Linnets are pegged back after Nick-ing early lead at Leek

Nick Rushton scored his first goal in Runcorn colours within 60 seconds of the start. File picture by Peter Gallagher-Headley.

Runcorn Linnets completed a mixed pre-season with a creditable 1-1 draw at Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division side Leek Town.

It was the second time they have shared the spoils at higher opposition while staying unbeaten in four away matches, posting wins against two North West Counties League opponents.

On a ground where they have enjoyed a good record, Linnets struck dramatically in the first minute - No.10 Nick Rushton lashing home from right back Ollie Southern's cross.

The rest of the half was disjointed from Runcorn's viewpoint. They lacked balance in midfield, after opening with two new trialists in the centre and wide left, and struggled to make further headway going forward.

They might, however, have increased the lead when Rushton, encouraged by his earlier strike, foraged into the box only to be crowded out.

Chances were few at both ends but Leek equalised in the 37th minute as Linnets were caught out by a long ball.

The hosts could then have gone in front before the turnaround.

The second half saw the introductions of Harry McGee, Dec McLoughlin and the promising young trialist, who had scored the winner in the friendly at Ashton Town.

The changes had the desired effect, Runcorn redoubling their efforts in the central area.

Further substitutions brought a first appearance at right back for new signing Ed Jones.

The former Everton youngster had missed the earlier warm-up games through injury.

But Conor Harwood, who pulled a hamstring in the victory at Euxton Villa, did not feature beyond the pre-match warm-up.

Leek struck the bar from distance but Runcorn gave as good as they got, starting to produce some good passing combinations without creating too many chances.

Elliot Morris cleared the bar from a knockdown header by Rushton.

Fresh legs meant the game continued at a high tempo, proving both sides with a useful workout in final preparation for the big kick-off on Saturday August 8th.

Runcorn will seek improvement on the home front (after two heavy friendly defeats) when launching their NPL West Division programme against Stalybridge Celtic.

This is a re-run of last season's Play-off semi-final at Bower Fold which the Tamesiders won by the only goal.

Linnets manager Michael Ellison will finalise his squad this week.

He and his Stalybridge counterpart Jon Macken have already made significant additions to their squads with a few to another promotion push.

Runcorn Linnets: Calvin Hare, Olllie Southern, Matty Rain, Peter Wylie, Scott Holding, Jacques Welsh, Elliot Morris, Trialist, Lewis Buckley, Nick Rushton, Trialist. Subs (all used): Dec McLoughlin, Harry McGee, Noah Roberts, Ed Jones, Trialist, Trialist, Trialist.