Runcorn do everything but score in repeat goalless draw against Mossley
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Runcorn Linnets 0 Mossley 0
Linnets dropped another two Pitching In Northern Premier League points in their promotion quest despite creating more than enough chances to have taken all three.
That they didn't win was down to lack of attacking punch, an impressive performance from Mossley goalkeeper Fin Madigan and the odd piece of misfortune in front of goal.
It was a second no-score draw of the season between the clubs and there is no doubt about which of the teams will be happier with the result.
Runcorn's body language at the full-time told the story of their disappointment at being unable to make superiority count.
There was little wrong with Linnets' display.
Their approach work was good and there was an improvement in defence. It was just frustrating that they weren't clinical enough to force the victory.
The first half saw a succession of chances but the performance fell down in the final third.
Most of their early efforts were on target, although misdirected in as much as shots and headers were invariably straight at Madigan.
The Mossley No.1 found his task more challenging in a second half, highlighted by his double save from James Steele and Scott Bakkor.
Linnets showed four changes from the side, which had been beaten at Lower Breck the previous Saturday.
There was a recall for 'keeper Yusuf Mersin, who had joined Linnets from Hyde United in a permanent move during the week after an earlier loan move.
Naim Arsan returned at left back with midfielders Lewis Doyle and Steve Irwin coming back into midfield.
Irwin partnered captain Jacques Welsh in screening the back four with Welsh's industry and determination earning him the Multi Broker man-of-the-match award.
The hosts in the first half struggled to genuinely test 'keeper Madigan, whose positioning was good.
However, midway through the half, he had to advance from his line to narrow an already tight angle as Bakkor fastened onto an Arsan cross from the left into the near side of the area.
Steele found the side netting, again at the front post, Arsan having middled the ball again.
Having offered comparatively little going forward, Mossley thought they had taken the lead by finding the net two minutes from half-time.
Callum Stringer pumped a high ball into the right of the box. It was met with a deft glancing header by Reece Webb-Foster, which dropped behind him - perfectly into the path of Mason Fawns for an instinctive finish.
However, the Mossley man fell foul of an offside flag.
Relieved at their narrow escape, Linnets tried all they could to get a breakthrough. But there were times when the ball wouldn't run for them inside the opposition area.
Madigan, meanwhile, was still in no mood to be beaten, producing a number of saves the pick of them after Sean Miller had dragged the ball back from near to the deadball line on the right for Steele to let fly from 15 yards.
The Lilywhites 'keeper's reflexes were sharp as he repelled the frontman's stinging shot.
Madigan also dealt defiantly with a rebound effort by Bakkor from closer range.
Although focusing mostly on foiling Runcorn's offensive efforts, Mossley occasionally widened their ambitions.
Well-timed interventions by Harvey Washington, outstanding in central defence, and the astute Irwin prevented the away side exploiting threatening breakaways as Linnets pushed forward in search of a deadlock breaker.
But with ex-Linnet Jack Grundy's header from a free-kick landing on the roof of the net and Joe Adams clearing the crossbar after manoeuvring into a shooting position on the left of the box, it was a largely quiet afternoon for Mersin in the Runcorn goal.
Assistant Chris Lawton and coach Lee Bignall, in charge of Runcorn team affairs in the anticipated absence for this match of manager Michael Ellison, introduced four substitutes in a bid to turn it in Linnets' favour.
But the ball would not go in.
One of the replacements Elliot Rokka saw a late header saved by Madigan from a cross by right back Joe Ferguson, who had been quick to support the attack throughout.
Runcorn now have a clear week to prepare for Saturday's maiden trip to Shifnal Town, the Shropshire side having inflicted the first of two home league defeats for Linnets this season.
Runcorn Linnets: Yusuf Mersin, Joe Ferguson, Naim Arsan, Peter Wylie, Harvey Washington, Jacques Welsh, Lewis Doyle (Ryan Brooke), Steven Irwin (Isaac Graham), Scott Bakkor (Elliot Rokka), Sean Miller, James Steele (Harry McGee). Sub (not used) Dec McLoughlin.
Attendance: 625.
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