20^th October 2015, Runcorn Linnets FC v Congleton Town : 2-1

Runcorn Linnets edged out Congleton in game that proved "A Late, Late Show" in more ways than one at The Millbank Linnets Stadium. With traffic mayhem on the surrounding motorway network after an accident meaning that the game kicked off after 9pm, those hardy souls who braved the cold Cheshire air were rewarded after the game had looked in doubt for a period of time. The Linnets made the early pressure, Kevin Leadbetter shooting straight at the visitors' emergency stand-in 'keeper, who was replaced in the last five minutes of the half by their late-arriving specialist No.1 and promptly went up front after a substitution. At the other end, River Humphreys produced a fine, last-gasp tackle.

Michael Simpson was next to shoot straight at the opposition goalie for Linnets, and in the 14th minute Congleton's skipper Scott Sephton scored with a good finish, firing home to give his side the lead after the ball had rebounded off a post. Keiron Brislen scooped a decent ball into the box, and Linnets pressure paid off when Kyle Hamid tidied up from some slack defending, tapping home the Runcorn equaliser on the half hour at the near post after a Mark Houghton cross from the left.

Michael Ellison was replaced by Franny Smith, and Warburton's long-range shot for Congleton saved by Dean Porter. Smith and Leadbetter combined well but Franny's shot was well saved and the sides went in for their half-time Horlicks all square. The second half started slowly, Humphreys once again denying a clever opposition break, as the game livened up into a more end-to-end contest. Kyle Hamid was in the thick of the action, denied by an offside flag and then firing over.

Kurt Sherlock was unlucky not to score, Congleton 'keeper Kurasik parked himself in the right spot to deny him. Sherlock had a frustrating evening almost to the end, the referee's whistle seemingly sounding every time the home striker had the ball. When Hamid's lob sailed over, it looked like it wouldn't be the Linnets' night. Michael White's close- range shot was saved and then Porter stretched to his top left-corner to keep out a Congleton free header. Antony Hickey replaced Brislen, and found himself straight through on goal but unable to convert. Congleton hit straight back and should possibly have done better with a "four on two", the danger again cleared up by the ubiquitous Humphreys.

More chances fell to The Linnets as time ticked on, Sherlock's shot was tipped wide, before Kyle Hamid found Sherlock, who finished emphatically to give the Linnets an 87th-minute lead and ultimately three points as the final whistle sounded on a strange evening, typical of recent encounters between the two sides. Runcorn Linnets: Porter, Brislen, White, Humphreys, Atherton, Ellison, Simpson, Hamid, Leadbetter, Houghton, Sherlock. Subs: Smith, Hickey, Potter. Congleton Town: Fletcher, McDonnell, Jackson, Bayley, Kenny, Battes, Warburton, Sephton, Moores, McGowan, Marshall. Sub: Kurasik.

Attendance: 235.

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