Under 21s take over at top of the table

Runcorn Linnets Under 21s 4 Vulcan Under 21s 2

Picture by Kelly Jones

Linnets are the new leaders of the North West Under 21s Development League's Championship Division B.

But the route to the top wasn't as straightforward as had seemed likely at half-time when Runcorn led by four goals.

With the state of last night's game looking very comfortable, the hosts introduced all five substitutes upon the restart to give non-starters valuable game time.

Some momentum was lost in the process, this was perhaps only to be expected.

But Runcorn could not have forseen the dismissal on the hour of defender Callum Prince.

With Vulcan having already shown renewed purpose, the one-man advantage gave them belief that they could get back into the contest.

Their arrears were halved by two goals in the last 18 minutes.

The home side were never in serious danger but were grateful all the same for the roll-on, roll-off substitutions rule.

It meant that they were able to reintroduce players to offset the tiring effect of being down to 10 men.

All had been going swimmingly before the break.

Runcorn's quick and incisive passing football was all too much for the young away team from Newton-le-Willows.

Macauley Clifton in particular caused problems, drifting into space to dictate the play in midfield.

But for the good work of their goalkeeper, whose saves included one from a Lewis Crane penalty, Vulcan could have been facing double their deficit.

Striker Crane had earlier been denied in open play, the keeper saving with his legs, before Sam Stephens let fly from 25 yards, only to denied by a tip over save.

Linnets deservedly took the lead in the 26th minute, Clifton's deep corner from the right picking out centre back Cameron Schofield to head in unmarked.

Another Clifton flagkick from the same side was headed against the left upright by skipper Jay Lee.

The onslaught was also repelled by another save, Zack Parker being denied from a cross by attacking right full-back Prince.

The scoreline began to reflect he play in the 33rd minute when a clinical five-man move culminated in Crane heading home Parker's cross from the left at the near post.

Three minutes later, it was 3-0 as Eneil Gumbs exploited a mix-up between 'keeper and defender to score from close range at another right-wing Clifton corner.

The fourth Runcorn goal followed in the 39th minute, the industrious Asnafi Shamari feeding the ball through for Parker to bury a low shot inside the right post.

Parker and Crane have both now scored in four consecutive U21s games.

Crane has netted in 14 of the last 15 matches he’s played at the agegroup and has 26 goals for the season.

Even when a man down, Linnets continued to create chances but not so frequently.

Left back Ben Dobbie couldn't keep an effort down after advancing to meet a sweeping pass from Harry Vernon.

Vulcan's hard work and persistence in the second half was ultimately rewarded but could not prevent Linnets overtaking leaders Nantwich Town on goal difference.

Linnets had earlier in the week seen their deficit cut to three points when Fleetwood Town conceded Easter Sunday's home fixture because of player availability issues over the holiday period - Runcorn being awarded the win.

Stephen Ellams's side will entertain AFC Liverpool Under 21s on Wednesday, April 23rd (ko 7.45pm) in the the first of three remaining league games.

The others are away to Southport Academy on Sunday, April 27th and at home to Northwich Victoria U21s (Wednesday, May 7th ko 7.45pm).

Vics are five points behind Linnets, having played a game more, with Runcorn eight better off on goal difference.

Linnets will also contest the Championship B Cup final against Kidsgrove Athletic U21s on Sunday, May 4th at APEC Taxis Stadium (ko 2pm).

Kidsgrove still also pose a threat to Runcorn's title ambitions.

Grove are currently in fourth place, six points behind Runcorn with a game on hand but a significantly inferior goal difference.

Runcorn Linnets U21s: Alex Ellams, Callum Prince, Ben Dobbie, Eneil Gumbs, Cameron Schofield, Jay Lee, Macauley Clifton, Sam Stephens, Lewis Crane, Asnafi Shamari, Zack Parker. Subs (all used): Billy McNay, Harry Vernon, Josh Elverstone, Bala Ibrahim, Finlay Harwood.