Young Under 21s side overcome Chester Youth in exciting friendly

Runcorn Linnets U21s 5 Chester Youth 3

A YOUNG Linnets squad, featuring 14 players aged 18 and under, applied themselves superbly in Sunday's victory over a Chester side managed by former Runcorn first-team coach Mike Allcock.

A fantastic pre-season run-out saw both teams lay on a great footballing display with defender Cam Schofield, skippering the Runcorn team, scoring twice.

What was initially planned as an away fixture for Linnets had been switched to Halton Sports Playing Fields.

Lew Crane's opener gave Linnets an interval lead and while Chester responded to go 2-1 in front soon after the restart, the Runcorn youngsters quickly regained their composure.

Schofield netted either side of an inspired, long-range Ben Dobbie free-kick and despite Chester reducing their deficit to 4-3, 16-year-old Jack Fagan bagged the clinching goal.

Linnets U21s manager Ste Ellams couldn't have been happier with the performance as the team continued its build-up to a first Premier Division campaign in the North West U21s Development League.

He said: "I think the squad really felt more like ourselves today.

"The start was really good, confident and dominant - Snafi (Asnafi Shamari) was sensational in the middle of the park; Joel (Street) was superb in his 65 minutes on the field; Harry Vernon looked a great outlet and Lew Crane's hold-up up play was really good."

The boss also pointed to a classy display from summer newcomer Jay Anderson, who was unfortunate not to score.

Ste added: "Chester ended the first half strongly - a great double save from Al (Alex Ellams) stopping them from equalising - and other than a three-minute blip for us early in the second half, they never really threatened.

"Cam showed pure desire to grab a brace off set plays and Ben Dobbie’s goal was genuinely a joy to watch.

"The subs throughout the second half all offered something and showed huge potential."

Five Linnets Juniors have linked up with the Under 21s squad - including goalkeeper Jaden Wright, midfielder Ryan Middleton, and defender Daniel McCaffrey.

Defender Charlie Ratcliffe and midfielder Harry Huby didn't play against the Seals.

Ste Ellams said:  "Dan looked so comfortable at the back, adding to what Bill (McNay) Cam, Dobbie and Sam Hamling had already given us.

"Ryan was a real bright spark in the middle of the park, looking really comfortable and composed on the ball.

"The fith goal was fully deserved, a great run by Jack (Fagan) after really intelligent play from Stevo (Sam Stephens) and Cush (Owen Cushion) .

"I couldn’t really have asked for more today, was a real proud moment to get two 15 year olds in Jaden and Ryan on the pitch for half an hour.

"Both have already shown me what they’re capable of and I fully believe they’re going to be a big part of what we achieve, along with Dan (McCaffrey) & Charlie (Ratcliffe)."

Pictures by Kelly Jones