RYAN Jackson’s double helped 1874 Northwich to end a five-match sequence without a league win.

It also halted Runcorn’s run without losing at eight games.

Jackson, a summer signing from neighbours Rudheath Social, was swift to reach Matthew Beadle’s cute assist on the stroke of half time.

He then slotted the ball under goalkeeper Daniel Lever to make it 1-0.

And he was similarly switched on six minutes after the interval, reacting quickly to reach a loose ball after the custodian had parried Beadle’s shot.

Adam McKillop prodded in a reply for Runcorn with quarter of an hour left after Warren Bellew’s free kick reached him inside the penalty area, but 1874 protected their slender advantage for the contest’s remainder.

Ian Street’s side had been bright during the early exchanges, when Jackson teed up Beadle only for Runcorn defenders to crowd him out.

The wide man’s corner then dropped narrowly out of Danny Thomas’ reach.

At the other end, captain Paul Shanley prompted Matthew Conkie to save twice.

Jackson combined with Ryan Stewart, standing in for Louis James, on the left to conjure an opening for Mike Brandon.

However a defender cleared, picking out Bellow.

He progressed into the home team’s box, and Conkie diverted the Runcorn man’s shot over the bar with his fingertips.

Jackson’s double put distance between the teams before McKillop’s reply halved the deficit.

And Town almost pinched a point with a minute left, only for Conkie to smother Shanley’s attempt.

1874 | Conkie (GK), Mason, Stewart, Thomas, Lomas, Woolley, Wellstead, McNichol, Beadle, Brandon, Jackson Subs not used Tulloch, Ledwards, Stadnicki, Ward Goals Jackson 45, 51 Booked Beadle, Mason, Brandon

Runcorn | Lever (GK), Lester, Kelly, Dykes, Molyneux, McKillop, Shanley, Irlam (Martland 61), Ablewhite (Milne 58), McShane, Bellew Subs not used Keddie, McPolin, Lawton Goal McKillop 73 Booked Lester, McKillop, Molyneux

Referee Danny Gratton

Attendance 241

Additional reporting by Jack Owen