The Northern Premier League

19th April 2016, Nelson v Runcorn Linnets FC : 1-1

by Dave Bettley

RUNCORN Linnets' championship aspirations suffered a setback as Nelson produced a second-half comeback, doing local rivals Colne a big favour in their continuing pursuit of the long-time leaders.

The table-topping Linnets failed to capitalise fully on the lead given to them by top scorer Freddie Potter's fine finish from a corner for his 20th campaign goal just after the half hour.

The game was the kind of bruising affair that was only to be expected, based on previous encounters between the clubs. The single-point return for the visitors means that second-placed Colne are now three points adrift, having played two games fewer.

Allthough it weakens Runcorn hand, the Linnets will feel that the game is far from up with Colne still having some very tough fixtures to come.

Any kind of slip-up by the Lancastrians, starting at home to Atherton Colls this Thursday would put the title issue back in the balance. They also have yet to visit two of the top-six sides.

Joey Dunn's men were already relying on Colne to drop points, so the overall picture hasn't changed too dramatically and this result could yet prove to be precious.

Despite being in territorial command of Tuesday's game for long periods, the Linnets were unable to kill the contest off once they had gone ahead.

There was always a danger that Nelson would take one of their rare chances and that is exactly what happened.

Runcorn fought typically hard until the end and were just inches away from grasping a late winner, Michael Simpson's long-range effort beating the 'keeper but not dipping quite enough. The crossbar came to Nelson's rescue.

Chances had been at a premium in a physical game, Nelson being fired up from the start, having effectively secured their Premier Division survival with a 5-1 weekend thrashing of Winsford.

But after an initial burst of home pressure, Runcorn proceeded to dominate the opening half but without producing anything like their best football.

Michael White steered a difficult left-foot volley wide at the far post from a corner forced by Potter, whose attacking power and aggression was too much for the hosts to handle before the break.

The boost Runcorn needed came in the 32nd minute when Potter's aerial challenge on the home 'keeper from a long Linnets free-kick led to the right-wing corner which was to bring them the lead.

Left back Matt Atherton's header was kept out by the woodwork and Antony Hickey's follow-up effort, on his return from honeymoon, was blocked but Potter did really well to wrap his foot around a bouncing ball to put Linnets ahead.

Their advantage was almost doubled when Hickey glanced a header wide from another Kurt Sherlock's corner, this time from the left.

Into the second half, Linnets were still getting little change from a resolute home defence.

Skipper Michael Ellison joined Hickey in the book after remonstrating with the referee before the home right back was yellow carded for charging into Dean Porter when the 'keeper was already in possession.

Just after the hour, there was major concern surrounding Porter, who sustained a hand injury in trying to regather the ball on the edge of his six-yard area. He managed to get it away for a corner but needed lengthy treatment from physio Carl Rutter before continuing.

When he was fit to continue and the flag kick finally came in, Nelson came closer yet to scoring than they had to that point with Stephen Cassidy's header flashing just wide of the far post.

Runcorn continued to press and probe without success and their hard work was undone with 12 minutes left when Adam Nuttall equalised, clipping the ball over Porter from 12 yards.

Initially, it looked as though his lofted effort would drop wide but, after clearing the 'keeper, it sneaked inside the angle of right post and bar to the anguish of the visitors.

Runcorn tried to reassert their superiority but were unable to find the winner they craved.

(Team line-ups to follow)



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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