Naim stars for seven-up Linnets

Man of the match Naim Arsan laps up the applause after scoring the first of his brace. Picture by Bobby Hancox.

Runcorn Linnets 7 Northwich Victoria 1

Report by Dave Bettley

If pre-season is all about building to a peak, then Linnets fulfilled the brief with a performance which saw manager Brad Cooke's preparations hit timely new heights.

It's true to say that Runcorn hadn't clicked in front of goal across their warm-up programme.

But it all came together in this final friendly - at the expense of their new tenants.

Midland League Premier Division side Northwich, although not at full strength, more than matched their loftier landlords early on.

They went ahead after 18 minutes with Sean Cooke converting a penalty, awarded for a shove by Lewis Doyle.

Vics were certainly testing Runcorn's defence as Max Sutton delivered some more than useful crosses from the left-back position.

But Linnets then cruised through the gears into overdrive.

Scott Bakkor scored a hat-trick and on any other night, Runcorn's new striker would have been guaranteed man-of-the match honours.

But the accolade was rightly reserved for Naim Arsan.

The Welsh winger's skill, energy and pace were electrifying.

Scott Bakkor knocks home his first goal, Runcorn's second of the evening. Picture by Bobby Hancox. Below: Runcorn's hat-trick man is congratulated by all-action Naim Arsan as Adam Moseley looks on. Picture by Neil Thornton.

He orchestrated the home fightback by scoring twice, in between crossing from the left for Bakkor to pounce at the far post for a 3-1 interval lead.

If Vics hadn't found it difficult enough to deal with Arsan, the introductions of Sean Miller and Luke Wall added to their problems.The pair would prove just as elusive as their non-stop team-mate.

A poor challenge by a Vics triallist on Peter Wylie led to the referee recommending his withdrawal.

Wylie managed to rein in his anger at the hefty tackle. But it fired up Linnets to add three goals in 11 minutes - from the 54th, when Lewis Doyle drove home from just inside the area.

Lewis Doyle's precise finish stretches the Runcorn lead to 4-1. Picture by Peter Cantwell.

Wall made it five before Linnets added the pick of the bunch.

A move started by full back Joe Ferguson, almost on his own deadball line, ended with Miller and Arsan combining for Bakkor to slide home.

Northwich's deficit could have been greater but for their goalkeeper,

Yet Linnets duly added their seventh three minutes from time. A through ball skilfully played by Jorge Dwyer held up nicely on the turf for Bakkor to lob his third.

It is no coincidence that Linnets' best pre-season displays have come at home.

Both Tuesday's combatants will look forward to playing on the lush APEC Taxis Stadium surface, starting this weekend as they launch their respective Emirates FA Cup campaigns.

Runcorn's tough-looking extra preliminary round home tie against fellow Pitching In Northern Premier League West outfit Clitheroe (ko 3pm) will be followed at 4pm on Sunday by Vics' first competitive outing at their new home.

Northern Counties East League Premier Division side Campion are visitors for an all- Step 5 clash.

Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Peter Wylie, Matty Rain, Lewis Doyle (Jorge Dwyer, 61 mins), Markell Foulds (Adam Rooney, 46 mins), Harvey Washington (Joe Ferguson, 46 mins), Triallist (Luke Wall, 46 mins), Dec McLoughlin (Jacques Welsh, 46 mins), Scott Bakkor, Adam Moseley (Sean Miller, 46 mins) Naim Arsan.

Attendance: 324.

Linnets saved their pre-season best for last. Picture by Ben Jackson.