Double first as Runcorn claim away points with shutout

Report by Dave Bettley

Runcorn reaped maximum reward for keeping it tight at the back when bagging a first away win of the Northern Premier League West season.

It had looked as though they would be made to wait at least a little longer for the maiden triumph on their league travels.

But earn a clean sheet - something they hadn't achieved in ten previous attempts - and there is always a chance of victory.

With five minutes of regular time remaining, Nick Rushton popped up to score his sixth Runcorn goal on his eleventh appearance to take full spoils.

Keeping the opposition out had been the minimum requirement against a team immediately below the hitherto 14th-placed Linnets on equal points.

Rushton has already proved to Runcorn fans he is a confident finisher.

He was again the man on the spot to decisively convert a right-wing cross by Elliot Morris, who will have been relieved to set up the winner after having a first-half penalty saved.

In what proved a nervy affair between sides short on confidence but desperate for a morale boost, Runcorn grabbed the points.

They had forced good saves from Mossley 'keeper Fin Madigan while Calvin Hare, after undeservedly finishing on the losing side in the last two games, didn't have a shot to save.

Linnets' defence had been criticised for being over-generous to the opposition. But they restricted Mossley to occasional shots, all of which were on target.

Just how much the result meant to Michael Ellison was clear at the final whistle as he embraced his players as if they had won the title - a feeling that he has twice experienced in his managerial career.

Runcorn hadn't kept the opposition at bay since March 21st this year in defeating Wythenshawe Town 2-0 - a run of 18 matches. So the issue isn't new.

The manager reverted to a back four with yet another defensive permutation. Winger Lewis Bell slotted in at left back in the continued absence through injury of Matty Rain.

The change of formation prompted a welcome return for skipper Jacques Welsh to a midfield, which was also bolstered by a first full outing for Sean Miller since last season's ill-fated Play-off semi-final.

Miller's influence was soon evident as he crossed from the right into the Lilywhites penalty area, where ball was eventually scrambled clear.

The fit-again No.10 then set up Morris to centre from a similar position. Lewis Buckley almost reached it, sliding towards goal at the far post but a defender got a vital touch at the expense of a corner.

Runcorn had the perfect chance to go ahead in the 16th minute, being awarded a spot-kick after a tackle from behind on Buckley.

The decision was far from clear cut but Linnets were unable to capitalise.

Morris's attempt had the direction but not the power to beat Madigan, who saved at the foot of his right post.

Linnets would not get a better sight of goal in the half.

They kept the hosts at arm's length, although Mossley almost snatched the lead in the 34th minute with a speculative 30-yard effort by right bsck Callum Jones.

It was completely out of the blue and marginally wide of the left post with Hare beaten.

Linnets put their first shot on target from open play in the 50th minute, two in fact coming in the same attack.

Madigan did well to keep out Harry McGee's shot and even better to turn the rebound on to the the roof of net.

But Matty Whittingham was offside and his header would not have counted.

Runcorn were forced to reshuffle as centre back Brendan O'Brien suffered a head wound in a collision in their six-yard area.

Ollie Southern replaced him with Mossley introducing Kyle Campbell to their attack simultaneously.

The son of the late former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell added pace and power on the right. But Linnets - particularly Scott Holding - handled him well.

Miller continued to orchestrate Runcorn's best moves in what was in no way a classic. He also broight another save from Madigan at the near post from a direct free-kick on the left of the box.

Linnets were running out of time to make their mark. But Morris found substitute Rushton (who had been on the field for just six minutes) on the fringes of the 18-yard area.

His firm right-footed shot found the corner to the goalkeeper's left.

Runcorn saw out the remaining five minutes and the seven added, mostly for the injury to O'Brien, without major alarm.

Advancing substitute Conor Harwood promised to seal the win with a second Runcorn goal from Miller's through ball to the left.

But Madigan got his body behind it. For once, a single strike was enough.

Hare's slightly-rushed clearance from an unintentional back pass by Bell, who acquitted himself well in an unfamiliar role, saw off the final danger from the Tamesiders.

The win lifted the visitors five places to ninth with a visit from Chasetown up next on Saturday. Kick off at APEC Taxis Stadium is at 3pm.

RUNCORN LINNETS: Calvin Hare, Peter Wylie, Lewis Bell, Brendan O'Brien (Ollie Southern, 53 mins) Scott Holding, Jacques Welsh, Elliot Morris, Harry McGee (Frank Denison, 69 mins), Lewis Buckley (Nick Rushton, 79 mins), Sean Miller, Matty Whittingham (Conor Harwood, 72 mins). Sub (not used): Oscar Wright.

Attendance: 436.