Linnets in late blow

Oct 2 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

RUNCORN Linnets came within seven minutes of stalling AFC Fylde’s climb to the top of Vodkat League Premier Division.

But Mark Wane put an end to the stubborn resistance of Steve Wilkes’ side and sent the club, which won last season’s FA Vase as Kirkham & Wesham, to the summit.

A sight of the said trophy should inspire Linnets to kick on their Wembley push at Maine Road this Saturday.

But Runcorn never truly got to grips as an attacking force at Kellamergh Park, defences dominating.

Linnets had two big first-half opportunities with Michael Young heading skipper Stuart Telfer’s cross over the bar and home keeper Pete Summerfield thwarting Rob Whyte.

Fylde netted in the 21st minute but Joe Booth’s effort from a free-kick was disallowed.

Thanks to solid Runcorn defence and a couple of near misses, the home side had to wait until the 83rd minute for the decisive breakthrough.

There was a strong suspicion of shirt-pulling by a home player in the build-up to Wane’s bundled goal which denied Linnets a deserved point.

Linnets: Boyd, Pickup, Glover, Young (Joe McKane 84), Dignan, Moore, Telfer, D Morrison, M Morrison, Morris (Ged Courtney 66), Whyte. Subs: Holcroft (GK), Jay McKane, Rigby. Attendance: 351.

Runcorn Town moved menacingly onto the shoulders of Carlsberg West Cheshire League’s top two with a 2-1 home defeat of hitherto unbeaten Newton.

First-half goals from Jason Carey and Mike Boyle were decisive.

But Neil Miles’ 54th-minute reply had left the result in the balance.

Matty Cass, signed from Burscough, was denied a last-minute goal on debut by a good save.

Town’s unbeaten reserves maintained their three-point cushion as Division Three leaders with a 2-0 victory at Capenhurst Villa.

First-half dominance culminated in Anto Ellison’s 40th-minute finish.

After unproductive home pressure, Town sealed the points through Peter Murphy (70).

Manager Rod Looker gave first appearances to keeper Matty Wilson and defender David Graven, who struck a post within three minutes, and Ben Butler as a sub.

Helsby came from behind to reach the Haworth & Gallagher Bowl as 4-1 home winners over Willaston.

After a tight first half, Willaston's headed opener from sub Jimmy Hilditch sparked a four-goal backlash.

Helsby equalised on the hour, Mark Connor creating an opening for Darren Moore.

Nick Askey’s snapshot off a post had Willaston’s keeper well beaten.

Helsby's third was the pick, Paul Gumbs running 20 yards to find the bottom corner with a left-foot drive.

Carl Meharry ghosted into the box to hit the roof of the net with his right.

Despite goals from Thomas and Jenkins, still winless Runcorn Albion went down 3-2 at Cronton Villa in the Warrington & District League Premier Division.

Division Two’s Albion Reserves (Nathan Burns, Simon Warburton) paid for slack defending in a 2-2 draw at Lomax.

Division Three’s depleted Albion 3rds were at home to Moorfield Res, who they had beaten 10-1 on the opening day.

They this time did just enough, thanks to Kev Griffiths’ penalty.

Moore United kept the pressure on Cheshire League Division Two table-toppers Tarporley Victoria as 1-0 winners at Maine Road Reserves.