No Hyde-ing place under the sun

Our new signings in the thick of the action at Hyde. Clockwise from top left: Adam Rooney, Scott Bakkor, Matty Rain, Sean Miller, Dec McLoughlin, Markell Foulds. Photos by Kelly Jones.

Runcorn were beaten by the only goal in their second - and first Saturday - pre-season friendly.

Hosts Hyde United from the division higher in Pitching In Northern Premier League triumphed thanks to Matthew Fearnley's 20th-minute strike.

This was one of the rare occasions when Linnets dropped their defensive guard inside the area.

The Project Solar Stadium was an apt venue with the sun beating down, despite efforts to negate soaring temperatures by bringing forward the kick-off time by two hours.

Starting with a 4-1-2-1-2 formation, Linnets created their clearest chances of the game before the break.

A near miss for Adam Moseley, who is thwarted by an early save. Pictures by Kelly Jones.

Adam Moseley forced the Hyde 'keeper into his most difficult save early on and Ryan Brooke sent a far-post header wide as the visitors sought an equaliser with the interval looming. Scott Bakkor set up both chances.

There were big decisions at both ends as firstly, Peter Wylie escaped significant punishment for a foul on Fearnley just outside the box.

As the last man, he would have been seeing red in a competitive match.

Meanwhile, Bakkor saw appeals for a Runcorn penalty rejected by the referee after going flying.

Three Linnets changes at half-time saw them bring on two wide players, Naim Arsan and Luke Wall at the expense of a striker, Ryan Brooke.

Moseley also gave way for Sean Miller to move into his now recognised No.10 position, getting Linnets ticking.

They dominated long phases of the second half but without breaking down a steadfast Tigers' defence.

It's thirsty work and time for a well deserved drinks break. Picture by Kelly Jones.

Hyde came closest to scoring when their substitute striker showed Wylie a clean pair of heels but dragged a right-foot shot wide of the left upright.

Completing the game with three triallists, Linnets won a free-kick in the last minute.

But Dec McLoughlin, the lone outfield survivor from the starting line-up, drove it into the wall. This prompted the final whistle on what had been a good, if physically demanding, workout for both teams in the heat.

Linnets now look forward to their first home warm-up match on Tuesday, when former manager Calum McIntyre brings his Chester side to APEC Taxis Stadium.

Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Joe Ferguson (Jay Lee, 80 mins), Matty Rain (Triallist, 80 mins), Lewis Doyle (Sam Stephens, 80 mins), Peter Wylie (triallist, 80 mins), Markell Foulds (Adam Rooney, 46 mins), Scott Bakkor (Lewis Crane, 66 mins), Dec McLoughlin, Ryan Brooke (Luke Wall, 46 mins) Sean Miller (Triallist, 66 mins), Adam Moseley (Naim Arsan, 46 mins).