Luck against Linnets in Cheshire derby too close to call

Congleton Town 1

Runcorn Linnets 1

Report by Dave Bettley

Linnets continue to pick up points on their Northern Premier League travels, if not in the numbers they would prefer.

This third draw in four unbeaten West Division aways leaves Runcorn beaten just the once in 11 on the road in all competitions.

If luck and a late refereeing decision had gone their way, the Yellow and Greens would surely have returned from South Cheshire with a victory.

The visitors had swiftly ensured an improvement on April's 6-0 humilation at the Cleric Stadium by scoring after two minutes but missed further early opportunities to extend the lead.

The Bears worked their way back into the contest as the half progressed, pulling level with a freak goal in the 26th minute.

A speculative shot by Owen Morris was heading way off target but struck  unsuspecting Linnets defender Adam Rooney on the back.

A wicked deflection completely changed its course, 'keeper Greg Hall being wrongfooted and hopelessly stranded as the ball sailed into the top-right corner.

Morris was credited with the equaliser, although it wasn't really of the left back's own making, despite his willingness to go for goal.

He would struggle to score another like it if he tried and the league's dubious goals committee might yet intervene.

But Rooney won't want it against his name; he would deserve it even less.

Clockwise from top left, Dec McLoughlin faces up to ex-Linnet Kieran Knapper; Runcorn set up to defend in a packed penalty area: Joe Ferguson closes in on goal; Adam Rooney covers a Congldton move. Pictures by Kelly Jones

After what was an even opening 45 minutes all told, this remained a very tight contest but Linnets edged it without getting the rub of the green.

The visitors believed they should have had a late penalty when substitute Lewis Crane was 'Bear hugged' but appeals were dismissed.

Linnets had already brought a flying save from the Congleton's 'keeper before taking a prompt lead.

Lewis Doyle connected on the volley with Ryan Brooke's  headed knockdown from a long throw-in on the right.

But Dave Parton acrobatically turned it over his crossbar.

Runcorn scored with a header from the resulting Matty Rain corner - midfielder Markell Foulds bagging his second such goal in the space of four games.

It might be argued that Runcorn couldn't have enjoyed a better start but, in fact, they should have scored again.

Eden Gumbs, released by Doyle, was tackled inside the Congleton penalty area and as the ball spun free, the Linnets utility man's goalbound follow-up was blocked by veteran midfielder Peter Williams.

The boss gets a soaking from the rain as he oversees the action. Picture by Kelly Jones.

Rooney also headed wide as another Rain corner picked out Runcorn's central defensive warrior beyond the far post.

In the second half, the all-action centre back had an even better chance from Doyle's left-wing flagkick.

He was unable to keep down a header from the centre of goal but Runcorn's set-piece threat level has been raised considerably this season.

The elusive Joe Ferguson, operating as a genuine winger instead of attacking from his usual full-back berth, was the biggest danger for the hosts in open play.

Found in turn by searching balls by Washington and Foulds, he fired into the side netting after exchanging passes with Doyle and brought another save from Parton at his left post after being forced slightly wide.

At the other end, Max McCarthy shot across goal, likewise from a difficult angle on the right.

But Hall, who seems to be enjoying his long-promised stint in the Linnets goal, got down smartly to save.

Runcorn's resolute defence handled Congleton's menacing front two of McCarthy and Tom Hampton really well.

The former had hit a home hat-trick against Linnets in the spring and two goals in a Cheshire Senior Cup victory when Runcorn visited in 2023-24.

It had been a tough night, persistent rain creating a heavy surface but no quarter was being given by both sets of players.

Whether either side did enough to have won is debatable but Linnets came closer.

Runcorn Linnets: Greg Hall, Peter Wylie, Matty Rain (Naim Arsan, 72 mins), Markell Foulds, Adam Rooney, Harvey Washington, Joe Ferguson, Jacques Welsh (Dec McLoughlin, 80 mins), Ryan Brooke (Lewus Crane, 73 mins), Lewis Doyle, Eden Gumbs. Subs (not used): Oskar Rosenblatt, Marcus Cusani.

Attendance: 384.