The Northern Premier League

5th April 2014, Maine Road v Runcorn Linnets FC : 0-0

Taking away the frustrations of Runcorn Linnets dropping points in their quest for the North West Counties Premier League title, their game against the then third-placed Maine Road at Brantingham Road was one of the better spectacles of the season.

With two teams intent on keeping the ball down and playing good, flowing football until the final whistle - and sensible refereeing - the game was a pleasant experience for both sets of fans.

In the absence of strikers Antony Hickey and Mark Houghton, the major concern for Joey Dunn was firepower, although his team were unlucky not to find the back of the net on the day.

After recovering from the lofty beer prices in the clubhouse bar, fans took their places to see Maine Road carve out an early chance, with Linnets stopper Andy Robertson pulling off a decent save from the header. Chris Lomax shot well at the other end to force a fine save from Ryan Livesey an indicator of the end-to-end attacking football that was to follow. Kyle Hamid was unlucky not to latch on to Matt Atherton's cross after good work from Kevin Towey, and then Atherton himself was unfortunate when shooting wide after Hamid's good ball into the box was parried out.

Robertson was called into further action, saving well from Tom Bentham and the same Maine Road player shot just wide from distance moments later. Michael Ellison retained his usual composure and focus, and his 25-yard strike forced another decent save from Livesey, and Towey shot over after great work from Lomax as the Linnets looked for an opener. Ellison was unlucky for a second time, heading wide from a corner, and the hom 'keeper was forced into a further save after a ricochet off his own player Paul Connor. Dan Doherty beat the offside trap but Robertson thwarted the chance with a fine one-on-one save to ensure continued parity. Corners followed at both ends before Ellison tried his luck once again from distance, shooting wide. At the other end Matt Beadle shot over, his striking partnership with Bentham for the home side looking increasingly menacing. Lomax remained extremely busy for the Linnets, looking their most likely provider of a goal.

The second half wasn't matching the opening period for chances with Maine Road edging things until a rousing last 20 minutes from the Linnets. Tremendous interplay between Hamid and Towey forced a good stop from Hamid's shot, and then Atherton was unlucky with his effort after a neat chest down, as Runcorn were largely limited to shots from distance. The Linnets forced a corner from Martin Crowder's cross-cum-shot, before the best two chances of the game for the visitors.

Lomax powered past two defenders, to shoot low and hard past Livesey, only to see his shot rebound off the post, and moments later a cross into Towey saw the mercurial striker head just over. The final chances of the game fell to the hosts with the excellent Robertson and Michael Burke keeping the home team at bay, but both teams kept on until the final whistle – a fabulous game for the neutral, despite the deadlock. Taken out of context and disregarding Runcorn's need to win, this was a splendid display, and a great point at arguably one of the best sides in the division. But in the overall season's picture, the Linnets lost ground to the new leaders, Norton United.

The Staffordshire club promptly went four points clear on Tuesday by defeating Maine Road 3-0 at home. Norton also have a game in hand and although the Fat Lady isn't singing just yet, she is certainly preparing to step up to the microphone.

Maine Road: Ryan Livesey, Martin Hill, James Rothe, Mike Shenton, John Mason, Neil Chappell, Paul Connor, Dan Doherty, Tom Bentham, Matt Beadle, Eddie Moran. Subs: Jack Langford, Nicolaos Evangelinos, Connor Hughes. Not used: George Noon, Dan Coughlan.

Runcorn Linnets: Andy Robertson, Michael Simpson, Martin Crowder, Michael Burke, Michael Duffy, Matt Cross, Michael Ellison, Kyle Hamid, Kevin Towey, Matthew Atherton, Chris Lomax. Subs: Gavin Salmon, Adam Wade, Lee Thompson. Not used: Joe Fielding.



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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