Linnets feel the heat in opening friendly

Runcorn Linnets began their pre-season campaign with 0-4 home defeat by an FC Unted of Manchester side who, like the hosts, had been play-off semi-finalists last season - but in the division above.

The billing of the game as a warm-up fixture was something of an understatement with temperatures soaring in the summer heatwave.

New-look Linnets started well enough but having taken the lead just before the hydration break midway through the first half, the Red Rebels didn't look back.

Three of their goals came through shots from distance with the other, their second, being a penalty.

Adam Le Fondre, who at the height of his career played Premier League football for Reading, was the taker.

He was joined in the FCUM line-up by Andre Wisdom, who played in the top flight for Liverpool and in the Championship with Derby County.

The away team also included two players known to Linnets fans.

Winger Niall Watson, recently recruited on a season-long loan from Hednesford Town, and centre back Jan Palinkas both had short loan spells at what is now APEC Taxis Stadium.

With two friendlies already under their belt, the visitors' extra sharpness and quality shone through with victory being wrapped up by the 70th minute.

The other goals came from Matty Grivosti, opening the scoring in the 22nd minute, and after the break Michael Donohue and Hamed Sidibe.

Runcorn had opened with five of their nine new signings, another two being introduced in the second half. A number of trialists were also fielded, one of them featuring at the start.

Although second best, Runcorn were not without chances. Their best goal attempt came before half-time with newcomer Elliot Morris being thwarted by a smart save by FCUM 'keeper Dan Atherton.

Playing towards the clubhouse after the restart, a good left-wing exchange involving Noah Roberts and Matty Rain almost carved out an opportunity for Runcorn's summer signing Conor Harwood.

But the alert Atherton came to the visitors' rescue again.

Runcorn Linnets: Calvin Hare, Ollie Southern, Matty Rain, Brendan O'Brien, Scott Holding, Peter Wylie, Elliot Morris, Trialist A, Lewis Buckley, Harry McGee, Dec McLoughlin. Subs: Nick Rushton, Trialist B, Noah Roberts, Conor Harwood, Trialist C, Trialist D. Trialist E.

Attendance: 360.