Hopes of U21s title double are dimmed by FCUM defeat - despite Huyton's heroics

George Huyton held up FC United with some fine saves but couldn't spare Linnets U21s from a costly home defeat. Picture by Kelly Jones

Runcorn Linnets U21s 0 FC United of Manchester U21s 2

Back-to-back title success is now a long shot for the Under 21s, who were well beaten by FCUM in North West Development League Premier Division last night.

A third home defeat of the league season for the reigning  champions of Championship Division B leaves Warrington Town and Stalybridge Celtic as clear favourites, although Linnets remain in second place.

Leaders Warrington are nine points ahead, having played two games more, while Stalybridge are a further seven points adrift but have four matches in hand on Runcorn and six on the table toppers.

Runcorn will need to win the last four games, three of them at home, to have any chance and rely on shocks elsewhere.

But even second or third spot would represent a great effort in the first season at this level.

Linnets produced arguably their most disappointing performance since winning promotion.

They lacked a cutting edge going forward and were error strewn in midfield and defence as possession was repeatedly lost.

But for excellent goalkeeping, it would have been worse.

George Huyton made a couple of great saves in each half but the visitors eventually found their reward with a double strike by Bob Jammeh.

The striker, who also plays for North West Counties Premier Division contenders Atherton LR, opened the scoring in the 56th minute.

Jammeh's shot from outside the box went in off the right post and the centre forward sealed FCUM's victory ten minutes from time.

Having been bundled over in the area, he sent Huyton the wrong way from the spot.

Tom Beswick showed boundless energy in midfield but Runcorn's best work was to rectify their mistakes.

They were at their most dangerous when Macauley Clifton was on the pitch but unfortunately, the tricky midfielder spent a fair chunk off it.

He had to be substituted in the first half after taking a couple of big hits before returning late on.

Runcorn didn't seriously test FCUM's 'keeper all night. Lewis Crane was kept quiet with service sadly lacking until the 90th minute, when he was played through by Joel Street.

The league's top scorer duly found the bottom left corner but an offside flag was raised. It might well have been too late even if the goal had counted.

Runcorn will meet FCUM again in the Premier Division Trophy semi-final at Broadhurst Park on Sunday, April 19th, ko 4pm.

The next game for Linnets U21s, however, is this Sunday at the APEC against Nantwich Town with a 2pm start.

Runcorn Linnets U21s: George Huyton, Callum Prince,  Theo Papadopoulos, Tom Beswick, Cameron Schofield, Ben Dobbie, Fin Ryan, Macauley Clifton, Lewis Crane, Eneil Gumbs, Ben Crane. Subs: Sam Stephens, Zack Kopanski, Joel Street, Sam Hamling. Not used: Charlie Ratcliffe.