Vauxhall Motors were beaten 2-0 at Runcorn Linnets in interim manager Joe Heath’s third league game in charge.
The Motormen were beaten 2-0 by Crewe Alexandra in Cheshire Senior Cup action earlier in the week and this latest defeat leaves them hovering precariously above the relegation zone but four points better off than Trafford and Hednesford Town.
Runcorn edged themselves in front straight away with a header from a perfectly placed corner by the recently signed Oliver Molloy. He continued to prove a threat with his strength and aerial awareness.
Both sides continued to challenge but there were fairly limited chances created until striker Lewis Buckley had an effort pushed away by Tranmere academy graduate Bayleigh Passant.
The Motormen again got close when Jordan Wynne saw his deflected chance go just wide.
Heath was forced into making an early change when injured defender Ben Dufton-Kelly, who had passed a fitness test just before the game, was replaced by forward Curran.
Curran made an immediate impact, creating a great chance for Conor Harwood but he fired the ball over the bar.
Curran used his experience to put a helpful word into his fellow frontman’s ear and his side believed that he had put them back into the game but for a raised flag by the official.
Runcorn were back on top in the second half, flashing many crosses into the Vauxhall box.
They were unable to test keeper Ally Hughes – standing in for the injured Sam Booth – from their play until he produced an excellent save from Molloy’s shot after sending the game’s goalscorer wide, getting low to do so.
That opportunity did however result in a corner which Adam Moseley, whose dad played for the club, struck into the net on the 65th minute.
Vauxhall were close to getting themselves back in the game late on but failed to do so when Adam Hughes blasted his chance over the bar after captain Tom Mitchell had a header cleared off the line.
Vauxhall Motors are back in action on Saturday afternoon as they host Clitheroe, looking to bounce back from two defeats.
