Runcorn colours are Lowered in defeat at Breck
- Feb 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 9
Lower Breck 1 Runcorn Linnets 0
Report by Dave Bettley with pictures by Kelly Jones
Runcorn's lead of the Pitching In Northern Premier League West season was overturned in defeat at second-placed Lower Breck.
The visitors stayed in contention throughout but Breck regained top spot just five days after losing it.
Despite the narrow margin, the hosts were well worth their victory after creating the better chances.
A goal three minutes into the second half proved decisive and unfortunately, it went down as an OG against interval substitute Markell Foulds.
This was a first league defeat in seven since Michael Ellison's returned as manager and the boss was bitterly disappointed with the display.
Not pulling any punches, he said his players had allowed themselves to be bullied out of the game while admitting the visitors got off lightly with the final score.
Runcorn made a promising start, left wing back Matty Rain twice getting into the danger zone without being able to deliver a final ball.
They almost went ahead with the final kick of the opening half. James Steele stubbed an effort against a post at close range.
A little earlier, he had shot wide on the rebound after Theo Roberts had saved.
But with Alex Cherera on the right and Elliott Hughes the left giving Linnets grief in the wide positions, Breck were creating big opportunities.
Their clearest fell to Lewis Buckley, who surprisingly fired over from eight yards.
Obviously intent on arresting their three-game losing streak as well as avenging last month's 4-2 loss to Linnets at APEC Taxis Stadium, it was mostly controlled aggression from the hosts.
But they overstepped the mark a couple of times. Buckley and Cherera were yellow carded for challenges, which were borderline red.
The final caution count was 3-2 to Breck.
Their substitute Billy Edmondson had picked up their third booking for an 85th-minute foul before Runcorn's Harvey Washington and Matty Rain both took one for the tram to prevent Lower Breck breaking from midfield.
Runcorn had withdrawn Adam Rooney at the break with sub Foulds initially slotting into a three-man defence.
But within three minutes, he had knocked the ball past his own 'keeper Passant when trying to intercept a dangerous ball into the box from the left.
In the tactical change which followed, Foulds was moved into central midfield as Linnets continued with a back four.
Linnets had more territory as they tried to get back on terms but without ever creating the quality of chance to pull themselves level.
Lower Breck were quick and direct on the counter attack and passed up clear openings to extend their advantage - most attempts going wide.
Linnets forced some late corners but to no avail.
The single-goal victory was the very least Lower Breck deserved from a game, which they could and should have won more comfortably.
They reclaimed top spot, a position they have held for most of their debut campaign as a Step 4 side.
Linnets drop to third - two points off the top - on goal difference from Bury, who put nine without reply past struggling Trafford, who had been reduced to 10 early on.
Runcorn have played a game more than both sides above them. Breck are due to play their match in hand on Tuesday at Witton Albion.
Linnets will prepare for their next game at home to Mossley on Saturday with criticism of the manager ringing in their ears.
Results have not been a problem but with performances needing to be better, Michael Ellison has warned of changes if there is no improvement.
Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Joe Ferguson, Matty Rain, Peter Wylie, Adam Rooney (Markell Foulds, 46 mins), Harvey Washington, Dec McLoughlin (Elliot Rokka, 60 mins), Jacques Welsh (Ryan Brooke, 72 mins), Scott Bakkor, Sean Miller, James Steele. Subs (not used): Lewis Doyle, Naim Arsan.
Attemdance: 445.
Comments