Runcorn Linnetts vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

RUNCORN LINNETS 2-1 1874 NORTHWICH NWCFL PREMIER 23RD APRIL 2016

All too often in their short history Mikey White has proved to be 1874 Northwich’s nemesis and once again he provided the decisive moment in a game which kept the 456 strong crowd interested throughout.

White converted the match winning penalty in the 79th minute after the referee adjudged Danny Thomas to have hauled Freddie Potter down with the Runcorn attacker clean through on goal. Thomas already booked earlier was shown a straight red card.

League leaders Runcorn Linnets started the game the livelier of the two teams. Franny Smith unleashed a fierce drive from 25 yards which Greg Hall spectacularly tipped over the bar. Hall also saved well with his feet to deny Kyle Hamid.

As the first half progressed 1874 came more into the game. Matt Beadle received the ball on the edge of his area with his back to goal he turned and fired a shot wide of the taget, while moment’s later Runcorn goalkeeper Dean Porter cut out a dangerous low cross from Ryan Jackson with 1874 players waiting to pounce.

Neil Chappell opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a well taken goal. Racing on to a defence splitting through ball he struck a first time shot past Porter from 18 yards. Injury curtailed Chappell’s afternoon forcing him to be replaced before half time.

Two minutes later Matt Woolley floated a free kick into the Runcorn area finding Jackson unmarked at the far post, Porter did well to scramble into position to block Jackson’s shot from close range.

After their opening salvo, Runcorn relying on playing long balls and shooting from distance and posed little threat to 1874’s goal, although Potter flashed a header inches wide on the stroke of half time.

The second half started with 1874 dictating play with Jackson being particularly prominent down the right flank. Jackson crossed into the path of Tyler Edwards who, under challenge from a defender, scooped his shot over the bar from 12 yards. Porter produced a good save to keep out a Jackson shot, while a Runcorn defender was forced to head a dangerous Jackson cross away for a corner.

Desperate to maintain their place at the top of the table, Runcorn grabbed a lifeline in the 67th minute when hesitation in the 1874 penalty area allowed Anthony Hickey to nip to the 6 yards box and smash the ball past Hall after the 1874 rearguard had failed to cut out a hopeful long ball.

A few minutes later Hall had to react quickly to save from Potter after a free kick had found the Runcorn man unmarked at the far post. Despite 1874’s efforts to snatch an equaliser, no further clear cut chances were created at either end as the game descended in to a scrappy disjointed affair.

RUNCORN LINNETS – Porter, Brislen, Atherton, Hardwick, White, Ellison (Cox 55mins), Smith (Smith 80mins), Hamid, Potter, Hickey, Sherlock. Subs not used Haughton, Jones, Kennerley.

1874 – Hall, Connor, James, Mitchell, Thomas, Chappell (Riley 43mins – Brandon 84mins), Jackson, M Woolley, Beadle, Edwards, Wellstead (J Woolley 86mins). Subs not used Farnworth, Mason.

GOALS – Runcorn Hickey 67, White 79 pen 1874 – Chappell 18

ATTENDANCE 456 REFEREE Mr. M.Parry