IT seems failing to start games well is becoming a habit for Bacup Borough.

For the second week running, conceding early goals led them to chasing the game.

But, unlike previously, there was no way back.

Runcorn were allowed to capitalise on an indifferent start, taking a three-goal first-half advantage that proved to be a gift too far.

Runcorn’s first and second goals were down to terrible defending.

On four minutes, a deep cross seemed an easy take for Melville, who seemed to instruct his defender Marley that it was the keeper’s ball but then failed to come.

Marley did not react but Runcorn’s Morrison did, shooting past the stranded keeper.

Runcorn’s second goal was a repetition of their first, but this time keeper Melville caused indecisiveness with his captain Davey Luker, allowing striker Courtney an easy finish.

Melville redeemed himself by pulling off a save from Nehru McKenzie. However, there was nothing he could do when Michael Young got the better of Matthew Cross before finding the net on 34 minutes.

Further efforts did come the Linnets’ way but, luckily for Borough, former Bacup player Stuart Telfer missed a gilt-edged opportunity following a blind side run into the box.

Following the half-time break there was no doubting that the home side did give it a good go, camping in the Runcorn half for long periods.

However, on 56 minutes, a Linnets free kick bounced off Melville for Robbin Moore to follow up the rebound.

Despite going four goals down, Bacup still put in a spirited fightback.

Rhodri Giggs provided Collier with a perfect pass to finish well in the 57th minute to give the Bacup followers a glimmer of hope.

Another goal followed on 76 minutes when Giggs and Cosgrave had shots at Rob Holcroft before leading scorer Tommy Turner netted the rebound.

Runcorn were denied a fifth by the post in the closing stages.

Bacup boss Brent Peters said: “From our point of view that three of their four goals were very poor on our part.

"I have to question my keeper and my markers at the back.”