Linnets are Shaker-n by first defeat

Report by Dave Bettley with pictures from Kelly Jones

Runcorn Linnets' unbeaten early-season run was ended at Gigg Lane.

A 54th-minute Rustam Stepans goal earned Bury the points and in truth, their winning margin should have been bigger.

The Latvian-born matchwinner is technically a former Runcorn player, having signed from Charnock Richard in January 2020 - but without appearing for the club.

Lewis Doyle and Dec McLoughlin look to close down in midfield.

Linnets ,who had been undefeated in their first eight matches of 2025-26, were under the cosh for long periods, particularly in the first half as the Shakers squandered a series of chances.

Runcorn defended resolutely but struggled to create much in open play.

Despite the home side's domination, Linnets almost landed a sucker punch in the last minute of normal time.

Scott Bakkor kept the ball alive from close to the dead ball line for Naim Arsan to deliver a fine cross from near the left corner flag.

It was met by Ryan Brooke, whose far-post header was superbly saved by Mitchell Allen. It would have been a steal.

The already-depleted visitors had been left to contend with yet a another selection blow.

Ever-present cental defender Adam Rooney was unable to shrug off the back injury, which prompted his half-time withdrawal in Saturday's Isuzu FA Trophy victory over Garforth Town.

Also still missing first-choice right back Joe Ferguson, manager Brad Cooke paired vice-captain Peter Wylie alongside Harvey Washington (above) at the heart of the Runcorn rearguard with Markell Foulds slotting in on the right.

Markell Foulds played at right back after three starts in central midfield.

Foulds again demonstrated his flexibility -four starts so far for the central defender have all been out of position.

Linnets' back four would be given a tough examination by Gabriel Johnson through the middle while Kai Evans and Stepans likewise tested the visitors in the wide positions.

It wasn't desperation stakes but Runcorn were made to work very hard - and ride their luck - to stay level.

This team is always prepared to roll up its sleeves but it is patched up, unfortunately at a time when games are coming thick and fast.

The pattern was soon set with Bury playing fast, slick and incisive football, the surging runs of right back Bebeto Gomes causing problems.

In only the fourth minute, Arsan repelled a goalbound shot from Johnson with a vital block.

Bayleigh Passant takes a safe catch.

Late in the half, Bayleigh Passant made a flying save from left back Connor Pye's powerful long-range effort, making a vital adjustment in mid air to deal with the shot.

There was plenty to encourage the Shakers in between, Runcorn surviving a potential calamity as Passant came charging out of his goal area.

In his effort to head clear, he only collided with Washington as both challenged for a high through ball and Linnets were fortunate when Evans lost his footing as it ran loose.

With the game passing Runcorn by in midfield, Bakkor was starved of quality service.

Passed fit after limping out of the weekend match, the striker's seven-game scoring spree was abruptly ended.

There was one close shave for Bury, however. In the 17th minute, Sean Miller was tripped just outside the area by his former Widnes team-mate Louis Isherwood.

Arsan's free-kick whistled wide of the left post, not having quite enough curl.

Miller's departure from the contest at half-time will have left Linnets supporters fearing another injury for the influential player.

The home crowd was beginning to show signs of frustration when Bury finally took the lead, decisively as it transpired, nine minutes into the second half.

Arsan was penalised for a foul on the right of the home penalty box and the free-kick was played short for Stepans to fire home.

Passant's view may have been obscured as it flitted past a defender.

Bury's domination wasn't as marked after the break but on falling behind, Runcorn were still struggling to impose themselves as an attacking force.

Dec McLoughlin concentrates hard as he distributes the ball.

Dec McLoughlin's 28-yard shot in the 57th minhte was a rare strike on goal from the visitors but straight at 'keeper Allen.

A defensive mix-up gave Arsan scope to advance but his left-footed attempt, again from outside the area, was off target.

A bright spot for Linnets was another promising show off the bench from Oskar Rosenblatt.

His right-flank cross was touched on at the near post by McLoughlin with nobody on hand to capitalise.

Djavan Pedro could have consolidated Bury's advantage in the 70th minute.

But the substitute couldn't connect with a left-wing cross to the centre of goal when the target looked to be at his mercy.

Passant promptly rescued Linnets again, diving low at his left post after Wylie had turned the ball towards his own goal.

The last ten minutes brought Runcorn's most promising moves with a couple of half-chances accompanying their best effort of the night from Brooke. But they had left it too late.

Linnets will have no time to dwell on their disappointment as the spotlight will again be on them in Saturday's FA Cup Second Round Qualifying tie at Pickering Town.

The tie will be televised 'live' at 12.30pm on the BBC red button and iplayer.

Brad Cooke gets his message across.

It remains to be seen if boss Cooke will have any of his missing key players available.

Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Peter Wylie, Matty Rain (Eden Gumbs, 80 mins), Lewis Doyle, Markell Foulds, Harvey Washington, Marcus Cusani (Ryan Brooke, 73 mins), Declan McLoughlin, Scott Bakkor, Sean. Miller (Oskar Rosenblatt, 46 mins), Naim Arsan. Subs (not used): Jorge Dwyer, Jay Lee.

Attendance: 2,908.