Lewis Crane picks up where he left off for victorious Under 21s

Last season's Division One top scorer hit four goals, including a penalty, in Linnets' first North West Development League Premier Division outing. Pictures by Kelly Jones.

Nantwich Town Under 21s 3 Runcorn Linnets U21s 5

Lewis Crane, leading marksman in North West Development League's Championship Division B last season, quickly served notice of intent on Premier Division debut.

The striker, who netted 28 in 24 games for the champions, helped himself to another four as newly-promoted Linnets twice came from behind for 5-3 victory at Nantwich Town on Sunday.

Linnets had trailed 1-0 early on but responded well to lead 2-1 at the break, Crane equalising from the penalty spot before new boy Zack Kopanksi added a stunning second goal for the visitors.

Runcorn made the mistake of easing off after half-time, conceding twice to find themselves 3-2 adrift before getting back on track as Crane notched three without further reply to secure the points.

He unsurprisingly took the Man of the Match award, sponsored by the Thistledown Group.

"Not just for the four goals but his all-round workrate," said manager Ste Ellams.

"Lew led the line superbly well. He ran himself into the ground for the team".

The matchwinning frontman finished the game sporting the captain's armband after Jay Lee had been substituted.

There were mentions in dispatches too for newcomers, wideman Theo Papadopoulos and defender Charlie Ratcliffe, both impressing on their first competitive U21s appearances.

New signing Owen Cushion flashes a header across the penalty area as Linnets U21s get of to a flier. Picture by Kelly Jones.

There were seven players on debutin total, five of them starting, the other first timers being George Huyton in goal, full back Sam Hamling, midfielders Kopanski and Owen Cushion and forward Joel Street.

New forward Joel Street is involved in a debut dust-up at Nantwich. Picture by Kelly Jones.

Boss Ellams added: "The lads showed a special mentality to keep their cool, relax and trust their talent to shine through.

"It was disappointing to concede early in the game. But when we equalised via Lew, I thought there would only be one winner.

"Kopanski’s 'worldy' deservedly put us ahead and at half-time, the message was to avoid complacency,

"But we were far too open, we were too passive and there’s a valuable lesson: you’ll get punished!

"Honestly, you can't let that kind of thing creep in.

"But there was an excellent response from being 3-2 down - a great second equaliser from Crane, set up by Hamling, then a fourth goal for us after a delightful ball from Charlie (Ratcliffe)

"Craney’s fourth, our fifth, was a quality goal - a great ball from Mose (Adam Moseley) and some finish from Lew!."

Runcorn Linnets U21s: George Huyton, Callum Prince (Billy McNay), Sam Hamling, Zack Kopanski, Jay Lee

(Charlie Ratcliffe), Ben Dobbie, Theo Papadopoulos, Owen Cushion, Lewis Crane, Sam Stephens (Harry Vernon), Joel Street (Adam Moseley). Sub (not used): Alex Ellams (GK).

Callum Prince soon gets to grips with the new season. Picture by Kelly Jones.

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