Linnets clinch Whitchurch trip on Wembley way

There's no doubting how Naim Arsan feels after scoring. Picture by NEIL THORNTON.

Runcorn Linnets 1 Clitheroe 0

A single-goal victory over opposition, which had scored seven in completing a league double over Linnets last season saw the fired-up hosts take their first steps towards Wembley.

Naim Arsan struck the winner into first-half stoppage time.

But the final scoreline was flattering to the Lancashire visitors, whose threat was all but nullified.

The Yellow & Greens fought for everything and were invariably first to second balls.

Runcorn could have scored more goals but Brad Cooke could have asked little more of his charges who advanced into the preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup.

They will visit Whitchurch Alport in a fortnight's time for a first ever meeting with the Shropshire outfit, who last season finished sixth in the Midland League Premier Division and safely dispatched North West Counties League counterparts Litherland REMYCA 3-0 in theur extra preliminary round clash.

Runcorn, meanwhile, turned in a relentless performance against Clitheroe, who are always difficult opponents but could have no complaints on the balance of play.

Runcorn dominated pretty much from start to finish with familiar faces, skipper Jacques Welsh and Lewis Doyle doing the early groundwork in midfield for the hosts to take control.

Man of the Match Sean Miller drives into the box under pressure from Clitheroe. Picture by PETER CANTWELL.

The mercurial Sean Miller, a title winner with Widnes last season, was man-of-the-match but this was very much a team display in which every player won their individual battles.

The starting 11 were backed up by late cameo appearances by Ryan Brooke and Eden Gumbs - the latter having missed pre-season because of his travels to the Far East.

If Linnets can maintain this level of effort and intensity throughout the season - and manager Brad Cooke will demand 100% commitment as a starting point in every match - then no team is going to relish facing them, particularly at APEC Taxis Stadium.

Clitheroe's defence will have nightmares about the barnstormimg display from Bakkor, who was up against one of his former clubs on his competitive Linnets debut and hardly gave them a moment's rest.

Runcorn took until the second minute of added time in the first half to breakthrough but it was no surprise when they scored.

Linnets had won a succession of corners before the break and Naim Arsan finally made pressure pay from one such opportunity.

Left back Matty Rain's delivery from the left caused consternation in the visiting defence and after a game of pinball, featuring Scott Bakkor, Arsan forced the ball home.

The scorer had already come close to opening Linnets' account for the season after meeting Adam Moseley's cross from the right with a first-time shot - bringing a fine reaction save from James McClenaghan.

Moseley shot wide of the left post after Miller and Bakkor had combined to pick him out in the area while Arsan headed over from another Moseley cross.

Miller almost caught out McClenaghan with an ambitious effort as Rain returned the ball to him from a free-kick taken short on the left flank.

Like Bakkor giving Clitheroe a torrid time, Miller went even closer to a first Runcorn goal in cracking a shot against the near post from the right of the area.

Always a worry was the slenderness of the lead but it took the away side an age to threaten Runcorn's goal and Bayleigh Pasant didn't have a shot in anger to save all afternoon.

Defender Adam Rooney challenges for a header from a set-piece, a familiar trend since the defender's summer arrival at Linnets. Picture by PETER CANTWELL.

Adam Rooney cut a commanding figure at the heart of the home rearguard.

Sam Olawumi was nearest to putting one on target, narrowly clearing the Runcorn bar with a rebound effort in the last five minutes.

Without the complication of a replay, Linnets have a clear week to prepare for next Saturday's Pitching In Northern Premier League West at Atherton Collieries.

Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Joe Ferguson, Matty Rain, Peter Wylie, Adam Rooney, Jacques Welsh, Adam Moseley (Ryan Brooke, 81 mins), Lewis Doyle, Scott Bakkor, Sean Miller, Naim Arsan (Eden Gumbs, 86 mins). Subs (not used): Markell Foulds, Lewis Crane, Alex Ellams (GK).

Attendance: 574.

Sean Miller receives his man-of-the-match award from club chairman Peter Cartledge. The winner was chosen by Linnets Lazio U9s, the award being sponsored by Multi Broker.