19^th April 2014, Runcorn Linnets FC v Winsford United : 2-1 Sponsored by Long O'Donnell Associates

Runcorn Linnets entered the Easter weekend with two tough games in prospect, and still a faint glimmer of hope in their title aspirations.

With Winsford United on Saturday and Runcorn Town on Easter Monday being the visitors to The Millbank Linnets Stadium, the Linnets knew that only maximum points would suffice.

On Saturday, Joey recalled Antony Hickey and Matt Atherton to the starting eleven, and those two players came close to opening the scoring early, with Hickey latching onto a through ball with a first-time shot, and the rebound falling to Atherton, who didn't have the time from close range to head home.

Joe Fielding was released by Chris Lomax, and the young defender's dangerous cross was cleared for a corner, which was in turn headed home by Hickey from an acute angle, seemingly via the defender, keeper and crossbar to give the Linnets the lead.

Hickey was denied a penalty after a half decent shout, before Michael Elllison replaced the injured Michael Simpson.

Runcorn remained on top and forced a series of corners that culminated in Mike Burke heading over.

It wasn't long before Winsford replied with a header of their own to restore parity, skipper Michael Jones rising well just on the stroke of half-time.

The Linnets started the second half in the same vein, with neat, flowing build-up play, and chances to take the lead yet Winsford remained dangerous with counter attacks.

Hickey was again at the centre of two more reasonable penalty claims for a handball and a foul with the ball running away, but neither clear cut enough for the spot-kick to be awarded.

Hickey remained the focal point of the Linnets' attacking intent, and a great lob eluded the 'keeper but was cleared from the line by the last defender.

Manager Joey Dunn increased his attacking options by introducing both Kev Towey and Ross McDowell. Towey, Chris Lomax with a shot and Kyle Hamid from a header all went close, and the woodwork also chipped in to keep the home side at bay.

Hamid, however. got his headed goal for what proved the winner from a superb Lomax cross in the 78th minute, and the home side controlled the final minutes to see out the game for a hard-earned three points, and a guarantee of second place in the NWCFL Premier Division at worst.

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