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23rd January 2010, Wigan Robin Park v Runcorn Linnets FC : 3-2
Buzzing
Much to the relief of everyone, particularly my girlfriend, this year’s unofficial winter break finally came to an end after 39 days when Runcorn visited Vodkat First Division outfit Wigan Robin Park in the 3rd Round of the Vodkat League Challenge Cup. Following the clubs fantastic off field progress, the team were unable to follow suit and crashed out 3-2 in dramatic fashion after extra time.
The Runcorn squad included two new faces in local lads Adam Hunter and Andrew Edgar. The unwelcome interruption to the season meant that today’s game was only the first of three that Paul Fildes, David Sherlock and David Dempsey would miss through suspension, necessitating Steve Wilkes’ further recruitment.
Wigan’s Robin Park Arena, situated in the shadows of the DW Stadium, is primarily an athletics stadium, meaning that this afternoon’s proceedings were observed from a considerable distance. Combined with only two thirds of the floodlights being used, rapidly descending fog and a permanent (annoying) buzzing sound from the PA system, it was not only the performance and result that meant viewing was difficult.
Chris Blundell went close on 2 minutes when he headed a long Matthew Ashcroft throw on goal, Wigan goalkeeper Jason Faulds reacted quickly to deny Billy Webb’s follow up. Wigan took the lead on 15 minutes from a corner. Phil Priestley came to punch but, was beaten to it by Stephen Williams at the near post who headed in off the bar.
Wigan doubled their lead on 26 minutes. A breakaway after Lloyd Balazs had headed against the bar seemed to have been dealt with but, when the ball squirted away from a tackle, two Runcorn players left the ball for each other and Dean Callaway curled a brilliant effort high into Priestley’s top corner. Priestley never moved, a quality goal.
Runcorn reacted quickly and reduced the deficit on 32 minutes when, from a Chris Blundell header, Billy Webb expertly lobbed the oncoming Faulds, nearly lodging the ball in the stanchion of the goal a la Trevor Brooking (for you Bucko!). Callaway attempted an audacious repeat of his goal just before the break, only to see the ball drop just wide of the right hand post with Priestley seemingly beaten. A scrappy first half, with both teams looking short of match sharpness, drew to a close. If they were to get back in to it, Runcorn needed to keep the ball on the floor.
An early 20-yard effort from Andrew Neafcy brought a smart save low to his left from Phil Priestley. It proved to be the only action that Priestley would see in the second half as Runcorn turned the screw. Delivery into the Wigan box became more frequent and it became evident that Wigan Goalkeeper Jason Faulds was prepared to come for everything. The deeper crosses exposed the ‘keepers lack of restraint and in the first 20 minutes Ashcroft twice and Balazs both came close with back post headers.
Runcorn continued to dominate without creating anything clear cut. On 66 minutes Whyte, Hunter and Case combined well just failing to find an end product. Jay Edwards was introduced for the ineffective Adam Hunter moments later, in a move that saw Balazs move to the right. While Balazs is definitely better suited to a more central role, the move was to ultimately prove decisive. Blundell, Whyte and Case all came close as full time approached.
Just as the faithful thought time had gone, Balazs picked up the ball in the inside right channel and slid a perfect ball into the path of Billy Webb who controlled and finished first time into the bottom left corner. Two really impressive finishes from Webb. While the quality hadn’t been great, Runcorn deserved the equaliser on the basis of possession. It all meant extra time.
While the intensity inevitably dropped, it was Runcorn who continued to press. Michael Case broke free down the left and delivered the perfect ball onto the head of Rob Whyte who unbelievably headed over from 6 yards. Matthew Ashcroft just failed to connect with another Case cross 3 minutes later. Lloyd Balazs, coming into his own whilst everybody else tired, then crossed from the right to Billy Webb whose goal bound effort was deflected on to the post. It was the last effort of the first half of extra time.
An incredible climax to the game began 4 minutes from time when two poor attempted clearances from Wood and substitute Howard allowed Stephen Williams to be set free. Myerscough pursued Williams but only succeeded in upending the forward for a definite penalty. Christopher McNally converted confidently and was then shown a yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration.
It felt like the game had finally gone but there was one more twist in the tale. During a goalmouth scramble a Runcorn player (due to the aforementioned fog, distance, floodlights and buzzing I didn’t catch who it was, although I can tell you it wasn’t Jacob Wood, I’d have seen those boots!) swivelled and shot, beating the goalkeeper but not the full length dive of full back Neil Swift. Swift, for reasons known only to him, argued with the resulting red card for deliberate handball. Joy was short lived though as Rob Whyte’s tame effort was saved easily by Faulds to hand the game, and an away tie at St Helens in the quarter final, to Wigan. Good luck to them.
Runcorn should have had enough for a hard working Wigan outfit, for who Callaway, Williams and McNally in particular stood out. Matthew Ashcroft was Runcorn’s man of the match. So, the bare facts are that this is the second cup this season that Runcorn have been dumped out of by lower league opposition, leaving hope for the remainder of the season hanging by a single, very thin Cheshire Senior Cup thread. Onwards to Vics on Tuesday.
Runcorn: Priestley, Wood, Ashcroft (Howard, 113), Balazs, Bain, Myerscough, Hunter (Edwards, 68), Blundell (Edgar, 105), Webb, Whyte (C), Case. Subs not used: Glaysher, Rigby.
Wigan Robin Park: Faulds, Swift, Mullen (Hudson, 105), Robinson (Robinson, 81), Williams, Moss (Whittle, 73), McNally, Neafcy, Williams, Corcran, Callaway. Subs not used: Barton.
NB. The views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Runcorn Linnets FC or its Board.
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