Beswick takes leading role as Development side closes gap on leaders
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Avro U21s 1 Runcorn Linnets U21s 4
The Under 21s' hopes of a second successive North West Development League title were strengthened on two fronts on Sunday.
They came from behind to avenge last month's 3-2 home defeat by Avro as Premier Division leaders Warrington Town slipped up 5-3 at Stockport Town.
It means Runcorn, reigning champions of Division One B, trail the Warrington side by sux points with three games still in hand.
Wednesday's home game against Stalybridge Celtic is potentially season defining.
The midweek visitors, who romped to a 6-3 victory in January's League Cup tie at APEC Taxis Stadium, are dark horses in the title race.
They are in eighth place, 14 points behind Linnets but have five games in hand.
Runcorn will head into the contest in good spirits after an ultimately convincing win in Oldham in which Tom Beswick played the starring role.
Full of energy in midfield, Bewick chipped jn with a goal and an assist to take Thistledown Group man-of-the-match honours.
As in last week's win at Steven Gerrard Academy, Linnets had found themselves trailing early on.
But a 23rd-minute Lewis Crane strike, a 22nd of the campaign for the division's top scorer, put them back on track.
A goal before half-time was very timely as Ben Crane sent Linnets into the break in front.
Within nine minutes of the restart Runcorn had doubled their lead, Beswick finding the target.
Zack Kopanski rounded off victory three minutes from time, making it 31 points from 13 games courtesy of this tenth league win of the season.
It saw latest signing Fin Ryan making his debut off the bench.
Wednesday's visitors Stalybridge were meanwhile underlining their credentials with a 7-2 success over Salford Victoria in the Manchester FA Sunday Amateur Cup semi-finals.
This adds to the intrigue of what should be an excellent encounter. Kick off is at 7.30pm and admission is free.
Runcorn Linnets Under 21s: George Huyton, Billy McNay, Sam Hamling, Owen Cushion, Jay Lee, Cameron Schofield, Theo Papadopoulos, Tom Beswick, Lewis Crane, Macauley Clifton, Ben Crane. Subs used: Zack Parker, Fin Ryan, Arty Benjamin, Zack Kopanski, Ben Dobbie.
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