Linnets fade after bright start at Swansway
Nantwich Town 3 Runcorn Linnets 1
Report by Dave Bettley; pictures by Ben Jackson.
Linnets' season continues to head in the wrong direction as they shipped three away goals for the second time in four days.
After a goalless first half in which Runcorn had been the better side, the match turned on a 47th- minute free kick from which Nantwich took the lead.
As the visitors again failed to finish off their moves, Nantwich then showed how it should be done by twice carving open Runcorn's defence to seal a comfortable victory.
As on Saturday 3-0 defeat at Newcastle Town, it was game over with almost 20 minutes left.
Runcorn this time found some reward for their efforts with a stoppage-time reply from substitute Harry McGee but it was scant consolation.
The outcome could not have been predicted on the balance of play before the break.
But such has been Linnets' inconsistency over the season, it was no great surprise.
Turning in 90-minute performances has become a real problem in itself.
In the first half at Swansway Stadium, Linnets had hardly been troubled.
New signing Jack Byrne slotted into central defence, forming a three with Kian Bell and the returning Scott Holding.
Linnets played some neat and controlled football but again without creating regular chances and with their front players still struggling to make an impact.
The best oportunity fell to Elliot Morris, who latched on to a sliderule through ball by Lewis Buckley but his shot was intercepted by advancing 'keeper Blake Wolsoncroft.
Runcorn just needed to find the final piece of the jigsaw upon the restart. But instead, the puzzle got more difficult as they gave away a free-kick outside their area.
It was driven by Josh Hancock against the left upright, the rebound being bundled in by midfielder Ethan Hartshorn at close quarters.
This shook Runcorn's already fragile confidence and they were unable to regain momentum.
The cutting edge the away side are lacking was demonstrated as the Dabbers sliced effortlessly through Runcorn's defences.
A well-worked move down the left, involving Luke Enright and Jack Stafford, saw the latter advance from left back to accept a return pass before finishing instinctively in the 71st minute.
Two minutes later, and before Runcorn had opportunity to regroup, the Dabbers were at it again.
A cross from the same flank was directed home by the other full back Aidan Roxburgh.
With the task realistically beyond them, Linnets fashioned their best opportunity.
Sean Miller and Matty Whittingham linked up but Whittingham's final ball from the right eluded McGee as he slid in to meet it at the far post. It summed up Runcorn's evening.
Linnets had to wait until the fourth minute of overtime to get on the scoresheet.
McGee met a cross whipped in rightfooted by skipper Jacques Welsh with a diving header, which beat Wolsoncroft to the goalkeeper's right.
But there was no celebration from the visiting players, who looked shell-shocked and downcast as they left the field after another punishing result.
Linnets, who drop to an unaccustomed 16th in the table, desperately need the points this Saturday when they entertain the bottom-placed side Congleton Town in Pitching In Northern Premier League West (ko 3pm).
The Bears eased their own plight with a 4-3 win at Clitheroe last night.
Support from the fans is needed more than ever as management and players endeavour to turn the situation around.
Runcorn Linnets: Calvin Hare, Scott Holding, Matty Rain, Jack Byrne, Kian Bell, Jacques Welsh, Elliot Morris (Harry McGee, 72 mins), Matty Whittingham, Lewis Buckley, Sean Miller, Conor Harwood (Oscar Wright, 68 mins). Subs not used: Ollie Southern, Nick Rushton, Frank Denison.
Attendance: 318.
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