Linnets sneak to victory over MSB Woolton

Congratulations from the crowd for James Steele after his opener. Picture by Ben Jackson

Runcorn Linnets 2 MSB Woolton 1

Report by Dave Bettley

Beaten finalists at the first attempt three years ago, Linnets tentatively progressed to the quarter-finals of the Liverpool Senior Cup for a fourth successive season as MIchael Ellison's first home game back as manager brought a win.

But the Yellow & Greens were hard pressed by North West Counties League newcomers Woolton, who refused to surrender even when two goals adrift with 12 minutes left.

With several absentees (left back Matty Rain missing for only the second time), a couple of newcomers paired in midfield and others out of position, there was an experimental air to Runcorn's team selection.

But the inevitable familiarisation exercise was conducted against a competitive cup-tie backdrop and with victory key to its success, it was an interesting scenario.

Ello in pre-match discussion with his assistant Chris Lawton as they weigh up the task. Picture by Ben Jackson

Ellison admitted that Runcorn's performance had been disjointed. But under the circumstances, this was only to be expected.

Looking to the future, it was fitting that two of the club's U21s took leading roles in victory against opponents making an equally good impression.

Jay Lee, coming off the bench for his first senior appearance of the season, and Joel Street, making his second as a sub, set up the Runcorn goals.

MSB, one point behind the leaders in NWCL Division One North, made a Linnets side two

levels their senior work hard for the victory.

Isaac Graham made his debut in the victory which took Linnets into the last eight. Picture by Ben Jackson

Woolton had already beaten Runcorn's NPL West rivals Bootle on penalties in the first round so there was no reason to believe that they would be overawed.

They defended with discipline and increasing comfort in the first half, when much of the action was contained in their territory.

Further reorganisation at half-time of an already much-changed Linnets line-up saw Runcorn go in front within five minutes.

Realising that resilience alone would not now be enough, MSB promptly displayed their more adventurous side and caused problems for Linnets.

Even on falling further behind in the 78th minute, they continued to push forward and gave themselves a glimmer by pulling a goal back from the penalty spot six minutes from time.

For all their pressure, Runcorn had been largely restricted to set-piece opportunities in the first half.

MSB 'keeper tipped over from Adam Rooney and James Steele before Woolton provided rare glimpes of their attacking capabilities with promising right-wing raids.

It was through attacking in a similar area that Linnets eventually opened the scoring.

Jay Lee and recent signing Harry McGee, right, move in to mob James Steele after Linnets' No.11 had broken the deadlock. Picture by Ben Jackson

Wimger Oskar Rosenblatt sent his full back Lee, introduced at right back at the interval, on an overlap.

The latter's deep, hanging cross was headed home at the far post by Steele.

It was a fourth goal in seven outings for Steele, who had by this time succeeded leading marksman Scott Bakkor through the middle.

The scorer would later also take his leave with the speedy Rosenblatt moving inside to complete the game in a central striking role.

Fans man of the match Markell Foulds was moved from his customary midfield berth, filling two different defensive roles before going off injured. Picture by Ben Jackson

Markell Foulds, having started on the right of defence, was forced off by injury after being moved inside to partner Rooney.

Isaac Graham therefore rounded off a steady debut in central defence.

The tie had begun with other midfieldman - skipper Jacques Welsh - filling in at the back in the absence of Harvey Washington and the injured Peter Wylie.

It was that kind of night.

On conceding, Woolton abandoned their mostly defensive strategy, a couple of Lucas Wilson shots testing the recalled Bayleigh Passant, who anticipated them well to save with his legs.

Runcorn looked to have got the job done when Harry McGee, on a first start for his new club, dropped the ball over the Woolton rearguard for Street to run on to.

The U21s prospect showed good strength to hold off a defender but was upended in the act of shooting.

Linnets might have had a penalty sooner - Dec McLoughlin being bundled down before the break as he ran across the box from right to left.

Sean Miller sends the 'keeper the wrong way to score his seventh campaign goal - a third from the spot. Picture by Peter Gallagher-Headley

Sub Sean Miller made the most of the one awarded, making it look very easy in converting his second spot-kick in as many games - again sending the 'keeper the wrong way.

But there was a late twist when MSB won a penalty of their own for handball by Graham, who was unfortunate.

The ball had bounced against the hand, which was behind his body.

Danny Ventre tucked the spot-kick safely inside the right post, despite Passant guessing correctly.

It took a last-gasp intervention from the backtracking McGee, in pinching the ball off the toes of Joe Tummino, to avoid the rigmarole of penalties.

Glad to be through while acknowledging that Woolton might consider themselves unlucky, Ello will demand improvement as he takes his new charges to Chasetown in the league on Saturday.

Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Markell Foulds (Sean Miller, 74 mins), Naim Arsan, Adam Rooney, Jacques Welsh (Jay Lee, 46 mins), Isaac Graham, Oskar Rosenblatt, Harry McGee, Scott Bakkor (Lewis Doyle, 46 mins), Declan McLoughlin, James Steele (Joel Street, 57 mins). Sub (not usd): Cian O'Shea (GK).

Attendance: 283.