Linnets impress in narrow defeat by Calum McIntyre's Chester

Scott Bakkor takes the plaudits after opening his Linnets account in the 40th minute of a competitive friendly. Picture by Peter Cantwell.

Report by Dave Bettley

Despite a second consecutive defeat to pre-season opposition from a higher grade, there was plenty to enthuse Linnets fans as former manager Calum McIntyre returned to APEC Taxis Stadium in a 2-1 win for his Chester side.

In by far the best of three friendly matches to date, Runcorn gave an excellent account of themselves against a strong National League North outfit.

Chester were beaten Play-off finalists last season, losing at Scunthorpe United in extra-time.

They ultimately edged an entertaining contest, the hosts impressing individually and collectively in this first home outing of the summer.

Runcorn went in level at half-time, having fallen behind against the run of play, and while Chester only got stronger - showing their class after regaining the lead ten minutes after the restart - Runcorn were never out of it.

Right back Joe Ferguson was full of attacking intent. (Picture by Peter Cantwell).

They displayed some great attacking combinations before the break. Joe Ferguson and Luke Wall stood out on the right while Naim Arsan was typically busy out wide on the left.

In the absence of captain Jacques Welsh, skipper for the night Lewis Doyle, Dec McLoughlin and Sean Miller caught the eye in central areas.

With vice-captain Peter Wylie also missing, new centre back pairing Adam Rooney and Markell Foulds were resolute.

The hosts created the better openings against a near full-strength Chester defence before Oskar Rosenblatt sent the visitors in front after 34 minutes.

Naim Arsan plays tricks on the Chester defence. Picture by Peter Cantwell.

Runcorn deservedly levelled within six minutes through Scott Bakkor, after Arsan had fastened onto Wall's high diagonal to the left of the box.

The away side changed all 10 outfield players for the second half, bringing on their big guns offensively although sadly, there was only a watching brief for former Linnets favourite Iwan Murray.

The game came too early in the midfield magician's recovery from injury.

Dec McLoughlin puts the Seals defence in the firing line. Picture by Ben Jackson.

Runcorn again opened strongly but Chester's additional firepower brought a stunning volleyed goal for Connor Woods.

Worthy of winning any match, it changed the complexion.

The away side got on top, testing Bayleigh Passant with a succession of shots. The Runcorn 'keeper made one outstanding save. 

Having made just the one alteration at the break, assistant manager Rob Sadler (taking charge in Brad Cooke's absence) made conservative changes before throwing on a fresh handful for the last five minutes.

It meant Linnets completed the course with a young and experimental side.

Luke Wall makes further headway for Linnets, having played a part in their equaliser. Picture by Peter Cantwell.

Jorge Dwyer made a brief first appearance of the warm-up campaign and there was another cameo for Under 21s midfielder Sam Stephens plus two triallists.

A warm ovation at the final whistle showed Linnets fans liked what they had seen.

There was also a good send-off into the season for ex-guvnor McIntyre, always popular and very welcome at the APEC.  

Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Joe Ferguson (Triallist, 85 mins), Matty Rain (Jay Lee, 85 mins), Lewis Doyle (Jorge Dwyer, 85 mins),  Adam Rooney, Markell Foulds, Luke Wall (Lewis Crane, 85 mins), Dec McLoughlin (Adam Moseley, 46 mins),  Scott Bakkor (Ryan Brooke, 62 mins), Sean Miller (Sam Stephens, 79 mins), Naim Arsan (Triallist, 85 mins).

Attendance: 437.

A more than useful warm-up test for Runcorn Linnets back on home turf. Picture by Peter Cantwell.