15^th October 2022, Workington v Runcorn Linnets FC : 2-1

Runcorn's efforts to ride out a storm on two fronts perished in a tempestuous finish.

Workington, having attacked the Linnets goal for most of the last 20 minutes, scored twice in stoppage time to grab an unlikely victory in horrendous weather.

Their equaliser two minutes into the five added on was cruel enough. The visitors had fought tenaciously, ultimately with 10 men after the late dismissal of substitute Louis Hayes.

But as the Linnets battled into the teeth of a Cumbrian gale, in driving second-half rain, conceding again from virtually the last kick of the match was a shattering blow.

To complete Runcorn's misery, David Phillips was sent off as emotions ran high at the end.

Linnets' goalkeeping coach had reacted to encroachment into the home dugout by one of the Workington bench as the hosts rejoiced at a remarkable turnaround.

Enjoying a one-goal advantage from just past the half-hour, Linnets had for a while seemed destined for the Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division summit.

Table-topping Macclesfield were being held 1-1 at Glossop North End before conjuring up a winner.

Had both outcomes stayed the same, Linnets would have gone a point clear at the top.

It was of little immediate comfort to Linnets and their equally disbelieving supporters, as they made the long trip home in the dark, but the defeat was far from catastrophic.

Despite slipping from second to fifth in the table, they remain in a strong position.

Workington's vociferous celebrations also proved just how big a scalp Runcorn have become at this level.

The Linnets had after all won on their two latest Borough Park visits, the second of these in the Isuzu FA Trophy earlier this season.

Dave Wild made just the one change from the starting XI in their midweek triumph at Newcastle Town, Sidi Sanogo coming into midfield for Hayes.

The first half saw Runcorn enjoy territorial superiority, always looking dangerous, but Workington had the clearer chances.

Linnets took the lead, however, in the 33rd minute - albeit in questionable fashion.

Jamie Rainford appeared offside as he gave chase to centre back Sam Heathcote's long ball. But the flag stayed down.

The Linnets player assistant manager controlled the bouncing ball, evading the covering defence to produce a superb right-foot finish.

The effort took Rainford clear at the top of the division's scoring charts with six goals.

He has nine in all competitions, from 13 appearances, including five as a sub.

Danny Taberner had made a couple of fine first-half saves, from Scott Allison and Lewis Reilly, but the away side returned after half-time with designs on extending their lead.

However, as the weather really closed in, the wind which had been troublesome throughout, only got worse - progress against it proving almost impossible. The Yellow and Greens struggled to advance beyond halfway and when they did, it wasn't in numbers.

With the rain likewise in their faces by now, Runcorn were in enforced retreat as the contest headed for its dramatic climax.

The left post kept out a Conor Tinnion shot and Taberner spectacularly saved the follow-up effort, leaping to the opposite side of goal to meet Reuben Jerome's header.

The game changer was the 85th-minute red card shown to Hayes for an ill-judged sliding challenge on Sam Smith. It may not even have connected with the Workington player but was late if not high and ruled worthy of dismissal rather than a yellow card.

The incident also provoked players from both sides into mass confrontation, not for the first time in the half - the match having become increasingly hot-tempered.

The first coming together followed an on-the-ground altercation between Ryan Brooke and Workington's Steven Rigg which, once things had cooled down, earned 63rd-minute cautions for both.

Lewis Doyle had picked up the first game's first yellow for a foul two minutes earlier, although it should perhaps have come in the first half. Sanogo was the victim of a challenge which was as bad as any in the game but brought no action from the referee, other than to award the free-kick.

Hayes' dismissal came just six minutes after his introduction for Dapo Olarewaju, who had limped off with what looked like cramp.

Despite exerting almost constant pressure in the final quarter, the hosts had been largely restricted to long shots but the sending off gave them extra impetus.

Two substitutes combined to belatedly put the Reds back on level terms.

A disputed left-wing corner taken from the left by Bobby Carroll found its way to the far post where Jordan Palmer headed in.

There was still time for Workington to get the ball into the Runcorn penalty area for one last time.

Palmer helped it on - and into the path of Smith, who finished low into the left corner to break Linnets' hearts.

Runcorn Linnets: Danny Taberner, Ally Brown, Eden Gumbs, Lewis Doyle, Sean O'Mahony, Sam Heathcote, Dapo Olarewaju (Louis Hayes, 79 mins), Sidi Sanogo Fofana, Jamie Rainford, Ryan Brooke, James Hooper (Zack Clarke, 67 mins). Subs not used: Isaac Turner, Tom Moore, Josh Roberts (GK).

Attendance: 701.

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