Rushton strikes Trophy winner in Nick of time to crown late comeback
Stocksbridge Park Steels 1
Runcorn Linnets 2
Report by Dave Bettley; pictures from Neil Thornton
Runcorn Linnets secured successive victories for the first time this season and their only away win so far.
Much of the drama in this Isuzu FA Trophy First Round Qualifying tie was condensed into an explosive finale.
With a minute of normal time remaining, Linnets were facing the prospect of an immediate exit from the Wembley competition.
But in the space of seven minutes, the contest was thrillingly transformed in their favour - and it was no more than the team deserved.
Firstly, Connor Day rifled Runcorn level with a powerful shot from just outside the penalty area, having been teed up from a right-wing Elliot Morris cross.
Then, with a penalty shootout looming, they snatched a remarkable victory.
Nick Rushton powered home his fourth of the season in the sixth minute of stoppage time - after Dec McLoughlin's free-kick from the right edge of the box had been chested into his path.
If that wasn't enough drama, the visitors had seen another 'goal' bizarrely disallowed in between.
An offside flag was raised when Toby Jones headed in a Frank Denison free-kick from close range.
Referee Anthony Ross immediately disallowed the goal but Linnets players protested that the centre back had been played on by an opposition player's touch.
The official held lengthy discussion with rbe assistant, who had made the call, and pointed to the centre spot to suggest that the goal would be given.
But within a split-second, he changed his mind, confirming instead the award of the Stocksbridge free-kick inside their six-yard box.
The only conclusion to be drawn was that Mr Ross had realised that he'd mixed up his signals. There's a first time for everything in football.
By this point, however, the momentum was firmly with the away side.
They had been spurred by a 78th-minute flare-up which started with young midfielder Denison being kicked by Connor Smythe while on the floor, having being fouled by the same player.
The Steels bench were adamant that Linnets' substitute centre forward Conor Harwood had thrown a punch in the aftermath, which saw players of both sides confront each other.
But it had been more of a push from behind on Smythe to which there was an over-reaction by the Steels midfieldman when falling to the ground.
After lengthy deliberation with his linesman, the referee limited punishment to yellow cards for the instigator Smythe, Harwood and home defender Chris Bumhira - both for retaliation.
This was a match-up between Sheffield hosts yet to recover after relegation from Northern Premier League Premier Division and Michael Ellison's Linnets, still readjusting with a new-look squad after missing out on promotion from NPL West.
Faced with two games in three days, the Runcorn boss made wholesale changes to allow players rest and recuperation ahead of Monday's league derby at Prescot Cables (ko 3pm).
Under 21s player Fin Ryan came in at left back for his first-team debut after making a mark with the senior squad in pre-season while Denison and winger Lewis Bell earned maiden starts.
Skipper Jacques Welsh reverted to the central defensive role he'd filled late last season alongside Jones in an completely revamped back four, which had midfielder Dec McLoughlin playing at right back.
Runcorn could have struck early but a Rushton shot from Noah Roberts's knockdown was deflected for a corner. Otherwise Runcorn took a while ro truly settle.
Slowly but surely a new midfield pairing of Denison and Callum Lee began to impose themselves, while Bell started to show his pace on the right wing.
As has been the case for much of the season, only a final product was lacking with through balls being over-hit and crosses intercepted.
However, midway through the first half, Denison pulled out the pass of the game to send Nick Rushton through.
Rushton saw the route to goal blocked by a smart save by Stocksbridge's skipper Ben Townsend although he will have been disappointed not to have capitalised.
In a fairly even contest, Runcorn were having the edge on chances but another went begging as Rushton fired into the side netting on the rebound. Townsend had stopped but been unable to hold on to an effort by Bell.
Without a league win in four attempts and with only an FA Cup victory to show for their efforts, Stocksbridge hops were raised on the hour when defensive sub Finlay Dyer headed in at the second attempt from a corner.
They were sustained for almost an hour before the late turnaround booked Runcorn a place in the Second Round Qualifying draw, which because of the Bank Holiday is delayed until Tuesday.
Runcorn Linnets: Calvin Hare, Dec McLouglin, Finley Ryan, Toby Jones, Jacques Welsh, Frank Denison, Harry McGee (Elliot Morris, 61 mins), Callum Leigh (Connor Day, 81 mins), Noah Roberts (Conor Harwood, 61 mins), Nick Rushton, Lewis Bell (Ollie Southern, 72 mins). Sub (not used): Scott Holding.
Attendance: 177.
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