24^th October 2015, Irlam v Runcorn Linnets FC : 2-0

A lacklustre and completely off colour Runcorn Linnets were unceremoniously dumped from The Men United Cup at Irlam by two goals to nil.

With Joey Dunn fielding a strong side, the NWCFL Premier Division outfit looked shell-shocked as the First Division hosts matched them all over the field, and showed a togetherness and spirit that ultimately swung the tie, although the goals conceded by The Linnets were largely once again down to themselves.

Runcorn dominated the opening quarter, Matt Atherton forcing an early corner after good work, and River Humphreys showed a calmness and intelligence on the ball before playing in Kieron Brislen.

Kyle Hamid's through ball to Freddie Potter was gathered by the home A 'keeper, and more through balls were to follow from Hamid, but to no avail at all. Atherton's cross was just taken off Antony Hickey's head, and a Kevin Leadbetter corner was headed on by Mike White, but Potter couldn't finish. All this occurred before Irlam's first real attack, which led to a corner, the ensuing chance being blazed over.

Hamid was next to go close, shooting over the top, and it was Humphreys to the rescue again as the hosts broke with five attackers onto four defenders, resolute defending by the Linnets centre back denying any real threat. Dean Porter's miscued clearance was returned straight back into the box, and Irlam headed home through Michael Itela to give themselves a lead in the 27th minute.

A great header on from Jason Carey set up Matt Atherton, the defender shooting over after skilfully beating two players. More pressure from Atherton forced another Runcorn corner, this time Potter heading over with the goal at his mercy.

The home 'keeper was forced to take a dangerous Carey cross after a decent run, and Hamid found Antony Hickey who was blocked into a corner. With five minutes to go, I headed for half-time nourishment in the hope that I wouldn't miss anything of note. There was nothing to report.

The second half saw The Linnets grow in frustration, and then ultimately run out of ideas. Another great Leadbetter corner saw Potter head over again, and when Leadbetter was fouled, the referee (as had been customary so far) just waved play on. The classic sucker punch saw a great Irlam strike from Jordan Southworth nestle into the corner of the net to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.

The reply was instant, the ball bundled out of the keeper's hands for the Linnets to find the rebound and fire home, only for the referee to belatedly give the initial foul.

Kurt Sherlock replaced Carey, and Leadbetter's cross found Potter's head, the effort this time on target but denied by the home stopper. With challenges flying in everywhere, the referee finally decided to punish one, Irlam's number 10 seeing yellow.

Leadbetter shot on sight but the ball flew over, and the Ben Halfacre came on, replacing Potter. Smith was next to throw in a fierce challenge, this time the referee produced a straight red, and the lack of consistency from the official coupled with the lack of anything tangible from The Linnets meant that I gave the final 10 minutes a miss.

I can probably tell you what happened though - The Linnets huffed and puffed and toiled to little end product, Irlam rightly ran the clock down, and the referee blew his whistle on arbitrary occasions, the one that mattered being the final one that meant that the home side deservedly progressed into the next round.

Ninety minutes to forget for Linnets fans, who will be looking for improvement when the team returns to action in the FA Vase at home to Winsford United this coming Saturday.

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