Linnets crash out of inaugural Cup campaign

Sep 4 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

Curzon Ashton 4 Runcorn Linnets 0

LINNETS got a taste when exiting the FA Cup of the challenge they would face next season by winning promotion.

The Vodkat League Premier Division visitors were ultimately outclassed by first preliminary-round opponents a division higher.

The UniBond League Division One North side had three or four players with too much quality or power.

The visitors played well enough initially, causing problems for Curzon’s defence at the multi-million- pound Tameside Stadium.

However, Linnets striker Dave Thompson struck the left post with his 20th- minute penalty after full- back Brian Walsh had been fouled cutting in from a throw-on on the right.

Runcorn never recovered and Thompson was replaced at half-time after taking ill.

Instead of 1-1, it had soon been 2-0 as Michael Norton, last season’s 51-goal scorer, capped his return from suspension with Curzon’s 20th-minute second.

The combined might of Norton and Steven Moore was too much for Linnets’ rearguard to cope with.

The same applied to winger David Beresford while Alex Elliott scored of a hat- trick (16, 55 and 88 minutes) from central midfield.

For Linnets, Michael Morrison’s attacking workrate was again admirable and deserving of greater reward.

Midfieldman Nehru McKenzie will be missed during his long suspension and centre-back Scott Dignan showed he isn’t just a sidekick for Robbie Moore.

But having waited two years to qualify for the most famous club competition in world football, Linnets have gone out at the second attempt.

Linnets: Holcroft, Pickup (Morris 68), Walsh, McKenzie, Dignan, Moore, Telfer, Cunningham, M Morrison, Thompson (Courtney 46), Whyte (Young 68). Subs (not used): D Morrison, Boyd (GK). Attendance: 139.