Linnets pay for slack defending in repeat home defeat

Brendan O'Brien, partly hidden third from right heads Runcorn back into contention with their first-half opener. Pictures by Ben Jackson.

New-look Runcorn Linnets still have much work to do defensively with the start of the Northern Premier League West campaign only two weeks away.

They shipped four goals for the second time in as many pre-season appearances at APEC Taxis when losing 4-2 to Ashton United - after going down 4-0 two weeks earlier against another NPL Premier Division outfit, FC United of Manchester.

There were positives from a first-half fightback, which saw Linnets recover a two-goal deficit to go in level at 2-2.

But a brighter, more cohesive showing after the break was in vain as Ashton netted at either end of the half to complete victory.

Runcorn will again be disappointed with the manner of the goals conceded, the defence making life far too easy for Ashton's lively attackers.

Linnets were floored by early strikes by former Chester favourite Kurt Willoughby from the edge of the box on 14 minutes and Darius Osei at close range four minutes later.

Runcorn, with only two non-signed players in their starting XI, had looked disturbingly sluggish from the outset and struggled to make much headway in attack.

However, they made the most of few opportunities to somehow restore parity.

Brendan O'Brien, playing in front of the back four, headed home a left-wing Ollie Southern corner on 23 minutes before Elliot Morris (39 mins) slotted away a penalty after being brought down by the Robins 'keeper Tommy Taylor.

The second half was only two minutes old when Willoughby added another from similar distance to his first, the ball escaping the clutches of Runcorn's trialist 'keeper.

The hosts proceeded to make a better fist of it, dominating for much of the remainder, but without producing an end product.

The introduction of hopefuls from the bench livened things up, summer signings Lewis Buckley and Nick Rushton getting more involved in forward forays.

Elliot Morris caused Ashton concern on the right wing but Linnets couldn't find an equaliser.

They paid the price with five minutes left as the visitors rediscovered their attacking spark.

A good run by Justin Johnson set up James Hardy to calmly find the bottom left corner in the 85th minute - giving Linnets food for thought ahead of Friday's closing friendly at another Step 3 outfit, Leek Town.

Lewis Buckley on the charge.