Runcorn Linnets: Determination for derby day

Jan 29 2009 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

RUNCORN Linnets look to continue their rejuvenation at neighbours Winsford United on Saturday.

Linnets have gone three games unbeaten – albeit drawing twice – since the start of the year.

Manager Steve Wilkes has got the response he wanted and new players have freshened things up.

Wilkes seems to have recruited well with ex-Liverpool, Blackpool and Marine full-back Neil Murphy, who has signed from Kendal Town, the latest newcomer.

Linnets are meanwhile being linked with ex-Salford City centre-half Kenny Tudor.

Linnets drew 2-2 on Tuesday at Squires Gate, whose only home loss was to title favourites AFC Fylde.

A rousing finish could have yielded more than Linnets’ Vodkat League Premier Division equaliser – Danny Stubberfield’s first goal in Runcorn colours – with Gate hanging on grimly.

Striker Stubberfield had fired in from skipper Steve Cunningham’s tee-up in rainy Blackpool.

This was after the referee had taken the unusual – but correct – step of awarding an indirect free-kick inside the box for 80th-minute dissent by home defender Tom Phillips.

In a controversial climax, Paul Crewe thought he had headed a winner from the final move of the match but his effort was disallowed.

Wilkes said: “I asked the referee why he disallowed the goal and he said they were both pulling shirts and, when I queried that, he said our lad just a bit more than their player.

“I was pleased with the performance on Saturday at Alsager – we looked a bit more solid – but wish we could have carried on with another win.

“But fingers crossed, we are going in the right direction. We showed good character and there was only one team going to win it.

“With 10 minutes to go, I heard their manager saying ‘Let’s get a point’.”

Wilkes fears utility man Tom Baker could be heading out of Wincham Park in search of regular games.

Meanwhile, Tom Boden could become the latest Linnet to join Formby who put in seven days’ notice last week.

But fellow centre-back Clive Brown featured in midweek for the first time since December – if only as a non-playing sub after recovering from a hand injury.

Left-back Alan Glover (knee), midfieldman Damien Morrison (ankle) and striker Ged Courtney, who is unavailable for midweek matches until April, will further boost competition for places on their return.

With an unchanged starting line-up at Squires Gate – ex-Rochdale right-back Gary Brown again highly impressive – Linnets went ahead in an even first half.

Michael Young fired home from a double rebound in the 42nd minute, veteran striker Barry Massay’s presence having shaken up the Lancastrians.

Squires Gate levelled from a 48th-minute Paul Ryan penalty awarded for what Wilkes felt had been an innocuous challenge by Stuart Telfer.

Squires Gate went ahead in the 65th minute through Stuart Horn’s acute-angled finish.