The toughest way to lose

Runcorn Linnets 0 Buxton 1

By Dave Bettley

Down and out - that sinking feeling as Buxton strike in added time to end Linnets' memorable FA Cup adventure. Picture by BEN JACKSON.

Runcorn are out of the FA Cup after giving Buxton a real run for their money at a sold-out APEC Taxis Stadium.

Linnets had looked set to extend their club record-breaking progress into Monday's First Round draw ahead of a replay in the Peak District on Tuesday.

But two minutes into stoppage time, Buxton finally made their higher status count with a stunning individual goal from Luke Brennan.

It was devastating for Runcorn, who had taken the tie very deep against full-time visitors two divisions their senior.

Harvey Washington and Lewis Crane cause havoc in Buxton's penalty area. Picture by NEIL THORNTON.

Linnets had already fashioned a big late chance of their own with substitute Lewis Crane's header being cleared from under the bar by Bucks midfielder Tate Campbell.

Runcorn's handling of Buxton's dangerous widemen had always been the likely key to success.

Joe Ferguson's pace and strength were a match for skillful left winger Brennan's fleet of foot.

A 1,600 crowd inside Runcorn's ground for its third sellout. Picture by BEN JACKSON.

But Brennan eventually made his way inside where a shimmying run through the middle proved decisive.

He glided past three players and broke Runcorn hearts by finding the bottom left corner with a right-foot strike from outside the penalty area.

Runcorn always knew it would be a difficult match but this was a particularly tough way to lose it.

Linnets' man of the match Joe Ferguson makes a move. Picture by NEIL THORNTON.

Having to defend for a most part of the first half, they resolutely limited the opportunities for the National League North side.

When his back four were beaten, veteran Greg Hall rescued the hosts with brave goakeeping on his Runcorn debut.

In each half, he dived fearlessly at the feet of Manchester City youth graduate striker Tai Sodje.

Linnets went close to breaking the deadlock after the interval when a Lewis Doyle shot bounced off the left post.

Marcus Cusani's follow-up effort was blocked in front of the line.

Disappointment is etched on faces as Adam Rooney is consoled by fans as he leaves the field after final whistle. Picture by BOBBY HANCOX.

Dec McLoughlin had been unable to shake off a foot injury which had forced his early substitution in the FA Trophy rout of Bury the previous Saturday.

His energy and creativity in midfield might have made all the difference.

In the first half, Runcorn had it all on at times to clear their lines and invariably found the ball coming back at them.

However, their determination kept Buxton's frontmen largely at bay.

Linnets' management team, assistant manager Rob Sadler, first team coach Lee Bignell, manager Brad Cooke and goalkeeper coach Adam Rigby savour the big-match atmosphere. Picture by NEIL THORNTON.

Runcorn were quicker to close down after the resumption, this bringing them better field position.

As time passed, it only needed one piece of magic to settle the contest and unfortunately for Linnets, it came from the away side.

Runcorn's injured players Dec McLoughlin, Alex Ellamsm Ryan Brooke and Bayleugh Passant join club officials on the gantry. Picture by BOBBY HANCOX.

Buxton go forward to the proper stages to potentially test their mettle against EFL One and Two sides.

Although disappointed by the defeat and no doubt deflated by the cruel manner in which it was inflicted, Linnets will pick themselves up for the resumption of their NPL West campaign at Mossley on Tuesday.

They should be proud and heartened at their exploits in the competition.

Ron Corn takes centre stage at the APEC. Picture by NEIL THORNTON.

Although now out of both national FA knockouts, they have banked more than £21,000 in prizemoney.

With the APEC at 1,600 capacity for only the third time in its history, the sense of occasion was palpable and the atmosphere electric.

The noise from the sidelines when the team took to the field was special.

Manager Brad Cooke said on his appointment in February, it was about making memories for the fans.

He is certainly doing that.

Runcorn Linnets: Greg Hall, Joe Ferguson, Matty Rain (Nathan Sandison, 90+4 mins), Peter Wylie (Eden Gumbs, 58 mins), Adam Rooney, Harvey Washington, Marcus Cusani (Oscar Rrosenblatt, 65 mins), Markell Foulds, Scott Bakkor (Lewis Crane, 78 mins), Lewis Doyle (Sean Miller, 69 mins, Naim Arsan. Sub (not used): Jacques Welsh, Jorge Dwyer.

Attendance: 1,600.

Pre-match applause for former Runcorn and Buxton player John Imrie who died earlier in the week, aged 64. Picture by NEIL THORNTON.