Linnets draw a blank on return to league action

By Dave Bettley

Linnets reopened their Pitching In Northern Premier League West account, which had been inactive for a month due to Cup commitments, but had to settle for a point at Seel Park.

It was the first draw in eight league visits to Mossley and there was an inevitability about the result with neither side, for all their honest endeavour, fashioning many clear-cut chances.

Oskar Rosenblatt came closest to scoring after five minutes, Linnets seeing a shot rebound off the inside of an upright for a second successive match.

On a night when defences otherwise closed ranks, two hard-workimg teams effectively cancelling each other out, the on-loan Chester youngster enjoyed a rare moment of attacking freedom as he burst clear.

His low effort from outside the box had Mossley goalkeeper Fin Madigan beaten to his right but it cannoned off the post and across the goalline.

It took 83 minutes for either 'keeper  to be forced into a save, which was anything other than routine.

Linnets sub Nathan Sandison connected first time and on the full with a right-wing free-kick from Matty Rain.

But Madigan pulled off a flying tip-over save in an otherwise unspectacular affair.

Runcorn, having had territorial advantage for much of the second half, really went for it in the last five minutes in a bid to grab the win.

Defender Adam Rooney held head in hands as his shot was deflected for a corner after Naim Arsan's cross from the left had led to a scramble.

But generally, neither side could produce the quality needed in the final third.

Greg Hall, making a league debut in the Linnets goal, escorted a series of shots across or wide of his goal without being called into action.

Rio Alston posed the biggest threat for Mossley on the left flank, with his pace and close control but again, there was no end product.

Runcorn were without top scorer Scott Bakkor, who had limped out of Saturday's FA Cup defeat with a hamstring twinge, while all-time leading marksman Ryan Brooke missed a third successive game through injury.

Teenage striker Lewis Crane worked hard but without any dividend before giving way to utility man Eden Gumbs, who played as a makeshift centre forward for the last 17 minutes.

Sean Miller, still being nursed back to fitness, must be getting close to a starting berth. He looked as lively as anyone after coming off the bench.

There was encouragement too for Jacques Welsh in his recuperation from injury.

The Runcorn captain's10-minute cameo followed a four-game absence.

The fact he has been an unused substitute in three of those matches says much about Brad Cooke's ongoing selection issues.

Despite the draw, Linnets slipped a place to 15th, having fallen way behind with their league fixtures.

Runcorn will be relieved that there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday's maiden league visit of Shifnal Town to APEC Taxis Stadium - Tuesday will bring Sporting Khalsa, another of the West Division's newcomers, to Murdishaw.

But Linnets will spare a thought for Mossley midfielder George Milner, who was carried off and promptly taken to hospital with what appeared a serious knee injury.

The player was in agony after an awkward landing as he contested a high Runcorn free-kick into the penalty area.

Runcorn Linnets: Greg Hall, Joe Ferguson, Matty Rain, Peter Wylie (Sean Miller, 59 mins), Adam Rooney, Harvey Washington, Oskar Rosenblatt (Nathan Sandison, 68 mins), Markell Foulds (Jacques Welsh, 80 mins), Lewis Crane, (Eden Gumbs, 73 mins), Lewis Doyle, Naim Arsan. Sub (not used): Marcus Cusani.

Attendane: 411.