Lacklustre Linnets do claim win
R’corn Linnets Ladies 3 Wallasey Wanderers 1 RUNCORN Linnets Ladies picked up their first league win of the season defeating Wallasey Wanderers 3-1 on Sunday at the Millbank Linnets Stadium – after a somewhat lacklustre display by their very high standards.
But overall, manager John Pickering was happier with the result than the performance.
“We clearly missed players, who for one reason or another were not available,” he said.
“I didn’t see enough fight today; we lacked that spark. But we have the three points, we remain unbeaten at home and sit third in the early table standings with four points from six.
“We go again next week.”
Runcorn started brightly, taking a lead inside two minutes. Striker Beth Coppin chased down a Chelsea Gillies pass to deceive Wallasey goalkeeper Katie Seager with a cross-shot.
After a number of spurned chances by the hosts, Wallasey gained in confidence and Linnets keeper Nat Pinnington was called into action to produce a super save from a long-range strike.
After early pressure on Wallasey at the start of the second half, Linnets made it 2-0 when Megan Pickering and Carlson combined to set up Gillies who netted from 10 yards out.
Linnets increased their advantage on 75 minutes via a rasping drive from Frankie Valdez, Pickering providing the assist.
Soon after, Wallasey caught the Linnets napping and Rachael Bailey’s shot somehow eluded both keeper Pinnington and retreating defender Nicola Hyland.
However, Linnets’ rearguard would not be breached again and they eased home to bag the welcome three points.