Success on the road for Under 21s in penultimate game

Charnock Richard U21s 2 Runcorn Linnets U21s 4

Linnets rounded off their away campaign in North West Under 21s Development League Premier Division with a victory.

They retain an outside chance of a runners-up finish, prospects having been boosted slightly by Stalybridge being held to a draw at 2-2.

It was a gutsy display by Linnets, whose squad was depleted from the start.

Theo Papadopoulos (thigh) and Eneil Gumbs (shin) both picked up injuries in the first half.

Alex Ellams, having made way for youngster Jaden Wright, returned to the field late on as an outfield player.

Also introduced after the break was 16-year-old Harry Huby, who almost crowned his debut with a goal. He was only denied by the crossbar.

Linnets had trailed for much of the first half but turned around 2-1 up - thanks to goals from Gumbs and top scorer Lewis Crane, who was set up by Tom Beswick.

Beswick extended the lead to 3-1 before Charnock pulled a goal back.

However, Crane completed the scoring and victory late on with his second of the match and 27th of the season at U21s level.

Thistledown Group man-of-the-match honours went to Callum Prince, who had been moved across the back line to play at left back.

In a superb individual performance, he engineered up our first goal and frustrated Charnock's attacks throughout.

Manager Ste Ellams said the three points were well-deserved, adding that it was pleasing to be able to hand Harry Huby his chance.

"After a slow start, we took control of the game with some well-taken goals," he added.

Linnets will complete their maiden campaign at this level with a home game against Hyde United next Sunday (May 10th).

Kick off at APEC Taxis Stadium is at 2pm.

Stalybridge are due to visit Steven Gerrard Academy on the same day and will then have three more matches as they bid to overtake Runcorn for second place.

Linnets are assured of third place at least.