Street-wise Linnets close the gap as Beswick stars

Kidsgrove Athletic U21s 3 Runcorn Linnets U21s 5

Pictures by Kelly Jones

Man of the match Tom Beswick shows the way to victory from midfield.

Linnets enjoyed another profitable weekend in the North West Under 21s Development League title race.

Runcorn maintained their own winning form, consolidating second place in the Premier Division table with victory at Alsager Leisure Centre.

There was a further boost later on Sunday afternoon, when leaders Warrington Town were held 2-2 at FC United of Manchester.

Ben Crane demonstrates his head for heights

It is the first time Warrington have dropped points to a team other than Runcorn Linnets, who have beaten them twice.

Runcorn's deficit is now down to thee points with two games in hand, Warrington being 15 better off in the goals difference column.

A breathtaking first 30 minutes saw Linnets race into a 4-0 lead, braces coming from Joel Street (fresh from his senior debut the previous day) and Eneil Gumbs, younger brother of first teamer Eden.

Double Player of the Month Owen Cushion (second from right) is flanked by (from left) Sam Stephens, Ben Crane and Sam Hamling.

Street's opener was a brilliant first-time finish and his second, our third, his fifth headed goal of the campaign.

Kidsgrove had good spells either side of half-time  to pull goals back - it was 4-1 at the break - but a deserving Ben Crane killed the game off with Runcorn's fifth.

Man of the Match, sponsored by Thistledown Group, was awarded to Tom Beswick for a dominant performance in the centre of the park.

That winning feeling...Sam Hamling (left) and Ben Crane after Crane's clinching fifth goal.

Meanwhile another midfielder, Owen Cushion has won a second successive MSJ GRAPHIX Player of the Month Award with the U21s.

Manager Ste Ellams said:  "The November award follows up his October success and demonstrates his effort, mentality and commitment to us being successful this season

"Cush has added goals to his game, been a real threat in the final third and the standout for the second successive month."

Runcorn Linnets Under 21s return to home action for the first time in a month on Sunday.

Stalybridge Celtic U21s are the visitors in a 2pm kick-off at APEC Taxis Stadium.

Welcome refreshment for Joel Street after his two-goal shift.