Runcorn Linnets 1 Congleton Town 0
Report by Dave Bettley with pictures from Kelly Jones
A spectacular strike from winger Luke Wall for his first Linnets goal earned us a maiden victory of the Pitching In Northern Premier League West campaign.
Runcorn turned in a workmanlike performance against Midlands
League Premier Division champions Congleton Town, after conceding 10 goals in two defeats over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Wall teed himself up to volley home in the 76th minute, Linnets climbing out of the bottom four with the welcome win.
Antony Kay sprang a pre-match surprise as the unfamiliar name of Tom Myles appeared at the top of his teamsheet.
Having signed on loan from Manchester United, the 18-year-old went straight into the starting line-up with Bayleigh Passant being relegated to the substitutes bench.
Myles wasn't alone in making a successful debut as Karl Clair, a one-time FA Youth Cup finalist at Liverpool, was included in midfield.
He would be instrumental in Linnets in turning the recent tide of goals against them.
Assured in possession and combattive in the tackle, his experience also offered the defence vital extra protection.
Centre back Sam Carr returned to the XI after taking a knock ahead of the defeat at Witton last Monday.
But if boss Kay thought his injury problems were clearing, he was unfortunately mistaken.Â
By the 23rd minute, both full-backs had been forced off.
Firstly, James Short was replaced, suffering what appeared to be a recurrence of a calf issue.
Then Sam Barratt, who had not long returned from pre-season ankle damage, hurt a shoulder after an awkward landing.
Fortunately, Linnets had two well-qualified replacements.
Versatile Eden Gumbs fitted in seamlessly for Short on the left and Peter Wylie deputised admirably on the right for Barratt.
Kay later admitted that Wylie himself had not been fit to play and he was full of praise for the defender's resilience and determination.
The game was tight and short of genuine chances, neither goalkeeper overly stretched.
Linnets fans will have been pleased and relieved to see their side closing defensive ranks, particularly in resisting late pressure as Congleton tried to cancel out Wall's goal.
Kay had hinted at a back to basics approach and Runcorn resisted any temptation to play out from the back, Myles invariably hitting the ball long with his defence pushing out.
Harvey Washington, facing the club for which he had made two loan appearances last season before joining Linnets on his summer release by Crewe, momentarily thought he had scored but an offside flag was raised instantaneously.
The best legal efforts of the first half were a shot wide by Congleton's right-back Marco Fregapane (which went narrowly wide when a cleaner connection could have had Myles in trouble), and an effort over the top by the eventual match winner Luke Wall.
The ball sat up just as the the former Bala Town man was setting himself to shoot, making it very difficult to keep the shot down.
The second half offered much of the same with defences holding firm in bright sunlight.
Kieran Garner-Knapper, who would have been particularly keen to make an impression after his release by Runcorn at the end of last season, was foiled in turn by a good block from Gumbs and a comfortable save by Myles.
For Runcorn, Ryan Brooke withdrew into the number 10 role with Taylpr Bowen coming off the bench to succeed him in attack as Linnets sought a morale-boosting win.
A moment of inspiration or a mistake at either end was by this stage most likely to settle things and fortunately for Runcorn, it was the former.
Wall, who always looked likeliest for Linnets, juggled with the ball, moving it quickly from one foot to the other to the left of goal before an exquisite finish into the right corner.
There were no major alarms for the hosts in the time remaining but a great roar of approval late on for Myles.
Not the tallest 'keeper, he leapt confidently to collect a high ball under pressure. This was typical of his efforts all afternoon.
Given their difficult start to the campaign and the fact that Congleton are not used to losing - they topped the table at one stage during Saturday's game - Runcorn will be well pleased with the win.
Linnets now take a 10-day break from league action but they are at home again next Saturday.
After their elimination from the Emirates FA Cup, a good run in the Isuzu FA Trophy would be timely.
Opponents Pontefract Collieries of the NPL East Division have made a decent start to their league programme but will be smarting from Saturday's 5-0 FA Cup defeat at Sheffield FC from the same division.
Runcorn Linnets: Tom Myles, Sam Barratt (Peter Wylie, 23 mins), James Short (Eden Gumbs, 13 mins), Karl Clair, Harvey Washington, Sam Carr, Adam Moseley (James Hooper 62 mins), Jacques Welsh, Ryan Brooke, Jaden Jones (Taylor Bowen, 71 mins), Luke Wall. Subs (not used): Bayleigh Passant.
Attendance: 564.
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