
Runcorn Linnets 1 Newcastle Town 2
Report by Dave Bettley; picture by Kelly Jones
Linnets' recovery from their early-season strife suffered a setback as their four-game unbeaten run was ended by an inspired Newcastle outfit.
The Staffordshire team belied their bottom-four position in a victory, which was more emphatic than the scoreline.
The result again highlighted the unpreditable nature of the Pitching In Northern Premier League West season to date.
No club has established a firm grip at the top of the table, the lead constantly changing hands, and outcomes are hard to forecast with any certainty.
Newcastle seemed to relish the rare quality of the APEC Taxis Stadium surface and were the better side throughout.
They attacked with the far greater purpose as their movement and accurate passing made it a struggle for Linnets.
Runcorn spent much of the first half chasing the ball and they were invariably second to it.
They did well to go into the break on level terms, after holding a shortlived lead.
An interval rethink was needed but instead of improving, the display deteriorated.
Losing possession repeatedly, Runcorn were unable to build any momentum.
A 20-yard Taylor Bowen effort, which fizzed wide of the right post, was their only worthwhile attempt of the half.
Substitutions had no effect with new signing, former Liverpool striker Adam Morgan getting little opportunity to change the game in a 20-minute debut.
Newcastle eventually got a second goal, the very least they deserved, and Linnets never looked like finding a way back.
The visitors had quickly got on top in the game, moving the ball with care and alacrity.
Runcorn's offensive play was sporadic as they relied on the running of Luke Wall and Will Saxon, without putting many structured moves together.
They went ahead, however, in the 18th minute. Left back Tyler Hill's cross eluded Saxon but came back off the 'keeper for Lewis Doyle to drill home a low shot.
The midfielder had been keen to make up for lost time after injury, this being his first start since the 2-2 draw against Widnes on August 13th, Runcorn's first home outing of the campaign.
But such was the away side's continued threat, they trailed for only five minutes.
Thomas Jones' exquisite equaliser was reminiscent of Adam Moseley's long-range goal at home to Mossley earlier in the month.
As Runcorn toiled, Newcastle not only kept up but increased the pressure after the restart.
Nathan Vale and Jake Avery were foiled in turn by the woodwork, Tom Myles diverting both efforts against his left post.
It took 82 minutes for Newcastle to make their superiority count.
Myles committed himself to come for a hopeful long ball but was beaten by Jones, who headed it over the 'keeper and was left with an inviting open goal for his second of the night.
A jaded Runcorn side - perhaps suffering a reaction to recent endeavours, after taking seven points from nine on the road and 10 from the last 12 overall - can point to decisions going against them.
Bowen had strong first-half penalty appeals for a body check rejected while Myles, having rushed out of his area towards the right touchline, and Karl Clair were booked for challenges from which they appeared to win the ball.
But there was no disputing that Newcastle were worthy of their win and that Runcorn will need to recover quickly for a positive response this Friday at Atherton Collieries.
Runcorn Linnets: Tom Myles, Eden Gumbs, Tyler Hill (James Short, 46 mins), Karl Clair, Peter Wylie, Harvey Washington, Lewis Doyle (Jaden Jones, 70 mins), Jacques Welsh, Will Saxon (Adam Mosekey, 74 mins), Taylor Bowen (Adam Morgan, 70 mins), Luke Wall. Subs (not used): Jack Grundy.
Attendance: 484.
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