Warrington Town 1 Runcorn Linnets 2
AFTER reaching the dizzy heights of beating table topping Sheffield Warrington Town were brought back down to earth with a bang as they crashed out of the Cheshire Cup at the first hurdle to neighbours Runcorn.
Despite being a league lower, Runcorn looked the better team for much of the match and were unfortunate not to have won by a larger margin after twice hitting the cross bar.
Both sides put out the feelers as an early opening was sought. It set the scene for what proved to be an entertaining, if ultimately disappointing result for Town.
Paul Crompton had an early goal disallowed being adjudged off side when he appeared to have timed us run to perfection in coming past the Runcorn defender to collect the ball. Then Runcorn’s Michael Young shot over after good work by the left wingman. Phil Mitchell then produced the skill to beat three defenders before finally going down under a last ditch challenge that yielded no more than a corner.
The next chance fell to Runcorn’s Dave Thompson whose shot was pushed nervously wide by Danny Morton. Graeme Mitchell then made an opening following a long ball down the middle but could not direct his shot on target. A misplaced Town header allowed Dave Thompson to head over the advancing Danny Morton but Chris Fitzsimmons got back to head clear from an unprotected goal. Runcorn then won a throw in an advanced position on the right. The ball was worked to Thomas Lamb who swiftly turned and drilled a shot high into the roof of the net to give Runcorn the lead.
Michael Young was next to come close when a cross cum shot was missed by all in the town penalty area, and with Danny Morton seeing it late he reacted well to make the save. Lee Thompson managed to get in a header as the half came to a conclusion but it lacked any real power and Robbie Holcroft made a comfortable save.
The second half was barely a minute old when Town drew level. The ball was crossed from the left and met with a powerful Graeme Mitchell header that left Holcroft stood watching as it hit the back of the net. This was Town’s first cup goal of any sorts for the current campaign. After a brief period of Town pressure Runcorn started to come more into the game again and a swift move to Michael Young gave him the opportunity to turn and shoot but the effort went over the bar. Town brought on Chris Moores and Ged Courtney for Graeme Mitchell and Lee Thompson while Runcorn replaced Liam Loughlin with Paddy O’Driscoll. Within a minute Runcorn retook the lead in slightly fortuitous circumstances. A left wing cross found an unmarked Dave Thompson who flicked the ball goalwards. A combination of curl and a spinning bounce directed the ball just inside the far post.
Liam Coyne picked up a booking for a challenge before the games only real moment of contention. The ball was worked through to Phil Mitchell who under a challenge was only awarded a corner. However Phil had slipped the last defender and was clean through on goal. The defender clearly fouled Phil in attempting to make his challenge but to his credit Phil tried to keep his feet and the ref appeared to play an advantage, but none was gained. Runcorn’s Dave Thompson then hit the bar with a glancing shot following a left wing cross. He also fired just over in the closing stages but with Town needing to chase the game to draw level it was Runcorn that did all the pressing and to be fair they held on for a deserved victory. Phil Mitchell also pickled up a booking for dissent. Town’s performance was again a little flat despite some moments of promise and it ensured Town maintained a dismal recent record in the premier county cup competition.
Town: Morton, Salt, Fitzsimmons ©, Dunne (MOM), Coyne, McAllister, P Mitchell, Ellison, G Mitchell ( Moores ), Thompson (Courtney), Crompton.
Subs not used: S Smith, Hannon, Thomas
