26^th July 2022, Stockport Georgians v Runcorn Linnets FC : 1-4

Substitute Adam Moseley made a spectacular entrance with a stunning goal and an assist as Runcorn Linnets sealed their first win of pre-season.

The 17-year-old came on at half-time to deliver a quickfire message to manager Dave Wild that he could have the answer in terms of creating and converting chances.

To be fair, Runcorn had already been more productive in the final third than at any stage of their warm-up programme so far.

But Moseley, whose dad Mike was playing first-team football for the predecessor Linnets of Runcorn AFC at the same age, could not have done anything more to catch the eye.

Moseley Jnr has been part of the club's junior set-up since Under 11s and stars with the Linnets U18s and U21s while also being prolific for their ESPFA Academy team.

Last season, he was supporting the senior side from the terraces!

Boss Wild said: "Adam has done really well.

"He's obviously not going to be a one to 11 player this season.

"But you see his quality every time he comes on. He has come on today against a North West Counties League side and that was one of the best goals I have ever seen".

The teenager followed up a wonder-strike volley by setting up the trialist striker, who had first featured in Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Chester, for the Linnets' fourth.

While young Moseley was putting his name up in lights, there was a cameo appearance near the end from 38-year-old Billy Paynter.

A veteran of 529 League and Cup appearances in the professional game, he came on in a pre-planned move -  Wild wanting the first-team coach to give the benefit of his experience on the field.

This was the Linnets' third away friendly against North West Counties League Division One opposition.

After after the draw at Stockport Sports and single-goal defeat to Euxton Villa, the Linnets boss will have been encouraged by this latest outcome.

Wild said: "Like I have said from the get-go, I am not fussed about results in pre-season although I get frustrated when we don't win.

"We've got two or three weeks before the season. Performances are increasing and fitness is improving. Ultimately, that's what pre-season is about.

"I knew it was going to take time. The most pleasing thing is we're bonding as a group. That in itself will win 15 to 18 points a season."

Despite having the better of the first half, the Linnets had to come from behind to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Georgians had taken the lead when they were given space to deliver a cross which was converted by Adam Dahou past Andy Coughlin. Otherwise, the 'keeper was largely a spectator.

Runcorn responded well, a first goal in Linnets colours from Sam Heathcote bringing them level.

The centre half used his 6ft 4ins to power a header from skipper James Short's corner over the home 'keeper.

Linnets soon turned parity into an advantage with half-time fast approaching, Dapo Olarewaju engineering the chance with a shot which deflected off a defender into the path of scorer Eden Gumbs.

The central midfield partnership of hometowner Gumbs and Sidi Sanogo were highly influential in the win with the ubiquitous Spanish newcomer a likely man-of-the-match until fledgling striker Moseley made himself the headline act.

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