Linnets pass test at table-topping Ashton to progress in cup

From top, Mollie Bennett, Sophie Rotheram and Emma Mclarney scored the goals to send Linnets into the third round of the Alliance Design & Print Cup.

Ashton Town Ladies 1

Runcorn Linnets Ladies 3

Report by Jack Slater

Linnets travelled to Wigan to face North West Women's League's Central Division leaders Ashton Town in the second round of the Alliance Design & Print Cup.

Ashton had won seven of their opening 10 games. But Runcorn, lying second in the South Division, rose to the task in what was always going to be a tough game.

In difficult conditions, Linnets played against the wind in the first half and struggled in parts to control and maintain possession.

But they defended resolutely without offering the hosts any clear-cut chances.

The best early opportunity fell to the Yellows but Jess Bazley was denied by the 'keeper.

The deadlock was broken when some Mollie Bennett magic on the left created space.

An inch-perfect crossfield ball allowed the on-rushing Sophie Rotheram to take on an Ashton defender and strike across the 'keeper into the bottom corner.

The lead was quickly doubled when in-form Bennett got in on the act. She raced on to a through ball from Chelsea Gillies to finish sublimely over the Ashton 'keeper.

At the other end, Alex Bellfield and her defence had been unbreached but, on the stroke of half-time.Ashton striker Martha Tosh latched on to an exquisite diagonal ball from the right back position to finish calmly.

Linnets started the second half well, better matching the hunger and work rate of the young Ashton team.

Rotheram and Mollie Bennett got into good positions but were unable to convert.

However, Alex Bellfield safely dealt with speculative efforts from Ashton to retain Linnets' 2-1. advantage.

Mollie Bennett went close to increasing it, hitting the bar from a 35-yard free kick.

Linnets were having to work hard to hold off the lively hosts.

A double 55th-minute substitution, which saw the introduction of Saffron Tilston and Lily Shakeshaft for Roberts and Lile Ashley, respectively, re-energised Runcorn.

Shakeshaft kept Ashton's back three under threat.

Eva Whimperley and Lilly McCabe likewise provided fresh impetus as a replacement left-side pairing, linking up well to provide attacking and defensive structure.

As both teams pushed for another goal, Linnets looked more likely. Whimperley and Rotheram found dangerous positions but couldn't pick out a yellow shirt in the box.

Runcorn only settled the issue late on when a corner brought a game of pinball

in the area for centre back Mclarney to turn poacher by converting from four yards.

It had been a hard-fought and deserved win for Linnets. They have played better this season but, in tough conditions, showed quality to progress to the third round.