Shortcomings show up again in defeat at Newcastle

By Dave Bettley

If football matches were decided on possession and territory alone, the outcome would have been entirely different.

Unfortunately for Linnets, they aren't.

The hosts deservedly claimed victory - if by a flattering margin - as Runcorn's fundamental flaws at both ends of the field were again highlighted.

The away side failed to capitalise on a lot of pressure due to a lack of conviction in the final third.

Their inability to keep opponents at bay has likewise been plain to see all season but this was a particularly excruciating example.

For much of the time until Newcastle scored their third in the 71st minute, Runcorn had been largely calling the tune - except where it mattered.

With their unconvincing challenge having finally being killed off, it could have got even worse for the visitors as they continued to be hit on the break.

Newcastle struck the bar from distance through substitute Harrison Hulme.

Then, having got a hand to the ever-dangerous Bower's shot with his defence again overstretched, 'keeper Hare made up ground to grab the ball before it crossed the line.

Runcorn had stayed on terms for only seven minutes, Castle opening the scoring with a goal reminiscent of the one Linnets had conceded in their FA Trophy defeat at Hallam.

It emanated from a long throw-in but from the left this time, Drew Lowe's delivery reaching a home player at the far post without anybody else getting a touch.

Calvin Hare was helpless and ended up with the ball in the net as Karsten Cairns gave the Staffordshire hosts the lead.

In a stop-start opening to the game, punctuated all to often by the referee's whistle, Runcorn showed endeavour and promise but no more than that as Newcastle defended with due diligence.

The visitors should have had a penalty when Lewis Buckley was pushed over from behind but nothing was going Runcorn's way.

Having to score at least twice to win a game has become the norm and by the 34th minute, the requirement had become three.

Linnets had won a lot of corners without the balls in posing any great threat. So it was ironic when Newcastle scored from one of them.

Midfielder Frank Denison tried valiantly to keep the ball moving throughout the half but his cross from a right-wing flagkick, played short, was safely gathered by Joe Slinn.

The goalkeeper launched the ball forward, his long kick being chased down by the fast-raiding hosts and played in from the left by Harry Bower.

With Runcorn short of numbers in defence, the cross eluded Luca Whitney, scorer of two recent hat-tricks, but Newcastle had a man over and Lowe made no mistake for the first of his brace.

Boss Ellison, having quickly made his feelings known, sent the team out eight minutes early for the second half with a clear message that it was up to the players to repair the damage.

They also reverted to four at the back, having started with three in a defence missing Scott Holding, Brendan O'Brien and Peter Wylie.

Runcorn would soon be gifted a route back into the game in the 51st minute when unusually, Newcastle were caught in possession centrally inside their own half.

Matty Whittingham ran clear but fired wastefully wide of the right post.

Runcorn wouldn't get a better chance and they were put out of their misery in the 71st minute.

Lowe scored his second, following up the rebound after Hare's initial save from Whitney had held up Newcastle momentarily.

Manager Ellison described the performance as unacceptable and Linnets fans making the trip would find it hard to disagree.

Runcorn have quick opportunity to make amends at Nantwich on Tuesday in a third successive NPL West away game.

Runcorn Linnets: Calvin Hare, Ollie Southern, Matty Rain, Jacques Welsh, Kian Bell, Frank Denison (Lewis Bell, 60 mins), Elliot Morris (Noah Roberts, 82 mins), Matty Whittingham, Lewis Buckley, Sean Miller, Nick Rushton (Harry McGee, 60 mins). Subs (not used): Connor Day, Toby Jones.

Attendance: 281.