6^th February 2010, Silsden v Runcorn Linnets FC : 1-2
Old McDonald’s

A misty Cougar Park was the setting for Runcorn’s first Vodkat League action since their impressive win at Colne on 12th December. The team turned in a similarly gutsy performance on a pudding of a pitch to deservedly take three points away from North Yorkshire. The victory puts them within striking distance of today’s opponents in the league raising them to two points behind with two games in hand.

It was a much changed Linnets side that took to the field today compared to the triumphant semi-final side of little under a year ago. By my reckoning Simon Myerscough and Rob Whyte were the only survivors. The back four was back to normal with Matthew Ashcroft returning at left back. New signing Matthew Hampson was given his first start on the right of midfield with Michael Case on the left and Lloyd Balazs and Chris Blundell in the middle. Captain Rob Whyte and Billy Webb started up front.

A frenetic opening could have seen the Linnets behind in the first minute when poor marking from a long throw led to a last ditch clearance. Having survived, it was straight down the hill for the opening goal. Lloyd Balazs flicked on for Rob Whyte who controlled well with his chest and hooked over his shoulder to set Michael Case clear. Case calmly cut inside full back Aqeeb Khalif and placed his shot inside the near post.

Despite the appalling state of the pitch, to their credit, both teams did try to play as much football as possible, it made for an open first 10 minutes. Rob Whyte had the next opportunity on 15 minutes when Lloyd Balazs slid him in down the inside left channel. With the Silsden defence closing, Whyte opted to cut in off his favoured left foot, his subsequent right foot effort was easily dealt with by Silsden ‘keeper Phil Rishton.

Previous meetings between the two clubs have seen some nasty scenes on and off the field and it soon became obvious that today was going to be no different. Silsden are a physical team who seem happy to hand out the rough treatment but are much less understanding when on the receiving end. On 24 minutes Matthew Ashcroft unleashed a thunderous challenge that set the tone for the rest of the team. Silsden’s captain Martin Bland seemed to take exception to the perfectly legal challenge and moments later flattened Billy Webb in retaliation. Chris Blundell and Lloyd Balazs both followed Ashcroft’s lead before the break with solid tackles of their own, great to see.

Silsden enjoyed the majority of possession prior to the break but never really tested Phil Priestley. Billy Webb, Matthew Ashcroft and Ross Bain all came close with headers at the other end. Runcorn also had decent appeals for a penalty when Chris Blundell appeared to be pushed in the area but the referee waved them away and Runcorn had to be happy with a 1 goal lead at the break.

The cold Linnets fans were relieved to be informed via the load speaker that refreshments would be available during half time .... wait for it .... at the McDonalds over the road!!

Silsden came out the stronger in the second half and immediately put Runcorn under pressure. Runcorn not only had to battle the resurgent Silsden side but also a series of baffling refereeing decisions. Referee Parker appeared to struggle with the unrelenting pressure of the Silsden players’ appealing. Phil Priestley pulled off a brilliant double save on 54 minutes but it was only a stay of execution. From the resulting corner, half time substitute Liam Blacko, headed home to draw Silsden deservedly level.

It didn’t take Runcorn long to react. On 69 minutes Michael Case unleashed a low left footed shot from the edge of the area that rebounded off the post. Silsden had a second close shave when the ball was returned in to the area and Scott Hanson sliced just over his own bar. The pressure was building though and it was third time lucky for Runcorn. Rob Whyte laid a short corner back to Michael Case who delivered a great ball to the back post for Chris Blundell to arrive and bury a towering header.

As Silsden pushed for a second equaliser, spaces began to open up. It was now end-to-end. Silsden came close when Phil Priestley’s poor clearance was returned immediately (bringing back awful memories of the semi-final first leg last year) but fortunately the ball drifted wide. Michael Case then wriggled free and in tackling him Martin Bland brought a great save from his own keeper to keep Silsden in the game. As he so often does late on in games, Lloyd Balazs then sprung to life. Balazs got clear twice in the last few minutes but was twice denied by Rishton in the Silsden goal. It didn’t matter as Runcorn safely negotiated the three additional minutes.

A fantastic way to return to league action and a result that feels more satisfying having had to endure a physical Silsden side, and a poor playing surface. Matthew Hampson did well on his debut but was marginally out shone by second half substitute Jake Ellis. Ellis came on just prior to the second goal and managed to hold the ball up well at an important stage of the game. Some thundering challenges were the highlight for me in a good afternoon’s work.

Runcorn: Priestley, Wood, Ashcroft, Balazs, Bain, Myerscough, Hampson, Blundell, Webb (Ellis, 67), Whyte (C), Case. Subs not used: Atherton, Howard, Clarkson, Hunter.
Silsden: Rishton, Khalif (Blacko, 45), Barraclough, S Hanson, Bland (C), P Hanson, Longley, Hird, Bradley (McNulty, 75), Simpson, Kershaw. Subs not used: Whiteoak, Finn.

NB. The views expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Runcorn Linnets FC or its Board.