18^th March 2014, West Didsbury & Chorlton v Runcorn Linnets FC : 0-2

THE affluent Manchester suburb of Chorlton, once home to the greatest of them all George Best, played host to the Linnets on Tuesday night in the latest NWCL title chasing saga.

A new ground on the radar of most Linnets supporters, WD&C play at a stadium that is so buried within a residential area that you start to doubt the signs that point you down a pitch black narrow lane towards it. A huge effort was made by WD&C to accommodate the parking required for the large travelling Linnets contingent; two mins before kick-off people were still parking their cars a mere five yards from the turnstile. Brookburn Road was parading its brand new seated stand behind the clubhouse end goal, and they have a covered area on the way at the opposite end. Aside from that, the ground consisted of a very well-appointed clubhouse (more on that later) and the usual flat standing areas all around the pitch.

Linnets' line up had three changes from the disappointing cup exit to Ashton Athletic three days earlier, Martin Crowder returning at left back and Mark Houghton and Kev Towey taking over two of the front three positions. Before kick-off, the Linnets gathered in a 90s style huddle (you know, the ones that Sunday League teams do so that the most hungover player can be sick without the opposition noticing). it was good to see that the togetherness of the team is still there after Saturday's disappointment.

WD&C almost scored within the first 10 seconds, charging straight down the field and feeding a ball into the closing-in centre forward, but Robertson in the Linnets goal was out in a flash to block with his legs and the damage was limited to a corner. Linnets' first attack came via a run down the right from the industrious Anthony Hickey, his cross-cum-shot was saved by the WD&C 'keeper and the sliding Mark Houghton couldn't keep his shot under the bar. Linnets took the lead after 11 minutes - Super KevTowey picking the ball up wide left, then cutting inside to get the ball on his stronger right foot before unleashing a shot from 25 yards that the keeper got a hand to but couldn't keep out. This was the first moment of a super game for Super Kev.

WD&C forced a corner five minutes later, and with Linnets struggling to clear they managed to get a shot away, but Burke the brick wall stood solid to block the shot. From the resulting clearance, Hickey pestered the full back, eventually getting the better of him and getting away a left- foot shot that the 'keeper did well to hold with Towey bearing down on him. Linnets next charge fell to Kyle Hamid, who couldn't get fully behind a half-volley from 12 yards, the ball looping up and into the clutches of WD&C goalkeeper. A huge kick from Robertson set Towey away down the right flank and his half-volley flashed across goal and just wide - it would have been a tremendous finish had it gone in. Linnets were totally dominant at this point and soon came the best chance for the next 60 minutes. Simpson played a ball from right back into the run of Towey, who crossed on the volley into the run for Hickey to hit over from six yards out. It should have been the second goal and would have eased the slight nervousness that came in the second half. Just before half-time, Martin Crowder found himself out of position which allowed WD&C to attack down the right, Mike Duffy doing brilliantly to clear from the toe of the centre forward, who was about to knock the ball into the empty net.

Half-time came and drew a frantic 45 minutes to a close, but Linnets were disappointed to only be one goal ahead despite such a dominant performance. WD&C have a cracking little pitch side clubhouse that doubles up as a bar/food servery. The champions league was on the TV and the room offered a warm retreat from the cold, blustery winds. The half-time snack of choice was an unusual one, a large cheese and ham salad barm for £2. It was very tasty and fantastic value for money!

Linnets were kicking away from the clubhouse in the second half but the dominance of the first half was not to be repeated. The second half was a much more nervy affair with few chances at either end. In fact, the most entertaining moment of the first 40 minutes of the second half was when a WD&C player couldn't stop himself from running into the Linnets supporters, closely followed by the WD&C 'keeper's pre-goal kick shimmy-cum-wiggle that Michael Flatley would have been proud of!

Linnets hearts were in their mouths on the hour mark when Robertson came for a crossed-in free kick, the ball was fumbled and, after some pinball in the box, scrambled clear for a corner. It was the only blemish on an otherwise solid night for the big Linnets stopper.

Mike Simpson suffered a heavy knock in a challenge with WD&C keeper, treatment was needed but Simmo did manage to get back on the field. Linnets scored the second goal and put the game to bed on 80 minutes. The excellent Kev Towey held the ball up in the area and his square ball deflected into the path of the onrushing Mark Houghton who played a first-time shot low under the keeper, to the relief of everything Yellow and Green in the ground.

Matty Atherton replaced Houghton for the last ten minutes while Chris Lomax came on for Hickey but not before Hickey got his customary booking for dissent before the ref brought proceedings to a close.

A solid win for the Linnets against a side that held us to a goalless draw at the Millbank. Solid wins are all that are needed at this stage with nine games to go. The lead at the top of the table is now 4 points, and with Maine Road losing at Winsford it seems the race is now between Linnets, Norton and Glossop. Don't take your eyes off this title race for a second, games are coming thick and fast!

NB. The views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Runcorn Linnets FC or its Board.