors of Bootle, is their reward next month.

Steve Wilkes’ side took the lead midway through the first-half when Rob Doran stretched to meet Harvey Whyte’s chipped cross with a diving header.

However Runcorn rallied, and Leon Wright hauled them level after latching onto a long kick from goalkeeper Adam Reid and looping a header over custodian Danny Taberner.

Vics continued to make the running though and restored their lead before the break when Whyte laid the ball off for Doran and his cross was converted by Joel Brownhill.

The pattern didn’t deviate after the interval and Doran was unlucky to see a flicked header flash wide of an upright.

Brian Matthews was wasteful too when well-placed and substitute Billy Whittle, on for Whyte who sustained an injury while being tackled by Carl Rodgers before the break, was another to go close.

There was a fleeting threat from the away side when ex-Winsford midfielder Harry Brazel met Simon Thelwell’s free-kick with a header that Taberner diverted to safety.

Runcorn were then reduced to 10 men when Wright, their goal-scorer, was shown a red card as punishment for a reckless tackle.

Vics made the most of their advantage, adding to their tally in the closing stages when Whittle was left unmarked to apply the finishing touch to a move that had involved Doran, Brownhill and new recruit Darrhyl Mason.

The debutant almost scored too, only for Reid to block his attempt with time running out.

Vics | Taberner (GK), Camozzi, Monson, Clarke (Fitzgerald 83), Kenny, Barski, Whyte (Whittle 46), Cooke, Matthews (Mason 72), Brownhill, Doran Subs not used Craig, Pilgrim Goals Doran 20, Brownhill 38, Whittle 90 Booked Kenny, Barski, Doran

Runcorn | Reid (GK), Wainwright (Jarrett 79), Carberry, Heath, James, McManus, Brazel, Rodgers, McDonald, Thelwell, Wright Subs not used Corke, France, McGregor, Herbert Goal Wright 33 Booked Wainwright, James, Rodgers Sent off Wright

Attendance 120