Penalties heartbreak for Development side in cup derby

Runcorn Linnets exited the North West Under 21s Development League Cup at the first hurdle after losing on penalties away to Runcorn Sports.

Sports won the shootout 4-3, an entertaining derby at St Clement's School having been all square at 3-3 after 90 minutes.

Joel Street had put Linnets in front after 10 minutes with Charlie Ratcliffe's goal in the 37th minute sending the teams in level.

Jake Philpott scored for Sports in the 21st and 32nd.

Philpott completed his hat-trick on 61 minutes, only for Michael Thompson to equalise seven minutes from time.

But it was heartbreak for the visitors, despite Callum Prince, Owen Cushion and Ratcliffe converting from the spot.

We wish Sports well in the next round.

Bobby Phillips earned a second successive McNamara's Sports Bar man-of-the-match award with Linnets.

Runcorn Linnets: Jaden Wright, Callum Prince, Sam Hamling, Zack Kopanski, Charlie Ratcliffe, Bobby Phillips, LiamTaggart, Owen Cushion (capt), Josh Mather, Joel Street, Fin Ryan. Subs: Alex Ellams (GK), BillyMcNay, Harry Huby, Leo Morphet, Michael Thompson.

Linnets' quest for a first victory of the season continues on Sunday (October 4th) with a home game against Cheadle Town Reds in the NWU21 Premier Division.

Kick off at APEC Taxis Stadium is at 3pm.