Complacent U21s get ahead of themselves in third defeat
Vauxhall Motors U21s 4 Runcorn Linnets U21s 2
Second-tier champions two seasons ago and Premier Division title contenders last time around, Linnets U21s find themselves in an unaccustomed bottom spot in North West Development League.
Manager Ste Ellams was unhappy with an inconsistent display, believing players had allowed complacency to set in after a dominant first half.
Linnets should have gone into the break three up but a single-goal lead opened by the first of a brace from midfielder Zack Kopanski - his second being a penalty - left them vulnerable to a comeback.
Heads went down in the second half as Vauxhall countered - a sign of inexperience, perhaps, although 17-year-old Bobby Phillips, on his first start, was outstanding. He richly deserved his McNamara's Sports Bar man-of-the-match award.
This was a third successive game that Runcorn had led after 50 minutes yet ended up empty handed.
It was a maiden win for Vauxhall after heavy defeat first time out.
Linnets U21s take a break from league action this Sunday but will be engaged in local derby action in the League Cup.
The first-round tie against Runcorn Sports at Moughland Lane is a 2pm kick-off.
Sports top Championship Division B with maximum points from their first two fixtures.
Runcorn Linnets Under 21s: Jaden Wright, Charlie Ratcliffe (Leo Morphet), Callum Prince, Billy McNay, Jay Lee, Bobby Phillips, Fin Ryan (Charlie Cowell), Liam Taggart (Harry Huby), Josh Mather, Zack Kopanski, Callum Dennett (Joel Street). Sub (not used): Alex Ellams (GK).
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