Early FA Cup elimination for struggling Linnets
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Runcorn Linnets 2 Trafford 3
By Dave Bettley
Runcorn Linnets 2 Trafford 3
By Dave Bettley
AFTER a record-breaking run to the final qualifying round last season, Runcorn this time exited the FA Cup at the first time of asking.
This really was a tough watch, the final scoreline doing Linnets a favour because it was clear from a good way out, it would not be their day.
Just as inevitable was the sight of Runcorn's all-time leading marksman Ryan Brooke scoring against them. Few goals conceded at the APEC have felt so painful.
There were two moments in the game, which could have provided a spur for recovery.
But neither a Trafford missed penalty (when they were already leading 2-0) nor a Runcorn goal to make it 3-1 with 25 minutes remaining, had a galvanising effect.
Linnets were disjointed and lacklustre from the start, their second goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time giving a false impression that the hosts had been close to getting a result.
For a second successive game, the Yellow & Greens found themselves two goals adrift inside the first quarter.
Trafford needed a minute longer than the 18 it had taken Padiham to double up in midweek and fate could have predicted that Brooke would add another goal to his rich bounty at the APEC.
Runcorn can't buy a clean sheet just now and Brooke didn't need a second invitation when almost out of nothing, the ball found him on the edge of the box seven minutes in.
He planted the ball into the left corner. It was a real kick in the teeth for Linnets, who conceded aaain in the 19th minute as Jensen Bowering plundered an equidistant second.
He was aided by a deflection which took the ball high over Calvin Hare, into the opposite side of goal to Brooke's opener.
When it came to Michael Ellison's team selection, it really was the survival of the fittest.
Quite apart from the injuries,which have left important players sidelined, it had been reported in midweek that various others are carrying (and playing with) knocks.
One such player is Brendan O'Brien, who was given a torrid time by Trafford's left winger Abdullahi Ahmed.
Ahmed lured O'Brien, who was again playing at right back when all his appearances last season were in central defence, into a foul resulting in a 27th-minute penalty.
Ellison had seen enough even before Ahmed skied his spot-kick way over the crossbar. O'Brien was immediately replaced by Olie Southern, Runcorn's regular No.2 and another less than 100% fit.
One debut-making midfielder was also replaced by another as Connor Day made way for Callum Leigh, newly signed from Lancaster City.
Runcorn were not without opportunities and openings. But in a fitful team display, Harry McGee suffered an individual rush of blood.
With the scoreline still blank and a clear opposition half in front of him, he went for goal from almost halfway - perhaps trying to recreate his astonishing finish of last season against Stalybridge from a few yards further in.
McGee this time got no purchase on his shot and for Runcorn, it was that kind of afternoon.
Too many moves broke down due to a poor final ball, an affliction carried over from previous games.
In between the first two Trafford goals, Noah Roberts also snatched at a shot, when set up by an error from Trafford left back Finley Stanyer for a free pot at goal.
Experience would have taught Roberts that he had time to take a steadying touch but he is a 17-year-old winger, playing at centre forward out of necessity.
Having narrowly escaped with a two-goal deficit going into half-time, Linnets conceded a third in the 53rd minute. They had only themselves to blame.
Southern gave away a needless foul wide on the Runcorn right and David Worrall's flighted free-kick completely deceived Hare as it sailed over the 'keeper.
For anyone who had missed the goal, Worrall almost provided an action replay from a further set-piece in an almost identical positon. Fortunately for the home side, it went past the far upright.
Conor Harwood, after a pre-season curtailed by injury and with no league minutes under his belt, came on to provide a specialist No.9 option.
He added a bit of aggression and fellow sub Elliot Morris some zip wide on the right.
Soon after Harwood had glanced a near-post header across the box from the right - typically with nobody to apply a final touch - Harry McGee picked the ball up on the left of the area and threaded home an effort through a crowded six-yard box.
It was more false hope for Runcorn. They had to wait until the very last seconds for their tallest player Toby Jones to guide in a towering header from Matty Whittingham's right-wing cross to the far stick.
There was scarcely time to restart.
This was a costly defeat, not only in terms of potential glory and the financial rewards the FA Cup brings.
It will have further dented confidence, which was already low. There is a clear lack of cohesion and understanding.
Those qualities aren't easy to find in a new squad which hasn't yet been anywhere near at full strength.
With his team already decimated, Ellison cut his losses by withdrawing skipper Jacques Welsh within a minute of him being yellow carded for a challenge full of frustration. It could have been red.
Tuesday's visit of Lower Breck in NPL West will make life no easier.
Runcorn Linnets: Calvin Hare, Brendan O''Brien (Ollie Southern, 27 mins), Matty Whittingham, Peter Wylie, Toby Jones, Jacques Welsh (Jay Harris 70 mins), Dec McLoughlin (Conor Harwood, 53 mins), Connor Day (Callum Leigh, 27 mins), Noah Roberts (Elllot Morris, 46 mins), Harry McGee, Nick Rushton. Subs (not used): Lewis Bell, Frank Dennison.
Attendance: 416.
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