Linnets beat leaders again to keep up Development League chase

Warrington Town Under 21s 1 Runcorn Linnets Under 21s 2

Pictures by Kelly Jones

The perfect view of Runcorn's free-kick opener scored by Theo Papadopoulos.

Linnets ramped up the pressure by defeating the North West Under 21s Development League Premier Division leaders for the second time this season.

A spectacular set-piece strike by Theo Papadopoulos and a penalty from Lewis Crane (his 16th U21s goal of the campaign) secured the victory as second-placed Linnets cut their deficit to eight points with three games still in hand.

It was the perfect way for the visitors to respond to last week's chastening first defeat at FC United of Manchester.

Zack Parker puts his back into it as Runcorn come out on top against the leaders.

Manager Ste Ellams's team selection showed a handful of changes with Callum Prince, Eneil Gumbs and Owen Cushion returning to the XI along with both scorers.

In a victory hailed by boss Ellams as "huge" in the quest for back-to-back titles - after last season's Championship Division B success - both Runcorn goals came in a first half, which they dominated.

Warrington weren't helped by a sin-binning but they mustered just the one chance before the break, forcing a good save from George Huyton.

Midfield maestro Papadopoulos, back in the side for the first time since mid-September, opened the scoring in the 20th minute direct from a 25-yard free-kick.

Warrington's 'keeper got nowhere near it, despite his best efforts.

Lewis Crane is congratulated on his penalty which gave Linnets a 2-0 lead.

Crane doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, comfortably converting from the spot after Warrington had committed a clear handball.

Linnets have now netted six of the 18 goals conceded by Town in their 12 league outings. No other team has taken a point off the table toppers.

Runcorn might have scored more. They had three big chances early in the second half, two set up by Ben Crane.

But his namesake Lewis had an effort blocked on the line while Macauley Clifton blazed over.

Tom Beswick (left) and Eneil Gumbs show they are up for the challenge, watched by Ben Crane.

Lewis Crane also dragged a shot wide from fine build-up play by Tom Beswick.

After performing superbly throughout,  Runcorn had deserved a clean sheet.

But their defence was finally breached - if too late for Town to change the outcome, despite lengthy stoppage time and another big scoring opportunity.

The hosts had pushed one of their centre backs forward in a desperate attempt to save the match.

After pulling one back, they almost grabbed a last-gasp equaliser.

But Linnets survived through a combination of good work by 'keeper Huyton and poor finishing.

Man of the match Sam Hamling steers Runcorn on a safe course in defence.

Young left back Sam Hamling was Runcorn's Thistledown Group Man of the Match.

Linnets will be on their travels again this Wednesday for a Premier Division contest at UDA Soccer Cestrians at the University of Chester in Parkgate Road (CH1 4BJ), ko 7.30pm.

This will be followed by a third successive Sunday away game, again in the league.

Alsager Leisure Centre in Halsall Road (ST7 2HP) is the venue for an intriguing fixture against Kidsgrove Athletic, who pushed Linnets closest in the Championship division last season.

Disbelief on the touchline at a Runcorn near miss but didn't matter in the end.

Kidsgrove were also runners-up to Runcorn in the Divisional Cup.

Runcorn Linnets U21s: George Huyton, Callum Prince, Sam Hamling, Eneil Gumbs, Jay Lee, Cameron Schofield, Theo Papadopoulos, Owen Cushion, Lewis Crane, Macauley Clifton, Ben Crane. Subs: Charlie Ratcliffe, Alex Ellams (GK), Zack Kopanski, Zack Parker, Tom Beswick.