Runcorn Linnets: Defeat by Atherton LR a poor performance and result - manager Steve Wilkes

Feb 11 2010 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THERE is still plenty of work to be done on the field – despite optimism over building work starting at Runcorn Linnets’ new Murdishaw home.

A three-year ground and club sponsorship deal with Runcorn-based business The Millbank Group has given the Vodkat League club a huge lift.

The announcement of the link-up coincided with the first sod being cut at The Millbank Linnets Stadium, a 1,600-capacity UniBond League standard ground thanks to funding from the Football Foundation, Halton Borough Council, the Linnets themselves and two HBC area forums.

However, after seemingly being inspired by the good news off the pitch in the 2-1 win at Silsden on Saturday, Linnets were on the receiving end of the same scoreline in Tuesday’s home game against Atherton LR.

Chris Blundell brought the inconsistent hosts from behind in the 33rd minute, his header from a free-kick cancelling out Bradley Cooke’s opener in the 19th.

But with the game apparently heading for a draw, Ashford Blake snatched a winner six minutes from time and if any side deserved the win it was Atherton.

Linnets’ manager Steve Wilkes said: “I am very disappointed.

“It was a poor performance and a poor result. We didn’t play any football – I asked the players to tell me an instance in the match where they had put five passes together. I don’t think we did.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose on chances alone.

“But we know that teams come and raise their game when they come to Wincham because of the ground and surroundings.

“Our players have got to raise it even more.”

Wilkes hopes central defender Ross Bain will be fit to return for Saturday’s visit of Bacup Borough (ko 3pm) after undergoing physiotherapy for a knee injury, which has been troubling him for a few weeks and forced him to sit out the midweek game.

Linnets have put former Hayes & Yeading reserve team defender Tayo Davies Coker on a Vodkat registration form after his move to Cheshire to study.

Southport’s former Runcorn FC Halton boss Liam Watson had already allowed Jake Ellis to join Linnets – the bustling 18-year-old striker having now played a game and a half.

Wilkes said: “Liam has said we can have Jake as long as we want.

“He will still play for Southport Reserves if we haven’t got a game and remains full-time at Southport (on the Southport Soccer Education Scheme).”

Linnets are at home to Woodley FC in the Mid Cheshire Senior Cup on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).

For full reports of Linnets games against Silsden and Atherton LR, visit: www.runcornweeklynews.co.uk