Super sub Charlie is last-gasp hero as Runcorn's U21s snatch comeback victory
- dbettley
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Runcorn Linnets U21s 4 Steven Gerrard Academy U21s 3
Charlie Ratcliffe made a dramatic late entrance in a thrilling finish to this North West Under 21s Development League Premier Division match at APEC Taxis Stadium.
The 16-year-old defender scored his first U21s goal in the second minute of stoppage time - having only been introduced in the 86th
Linnets had led 2-0 after eight minutes but were trailing 3-2 with 12 left.
Two-goal man of the match Joel Street's power-packed header from an inviting left wing cross by overlapping full-back Ben Dobie restored parity.
Neither side could have complained had an even and entertaining contest, played in great spirit, ended 3-3 but Linnets dug deep to snatch victory.
Crane rose to meet a corner from the left at the back post and Ratcliffe pounced to fire home.
Runcorn won it late when they had looked to have done so early.
They had gone in front in the fourth minute with a familiar name on the scoresheet.
But it was Ben Crane rather than his namesake, who fastened onto an ill-judged back pass to slot home.
U21s top scorer Lewis Crane was among the substitutes after 90 minutes of first-team involvement the previous day.
Linnets quickly consolidated their lead when a free-kick awarded for handball saw enterprising midfielder Owen Cushion force a good save from the SGA 'keeper.
But the resulting left-wing corner from the same deliverer was cleanly headed home by Street at the front post.
The visitors had, however, had the first two shots of the same and the pair responsible hauled them back into the match before half-time by setting up goals for each other.
After a first 45 minutes full of chances at both ends, the start to the second was relatively quiet.
But Cushion was convinced he had been brought down in the opposition box in the 61st minute. The referee instead awarded a free-kick outside and it was driven by Dobbie into the wall.
Zack Parker could have had a penalty before the interval after a meandering run into the area but he stayed on his feet after being impeded and unfortunately lashed wide.
Second-half opportunities continued to be at a premium with both defences having by now tightened up.
SGA must have thought they had snatched it when a 78th-minute corner from the left caused confusion at the near post and appeared to go straight in for a 3-2 lead.
Lewis Crane, who had joined the action just short of three-quarter time, flashed a header wide. But Runcorn kept going to made it four victories from as many games.
Up a place to third in the table, they are one of only two teams with a 100% record - the other being leaders Warrington Town, who have played two games more.
Next up for Runcorn is a trip next Sunday to second-placed Stalybridge Celtic with whom Linnets are level on points having played a game fewer.
Runcorn Linnets U21s: George Huyton, Cal Prince, Ben Dobbie, Owen Cushion, Jay Lee, Cam Schofield (Charlie Ratcliffe, 84 mins), Zack Parker, Billy McNay (Arty Benjamin, 59 mins), Ben Crane (Lewis Crane, 65 mins), Sam Stephens (Zack Kopanski, 32 mins), Joel Street (Sam Hamling, 84 mins).
