Linnets edged out of Premier Division Trophy despite semi-final brace for Ben Crane

Runcorn Linnets bowed out of the North West Under 21s Development League's Premier Division Trophy on Sunday.

They lost their semi-final at FC United of Manchester 3-2, despite two goals from Thistledown Group man-of-the-match Ben Crane.

Crane scored the first and last goals of a tie played on the 3G pitch next to to the Red Rebels' Broadhurst Park stadium.

Manager Ste Ellams said: "Not our day today. A poor couple of minutes either side of half- time saw a 1-0 lead become a 3-1 deficit.

"Ben, who had scored the opener, got us back to 3-2 with a goal of the season contender but it wasn’t to be."

Two games remain in the team's first season in the NWU21s top flight, following promotion as winners of Championship Division B.

Hyde United are due at APEC Taxis Stadium on Sunday (April 26th), ko 2pm, with Linnets closing the campaign with a rearranged fixture at Charnock Richard on Sunday, May 3rd.

Linnets lie second in the table and could pull up only six points behind newly-crowned champions Warrington Town, who have completed their programme.

The Yellow & Greens may yet be overtaken by Stalybridge Celtic, who are ploughing through a severe fixture backlog, but Runcorn cannot finish lower than what would be a very creditable third place.