The Northern Premier League

29th August 2015, Runcorn Linnets FC v Pontefract Collieries FC : 6-0

Runcorn Linnets stormed into the Qualifying Rounds of this season's Emirates FA Cup with a clinical, emphatic and at times exhilarating performance to stun visitors Pontefract Collieries at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.

Joey Dunn welcomed back skipper Michael Ellison and Franny Smith into the midfield after Tuesday's abandonment at Congleton Town. Before the game, the fans joined officials and players in an immaculate period of silence to respect and remember ex-Linnets player Steve Hipwell, and those who perished in the Shoreham Air Disaster - in particular, the two Worthing United footballers, Matt Grimstone and Jacob Schilt. All were poignantly commemorated by pale blue and white balloons released by Linnets fans during the silence.

With proceedings only into the second minute, a collective "Go on!" from the crowd made the match reporter look up to see Freddie Potter take possession and slot home smartly to give the Linnets the best possible start, sparking scenes of celebration on the terraces. Pontefract skipper Danby headed clear a penetrating free-kick, before a clearance fell to Potter, who smartly lobbed from all of 35 yards into an empty net for his and Runcorn's second.

Collieries goalkeeper Halpine was in for a busy afternoon, and smartly tipped over Kurt Sherlock's long-range shot as the Linnets looked to dominate proceedings with incessant waves of attack. Ellison chased back well to ensure the home side retained the lion's share of possession but the Pontefract defensive line kept the Linnets at bay for the time being with some smart clearances, from Kieron Brislen, a Mike White cross, and more shots from Sherlock.

Pontefract's Josh Corbett found himself in the referee's notebook after a foul on Brislen, and Sherlock delivered well to see Mike White head just over the bar.

It was a devastating opening from the Linnets, who were intent on more goals. Quality from Potter released Mark Houghton who in turn crossed for Sherlock, the striker not quite able to convert his shot. Matt Atherton was looking to get forward at every opportunity, and when his cross popped up off the defence, Potter was on hand to head home for his "perfect" hat-trick.

The frustration proved too much for Pontefract's Craig Robinson, his rash challenge earning him a straight red. Potter went in search of his fourth, placing the ball just wide when latching on to a through pass. Franny Smith squared for Houghton who finished easily but was thwarted by an offside flag, but before half-time Smith found himself in space, and drilled a controlled strike from distance, powerfully and accurately, into the bottom corner of the net. This give the Linnets a four-goal cushion - a tremendous goal that the unfortunate Halpine could only watch with admiration as it flew in.

Half-time saw Joey Dunn rightly withdraw Freddie Potter, his efforts on returning from injury had been remarkable. Allan Collins enjoyed the second-half run out as his replacement although his first task was to pick himself up from a challenge. This saw perpetrator Matty Marsden booked, possibly harshly as both subs were adjusting to the pace of the game. Collins then squared into the box, but the pass eluded everyone, and Michael Ellison picked up a caution for a clumsy challenge.

A rare Pontefract chance was guided over by Richie Mottram, before Sherlock and Houghton combined to set up Collins, his effort being well saved. Moxam was denied by Mottram in Collieries' best chance so far, before Matt Atherton left the full-back in his tracks and landed a pinpoint cross on Mark Houghton's head. The striker headed home emphatically to make it five.

Houghton then combined sweetly with Franny Smith, finishing the move with a perfect return into Smith's pass, and Franny finished calmly for his second and Runcorn's sixth, the quality of goals and finishing seeming to be unerring from the men in yellow and green. Houghton finished the next move with aplomb, to be denied again by an offside decision, rightly so as he was about six yards off. Kyle Armstrong was next to get in the act, his sublime 20-odd yard lobbed 'dink' shot unfortunately coming back off the crossbar, although it had deserved a goal without a doubt.

Linnets' dominance is always confirmed when River Humphreys gets impatient and joins the attacking movements at every opportunity from defence. Franny Smith saw a further effort saved, and Sherlock another goal wiped out by the offside flag. Sherlock sent a divine crossfield pass into the path of Collins but Atherton couldn't quite get on the end of his cross, despite flinging himself full length.

Collins was the next to have the ball in the net, yet another offside flag thwarting the Linnets, and Runcorn's attacking intent was underlined as Joey introduced Ben Halfacre and Adam Hilton for Ellison and Brislen!

Great interplay between Hilton and Collins brought about a smart save from Halpine, who saved again from Collins' curling shot moments later. The shots rained down on the Pontefract goal, forcing more saves from Houghton's strike from distance, and another effort by Collins. The attacking play continued until the referee's whistle signified the end of a pulsating and enjoyable display from the Linnets, who dominated from the first minute to the last.

Pontefract were not given a second on the ball, and were denied any decent possession of note, giving Richie Mottram the quietest of afternoons to claim a clean sheet.

The reward for Runcorn is a First Qualifying Round trip to the North East to face Washington, as they encounter opposition from outside the North West area for the third consecutive round. Washington will be formidable opponents, currently sitting fourth in the Northern League.

Runcorn Linnets: Mottram, Brislen, Atherton, Humphreys, White, Ellison (c), Armstrong, Smith, Potter, Sherlock, Houghton. Subs: Hilton, Halfacre, Collins. Subs Not Used: Cross, Buckley, Donohue, Kennerley.

Pontefract Collieries: Halpine, Heeley, Corbett, Danby (c), Danville, Robinson, Verome, Forgone, Riley, Moxam, Whitehouse. Subs: Marsden, Staley, Chapell.

Attendance: 272



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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