FIRST Division Chorley had a very comfortable passage into the third round of the UniBond League Challenge Cup after overrunning their Premier Division hosts.

The Magpies so completely dominated a one-sided first half that keeper Lee Bracey was a virtual spectator and their two-goal interval lead might easily have been doubled.

Chorley added a third in the second half to make victory secure before Runcorn gained what was merely a consolation goal.

There was an unfamiliar look about the teams, with both managers opting to give a run-out to several fringe players and, for Chorley, Stuart Tulloch in particular made the most of his opportunity to impress in midfield.

But the scoring honours went to Dean Butterworth, in great form recently for the reserves and the subject of an inquiry this week from Queens Park Rangers.

After Chorley had fired several warning shots at the Runcorn goal, Butterworth opened the scoring on 32 minutes, netting with a fierce cross-shot from an excellent pass by Danny Mills.

Two minutes later Butterworth doubled Chorley's lead, tapping the ball into the net after the home keeper had fumbled a corner.

The Magpies underlined their superiority with a third goal on 74 minutes. Phil Bayliss on the right skilfully worked himself a shooting chance and when his powerful effort was beaten out substitute Darren Emmett's thunderous shot was deflected past the keeper by fellow-sub Andy Mason.

Within two minutes Runcorn pulled one back when Steve Horrocks met a cross with a flashing near-post header but Chorley's grip on the game was never seriously threatened.

Their reward is a trip to FA Cup heroes Vauxhall in the next round, scheduled for next Tuesday.

UNIBOND LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP 2nd Round : RUNCORN FC HALTON...1 CHORLEY...3