Mather's debut brace for Under 21s is in vain

Runcorn Linnets U21s 2 Ashton Town U21s 3

The U21s plunged to a shock opening-day defeat in the North West Development League and they must still be questioning how they lost.

The home team dominated territorially and twice led but let the visitors off the hook through poor defending in the second half.

Ashton's substitute centre forward Max Holden exploited mistakes to complete his hat-trick, and a dream start for the Wiganers after promotion to the Premier Division.

It left Runcorn rueful after No.9 Josh Mather had crowned an impressive debut by netting twice.

After an even start, there was a 25-minute spell towards half-time where Aahton couldn't escape their own half.

But all Linnets could show for their efforts was a looping headed opener from Mather in the 37th minute, right back Callum Prince having crossed the ball from deep.

A one-goal lead would have been scant reward for Linnets' domination, but it was wiped out in stoppage time when a terrific through ball sent Holden clear.

Outside his area, Alex Ellams couldn't make a serious challenge as the opposing striker approached and went past him to sweep home an unlikely equaliser.

The hosts were back in front two minutes into the second half as a fine individual run took Mather past defenders and finally 'keeper Sean Draper for his second.

Runcorn, however, allowed their guard to drop again in the 58th minute.

A misdirected pass by Ellams from inside his area was gratefully accepted by Holden, who promptly chipped the stranded 'keeper to send Town back level.

Runcorn introduced Callum Dennett on 64 minutes, the first of four substitutions, but within two minutes, the away side hit the front for the first time.

Left back Sam Hamling couldn't gather in the ball on his own 18-yard box and it was played for the predatory Holden to poke it inside the left post for what (despite late Runcorn pressure) proved to be the winner.

Linnets will feel they didn't do a lot wrong in this game but the mistakes they made were punished clinically.

On the plus side, two more players from the club's U18s - Dennett and Charlie Cowell - made maiden U21s appearances off the bench with a third, Bobby Phillips a non-playing sub.

The performance of Mather in the shirt vacated by top scorer for the last two seasons, Lewis Crane after Crane's summer departure to Witton Albion was most encouraging.

Apart from his goals, the new striker looked lively and showed excellent close control.

Runcorn Linnets: Alex Ellams, Callum Prince (Billy McNay, 78 mins), Sam Hamling, Liam Taggart (Charlie Cowell, 78 mins), Tom Ledward, Charlie Ratcliffe, Fin Ryan, Owen Cushion, Josh Mather, Zack Kopanski (Harry Huby, 70 mins), Joel Street (Callum Dennett, 64 mins). Sub (not used): Bobby Phillips.

Linnets' Man of the Match: Josh Mather.