Town prepared for ‘tough week’
RUNCORN TOWN maintained their excellent start to the season with a cup victory against AFC Blackpool last Saturday.
Chris Herbert’s side won 2-0 as they progressed through to the first round of the FA Vase.
The manager admitted his side made it hard work, though, and despite having several chances in the first half, it proved to be a tougher test than expected.
“It was a difficult game actually. We let it turn into a real cuptie which we didn’t really want,” said Herbert.
“We missed a lot of chances and we could have been six or seven up in the first half but their keeper had an absolute ‘stormer.’
“It was one of the best performances I’ve seen from a goalkeeper in a long time, so fair to play to him for that.
“The players look after themselves, though, so even though it was a tougher game than we’d hoped, expect them to be ready for the next game.”
The draw for the first round, made on Monday at Wembley, sees Town hosting Hallam on October 22. Hallam, who play in Northern Counties East Football League Division One, the are the second-oldest club in the world.
Town have also announced a new signing – Louis Coyne has joined from Evo-Stik League First Division North outfit Burscough. The young defender was formerly with League One side Rochdale.
New additions could play a key part in the next few fixtures for Runcorn Town too as they embark on a busy a week ahead.
Town were last night playing host to Hanley Town at Pavilions before a trip across to Bootle on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm) and then AFC Liverpool at home next Wednesday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
Herbert said: “If we get seven points from those three games I’ll be happy.
“It’ll be a tough week but I believe we can get a result against anybody at the moment. Teams would be stupid not to worry about us.
“A high standard of goal-scoring has already been set by the forwards.
“We’re doing well and there are goals coming from all over the pitch now too.”
The manager is also looking forward to the return of defender Craig Jones, who since signing four weeks ago, has yet to feature due to injury.
Herbert said: “Craig Jones will be back for the midweek game. We’ve had to wait a month to play our new signing so it’s been a bit of a nightmare.
“He’s a leader, has been my captain before and I’ve played with him too. He doesn’t accept anyone who doesn’t pull their weight and will make it known on the pitch.
“He wins every header in midfield and can dictate the game and manage the tempo of the game. He’s going to come in and make a difference for us.
“Danny Jarrett is injured, Mark Bainbridge, one of our new signings and Mark McGregor could be out too.”
Report from Town’s victory over Blackpool on page 61. RUNCORN LINNETS continued their strong start to the season with a victory against Atherton Collieries on the weekend.
In a dramatic encounter which saw two Runcorn players sent-off, they registered a 2-0 success thanks to a couple of goals from Mark Houghton.
Michael Ellison’s side have now gone nine games unbeaten in the league and have won five of their last six outings.
It’s proven to be an impressive start to the season and they will be hoping to carry their good form into The Macron Cup on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm). Linnets play host to Daisy Hill from the Hallmark Security League’s First Division in a first round tie.
Ellison’s men return to league action on Tuesday night when they entertain Bootle at the Millbank Linnets Stadium (kick-off 7.45pm).