The one that got away!

Report by Dave Bettley

A draw against the division's hitherto third-placed team after a mixed start to the season isn't a bad result on paper.

But Linnets fans probably didn't feel much like celebrating the point as they journeyed home across the Mersey Gateway.

For 53 minutes, the visitors never looked in any trouble and they had earned the buffer of an opening goal before half-time.

But nine minutes after the restart, the lead was undone by a freak equaliser with Calvin Hare being caught off his line by a mishit cross from Jack Loughran.

It sailed over the 'keeper from the left and into the far corner.

The goal turned the match on its head and from looking in control, Linnets found themselves up against it as Cables were lifted by their good fortune.

Runcorn were rocked and although Dec McLoughlin's free-kick would have restored their advantage almost instantly - but for a terrific one-handed save at full stretch by Tony Thompson - if any side looked like winning it once parity had been restored, it was the hosts.

Runcorn, as expected, fielded a more recognised line-up after sending out a weakened side albeit in victory at Stocksbridge Park Steels in the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday.

Evergreen Peter Wylie was one of the returning players, although in a less familiar left back role before switching to the right of a defensive three as the game wore on.

The first half was attritional with Cables buckling first in the 36th minute when Jay Harris, arguably Runcorn's top performer in a team display which tailed off in the last half hour, saw patience pay off.

Harris had delayed sending the ball forward from midfield until on receiving a return pass, he played in Matty Whittingham on the left.

A peach of a cross by Whittingham dropped into the path of fellow wideman Elliot Morris, who pounced at the far post.

Prescot had caused a few flutters for Runcorn's rearguard early on, mostly through Loughran on the right.

It was surprising, given his early promise, to see the No.7 swap flanks with Sharif Deans relatively quickly.

Linnets were not in much difficulty at the back and once in front, they might have doubled their dividend.

Cables centre back Adam Thomas was caught in possession, allowing Whittingham advance in possession to set up four-goal top scorer Nick Rushton for a shot, which was well stopped by the diving Thompson.

Despite losing the lively Morris at half-time, presumably to the niggle he has been carrying, Linnets looked set fair until Prescot's leveller changed the complexion of the contest.

John Murphy, wearing nine but in the No.10 position, was suddenly finding space to run into while Deans, a former charge of Linnets boss Michael Ellison at Widnes, sprang to life and had a couple of opportunities to put Cables ahead.

Runcorn's McLoughlin picked up one of the game's four cautions - two for each side - after bringing down dangerman Loughran just past halfway.

Those home supporters, who were calling for the midfielder's dismissal as the 'last man' hadn't spotted that fellow substitute Noah Roberts was behind him.

Cables replaced one former Linnet, striker Olly Molloy with another in midfielder Tony Donaldson late on.

Jack Gregory passed up a shooting chance as Prescot pressed for a winner, instead feeding the ball through to Donaldson.

The recipient, however, had to act quickly to get in a shot.

Hare was able to save comfortably and ultimately, the well-matched NPL West neighbours settled for a share of the spoils in front of a healthy Bank Holiday crowd.

Linnets drop to seventh as a result, remaining one place adrift of Cables.

A bonus for Runcorn was a first campaign appearance, albeit brief, for Sean Miller - although fans winced at one heavy challenge, which went in on the influential player.

No damage done, thankfully.

Runcorn are without a game this weekend, their next scheduled match being against opponents still unknown in the FA Trophy Second Round Qualifying on Saturday, September 12th. The draw is on Tuesday, September 1st.

The league visit to Nantwich Town on the same day is, therefore, postponed.

Runcorn Linnets: Calvin Hare, Ollie Southern (Sean Miller, 81 mins), Peter Wylie, Jacques Welsh, Scott Holding, Jay Harris, Elliot Morris (Noah Roberts, 46 mins), Frank Denison (Dec McLoughlin, 46 mins), Conor Harwood, Nick Rushton (Harry McGee, 62 mins), Matty Whittingham. Sub (not used): Callum Leigh.

Attendance: 904.