Bakkor and McLoughlin return to haunt Dabbers

Report by Dave Bettley

Runcorn improved an already impressive away record with a maiden win at Swansway Stadium after seizing control in the second half.

The visitors had endured horrendous travelling conditions on a waterlogged route across Cheshire.

But the trip to an equally rain-soaked Nantwich was made worthwhile as goals from Dec McLoughlin and top scorer Scott Bakkor settled the issue in Linnets' favour.

Both were making their first starts after long injury lay-offs.

A first half, which the Dabbers shaded, hadn't been short of attacking endeavour from either team.

But moves invariably came to grief due to resolute defending or wayward final passes.

Nantwich's 'keeper Ben Garratt was arguably the busier.

Bayleigh Passant's last appearance had been in the 1-0 loss at Bury on Tuesday, Septenber 9th - Runcorn's only away defeat of the campaign do far. File picture by KELLY JONES

But, in the 44th minute, Bayleigh Passant (back from a 15-game absence with a knee injury) pulled off the best save of the half to keep Runcorn on terms.

He showed his reactions were still pin sharp with an instinctive stop at close range from Callum Saunders.

Nantwich's centre forward had looked odds-on to score at the back post from Byron Moore's right-flank cross.

Runcorn moved the ball confidently on the artificial surface, using the pace of Bakkor and Joe Ferguson to press forward on the right.

But they created only half-chances.

Lewis Crane, leading the line as Ryan Brooke served a one-match ban, forced Garratt to save after fastening onto Matty Rain's through pass.

With the angle so acute, the teenager had done well to get in the shot.

Into first-half stoppage time - almost immediately after Passant's crucial save - centre back Adam Rooney sent a snapshot wide of the left post, Naim Arsan having redirected Rain's free-kick into the box.

Arsan had been subdued before the break but made a bigger impact after the break, soon having a fizzing shot tipped over by Garratt and seeing a couple of other attempts blocked.

Dec McLoughlin's deadlock-breaking strike was his second goal of the season. File picture by BEN JACKSON.

A more business-like Runcorn made sustained  pressure count on the hour McLoughlin driving into the right corner as the ball fell nicely for him on the left of the area.

The ball had been crossed by Rain into the box, where Ben Hockenhull headed away but only as far as Runcorn's flame-haired midfielder.

Linnets continued to dominate with Nantwich being restricted to breakaways.

The hosts threatened at intervals but Runcorn's defence was in no mood to concede, closing ranks effectively when the ball was in danger areas.

Adam Rooney and Harvey Washington were again immense at the heart of the rearguard.

The pattern of the second half was reversed a minute into stoppage time, Runcorn quickly - and decisively - counter attacking after defending a long throw-in.

The Dabbers had committed players forward and Peter Wylie's clearance of a return cross found Oskar Rosenblatt and Bakkor with empty space ahead of them.

Scott Bakkor scored his 12th goal in 16 Linnets appearances to settle the issue in stoppage time. File picture by PETER GALLAGHER-HEADLEY

Substitute Rosenblatt clipped the ball over Aidan Roxburgh, the only Nantwich player (apart from the goalkeeper) in his own half to release Bakkor, who had by this time taken up a central striking role.

He might have been out of practice but Runcorn's top marksman did what comes naturally - keeping composure to fire unerringly past Garratt from his only real sight of goal all evening.

Runcorn returned to fifth place, having dropped to eighth as a consequence of their weekend off.

That Nantwich could themselves have taken the same fourth play-off spot with a victory in Tuesday's game is a measure of another good display from Linnets,

Now unbeaten in seven NPL West matches - five of the last six having been away from home - Runcorn again travel on Saturday to face Stalybridge Celtic, who are in sixth spot.

Brad Cooke's team then begin their Cheshire Senior Cup defence with an away tie on Tuesday against Midland League Premier Division outfit, Winsford United (ko 7.45pm).

Linnets will return to Murdishaw on Saturday, November 29th for the visit of Newcastle Town.

Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Joe Ferguson, Matty Rain, Markell Foulds, Adam Rooney, Harvey Washington, Dec McLoughlin (Jacques Welsh, 76 mins), Lewis Doyle (Eden Gumbs, 74 mins), Scott Bakkor, Lewis Crane (Oskar Rosenblatt 62 mins), Naim Arsan (Peter Wylie, 77 mins). Sub (not used): Marcus Cusani.

Attendance: 301.