22^nd March 2014, Colne v Runcorn Linnets FC : 1-6

Two weeks after losing to Colne by an odd goal in controversial circumstances, Runcorn Linnets had the perfect opportunity to set the record straight as they visited Holt House in the return NWCFL Premier Division fixture, and set about dismantling their opponents with a footballing masterclass. With striker Antony Hickey suspended, Mark Houghton again bolstered the front line, in an attacking looking set-up. A healthy crowd of 193 braved the elements, with wind and driving rain lashing over the bleak Lancastrian hillsides. The Linnets started with a bang, with Matt Atherton's firm header cleared from the goal-line from an accurate Matt Cross corner and seconds later, Houghton directed his header just over after Atherton had fired in a pinpoint cross. Atherton was in confident mood, and his turn and shot ricocheted from the bar - Colne 'keeper Chris Thompson saving well from Kev Towey's shot from the rebound. The chances that went astray were quickly punished by Colne, after Mark Coyne capitalised on Andy Robertson's misdirected clearance, giving the home side the lead to the delight of their mass of fans who had turned out for the occasion. Runcorn reacted well but Houghton shot over from close range, and Atherton was thwarted again when his long-range lobbed shot was cleared off the line. Kyle Hamid was the next Linnet to be denied after Towey's smart turn, and the Linnets finally got the goal they so richly deserved when Houghton boomed home Martin Crowder's neat ball in. Chris Thompson punched clear Crowder's next ball in, but Runcorn were in rampant mood, with Atherton and Towey combining deliciously and Hamid heading home the visitors' second on 34 minutes. A minute later it was three, Atherton booming home after Hamid and Houghton had been denied, sending the Linnets fans into raptures, and Cross almost made it four when his shot was turned over by the home 'keeper. Thompson then thwarted Atherton when the Linnets wide man's shot squirmed just wide. Mike Burke looked eager to get in on the act, heading just over from a corner, and the sides went in for their half-time cuppa with Runcorn in complete control. Joey Dunn would have no doubt demanded more of the same in the second period, and Houghton duly obliged straight after the restart, clinically finishing from Matt Atherton's neat pass to send the Linnets 4-1 up and looking for more. Towey lobbed just wide, and Mark Coyne spurned Colne's clearest chance after latching onto a long punt from their 'keeper. Before the hour, Kev Towey made it 5-1, latching onto a through ball and nonchalantly lifting the ball over the advancing Thompson for a great finish and a deserved goal. As conditions understandably deteriorated, the Linnets still managed to play a controlled, passing game, and Joey Dunn took the chance to make some changes, with Lee Thompson, Chris Lomax and Gavin Salmon all entering the fray. All three looked extremely eager to impress, with Lomax showing great jinking skill before being fouled for a Linnets penalty. Thompson was maybe too anxious in taking up the ball for the spot-kick, putting his shot from 12 yards over the top. The Linnets faithful didn't have to wait long for the sixth, with Kyle Hamid ensuring a re-write for the up-and-coming Goal Of The Season nominations with an unstoppable, booming 25-yard strike - a fitting goal to cap an almost perfect away performance that kept Runcorn Linnets at the top of the table. Colne: Chris Thompson, Adam Stockdale, Brandon Barski, Marc Young, Edward Williams, Kieran Demaine, James Crorken, Chris Anderson, Mark Coyne, Nathan Bond, Thomas Berwick. Subs: Stephen Cassidy, Alexander Grice, Michael Woodvine, Scott Moore, Steven Cunningham. Runcorn Linnets: Andy Robertson, Michael Simpson, Martin Crowder, Mike Burke, Michael Duffy, Matt Cross, Michael Ellison, Kyle Hamid, Mark Houghton, Kev Towey, Matt Atherton. Subs: Chris Lomax, Lee Thompson, Gav Salmon. Not Used: Adam Wade, Joe Fielding. Attendance: 193.

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