No quarter given as Linnets U21s advance to Premier Trophy semi-finals
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Hyde United Under 21s (Prem) 0 Runcorn Linnets Under 21s 3
Runcorn Linnets reached the semi-finals of the North West Under 21s Development League's Premier Division Trophy at their first attempt with an emphatic victory on Tameside.
Goals from the division's leading marksman Lewis Crane (with a penalty), namesake substitute Ben Crane and Cameron Schofield gave Linnets the verdict.
In helping the visitors to hold the Tigers at bay, central defender Schofield also made an assist - taking Thistledown Group man-of-the-match honours for his all-round contribution.
A new-look back four of Charlie Ratcliffe, Schofield, Ben Dobbie and Theo Papadopoulos had players out of position.
But they were outstanding as a unit throughout.
The plan was to dominate possession from the start.
The first 45 minutes were mostly quiet in terms of chances, but Linnets were always in control.
Their best effort of the half was set up by Papadopoulos, whose pass was met first time by Lew Crane from 18 yards.
Had the shot gone in, it would have been goal of the season.
The strategy for the second half was to increase the tempo and commit more bodies into the final third.
It started well with a couple of early half- chances, although a sinbining reduced the visitors to 10 men.
Isaac Graham was forced to retire for 10 minutes for questioning a refereeing decision.
Lew Crane brought a good save from the home goalkeeper. But two minutes later, with 59 on the clock and Runcorn still a player short, they took the lead.
As a brilliant effort from Crane was only parried, Owen Cushion was brought down in pursuit of the rebound.
Lew Crane converted the penalty for this 24th goal of the season but Hyde would soon have equalised but for Alex Ellams.
The 'keeper came to the rescue one on one - from Hyde's first opportunity of the tie.
With Runcorn back up to strength on Graham's reintroduction, substitute Ben Crane doubled the lead with a great goal.
It was engineered by Schofield from second-phase play at a 74th-minute corner.
Ellams saved again with a Hyde attacker clean through, but Schofield sealed victory by sciring Linnets' third in the 79th.
It was Runcorn's second victory of the season at Project Solar Stadium, after 4-3 league success in mid-November.
FC United of Manchester, Stalybridge Celtic (who had a walkover at Stockport Town) and table-topping Warrington Town complete a strong semi-final line-up, comprising the division's four leading sides.
Second-placed Linnets' next scheduled league game is at home to FCUM, who are third, on Wednesday, March 25th (ko 7.45pm).
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