Runcorn Linnets back on the road to Wembley

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

LINNETS boss Steve Wilkes still believes his ‘nothing-to-lose’ team can upset holders AFC Fylde in Saturday’s FA Vase last-64 tie in Lancashire.

Wilkes stresses spirit, belief and confidence in the camp remains high, despite two punishing home defeats in four days.

“If you look at the league table, it might frighten you. Fylde are 17 points in front of us and have lost just twice.

“But it is a cup game and all that goes on to the backburner.”

Wilkes has seen his side fight tooth and nail with extra-time replays against Maine Road and Alsager Town to stay in the competition.

He expects no less from his players this weekend.

“We are in a fantastic position because we aren’t expected to win.

“Even my own fans are saying we’re going to get beaten and we are under no illusions as to what type of task it will be. But we will go there full of confidence knowing we have nothing to lose.”

Linnets glimpsed what is at stake in late September when losing by the only goal at Kellamergh Park in the league, AFC Fylde having on show the trophy they won at Wembley as Kirkham & Wesham.

Wilkes added: “All the pressure is on Fylde.

“I gather they came to watch us (in the 4-2 defeat) against Abbey Hey, which I am really pleased about. They won’t have learned anything from that.”

Winger Michael Young is suspended while midfieldman Melford Knight and striker Paul Crewe are cup-tied.

Nehru McKenzie and skipper Steve Cunningham are likely to return after being on the bench against Winsford.

McKenzie wasn’t fit enough to have played while Cunningham was rested because of his heavy workload since returning from a long injury lay-off.

Meanwhile, the Linnets careers of wideman Josh Howard and left-back Dominic Studley could be over almost before they have begun after their no-shows for the weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Winsford.