1874 Northwich vs Runcorn Linnets

Recap

1874 1-2 RUNCORN LINNETS

Saturday 1 January 2022
By Jack Owen

In the second meeting between the two Cheshire Rivals, it was Runcorn Linnets who came out on top to collect all three points; as always, the game wasn’t without its fair share of controversy.

74’ flew out of the traps, Jake Parker scored with only 53 seconds gone as the ball fell kindly for the midfielder inside the Linnets box, his shot found the left-hand corner to send the majority of the record-breaking crowd into early elation

Linnets looked to respond quickly; Ryan Brooke glanced a header wide of Aghayere’s goal

Taylor Kennerley drove a low shot towards goal which was saved through a crowd of players by the feet of the Linnets stopper

The equaliser arrived just after the half-hour mark, a deep cross from the right flank found Ryan Brooke in between the 74 centre-halves and his header was powered into the bottom left corner of the goal to level the game up

The half played out end to end with both teams trying to gain control of the midfield, Iwan Murray of Linnets came closest to the next goal curling a shot from outside the edge of the area which Aghayere had covered

74’ looked to start the half in the same manner of the first, Jake Parker’s volley was read and saved well by the Linnets keeper

Promotion chasing Linnets began to gain control of the game, and 74 were holding firm to increased pressure from the visitors

Aghayere produced a fantastic save on the 77th minute, his reflex save down low to his right to deny Brooke again was one of the best you will see all season

The game changing moment came minutes later, a through ball split the 74 defence, however, Foulds and Kennerley both seemed to have defended the situation well, however, the referee spotted a pull from Foulds and branded a red card for the 74’ central defender much to the bemusement of all players and supporters

74’ now had to reshuffle, Jack Irlam dropped in at centre back alongside Mark Jones and Lucas Weir was introduced from the bench

The winning goal came as Iwan Murray produced a moment of magic, he found space behind Kennerley and thundered an effort in off the underside of the crossbar leaving Aghayere with no chance

74 pushed for something and a final chance fell for the Greens with Lucas Weir’s freekick delivered into a dangerous area and evading both sets of players to drop out for a goal kick

The referee brought an end to an action-packed contest at Townfield which was watched by 645 a new league record crowd for 1874.