Linnets fail to hold out for victory

Sep 18 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

Runcorn Linnets 2 Ramsbottom United 2

LINNETS promised to hold on to a lead they had reclaimed with 10 men against 11 – but parity was restored on both counts late on.

An already gruelling week became all the tougher when left-back Brian Walsh was sent off after only 12 minutes for handling the ball on his goal line.

The numerical disadvantage was to remain until the dying seconds of the 90, with Ramsbottom skipper Craig Buckley getting his second yellow after a coming together with Runcorn sub Jay McKane.

McKane was also booked and Michael Morrison picked up his fifth caution of the season in the same incident, meaning a suspension for the striker.

All this would have been avoided if the referee had blown initially for a clear foul on Morrison.

Earlier, Runcorn spirits had been lifted after their heavy defeat at Newcastle in midweek.

Right-back Steve Pickup, one of their most consistent performers turned spectacular in the third minute.

He chested down a half-cleared corner to volley home from 15 yards into the roof of the net.

But Ramsbottom had started brightly and Tom Ruttle equalised from the penalty resulting from Walsh’s dismissal.

Runcorn suddenly had to rethink their ambitions and strategy but were given something to hang on to when visiting keeper Michael Middlehurst came for, but missed, Pickup’s free kick from deep.

Instead, it was Michael Morrison who connected, with the striker’s header going in off a defender as he tried to clear.

For Runcorn, it was a question of trying to keep their shape, discipline and nerves and all this was largely achieved.

However, the loss through injury of Thomas Boden from central defence did not help their cause.

With just eight minutes left, the home defence was turned by replacement striker Jon Stevenson who planted his shot inside the far right post.

Runcorn: Boyd, Pickup, Walsh, Morris, Boden (O’Driscoll 75 mins), Moore, Telfer, D Morrison, M Morrison, Courtney (McKane 85 mins), Whyte. Sub not used: Rigby.