Josh Mather at the double as Linnets U21s make comeback point
Runcorn Linnets U21s 2 FC United of Manchester U21s 2
Pictures by Kelly Jones
Two goals in eight minutes in the final quarter helped Runcorn Linnets come from behind for a welcome point.
A brace by summer signing Josh Mather, the second a penalty, took his tally for the season to six in as many games.
FC United looked to have a grip on the North West Under 21s League Premier Division game, thanks to strikes by Joe Mossford after 24 minutes and Muhamed Jatta, who converted from the spot seven minutes from half-time.
Runcorn gave themselves hope as centre forward Mather netted in the 70th minute before converting a penalty awarded for handball.
The visitors finished with 10 men after a red card for a foul on Billy McNay and Runcorn might have snatched a late winner.
Linnets' Player of the match award, sponsored by McNamara's Sports Bar, went to forward Joel Street.
Manager Ste Ellams said: "Despite us falling behind first half, Joel was the real stand out for us and his positivity was instrumental in us getting back into the game."
Ben Crane started for Runcorn 24 hours after lining up against them as a substitute for 1874 Northwich in a first-team fixture at APEC Taxis Stadium. He would be sinbinned in tne second half.
Runcorn Linnets U21s: Alex Ellams, Callum Prince, Sam Hamling, Charlie Ratcliffe, Jay Lee, Bobby Phillips, Tom Beswick, Zack Kopanski, Josh Mather, Joel Street, Ben Crane. Subs: Callum Dennett, Liam Taggart, Ole Croxton, Billy McNay. Not used: Jaden Wright (GK).
After early-season struggles, four points from the last two games give the U21s a platform to build on.
The team is next in action on Sunday as they travel to Ashton Town for a league fixture.
This is a noon kick-off at Edge Green Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield.
The following Sunday, Ellams's side will play the return at FC United of Manchester.
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