Herbert – Lads are really up for big 1874 clash
PACESETTERS Runcorn Town recorded yet another victory and extended their lead at the top of the Hallmark Security League Premier Division to five points with a 3-0 win over Barnton last Saturday.
“Barnton put up a really good fight. They could have taken the lead but our keeper put in a great performance and kept us in the game at times,” said Town boss Chris Herbert.
“We had a 10 minute spell where we made a lot of defensive errors.
“They forced us into them but they were punished by us later for their missed chances.”
Town could improve their position even further if they beat fifth-placed 1874 Northwich this Saturday, in what promises to be a tight game.
Continued Herbert: “The table is starting to show a little bit now. Runcorn Linnets dropped points and we have a big game against Northwich which could change things again.
“They’re the best side we’ve played this season I believe. As a team, they are very well organised and they push you into making mistakes.
“They like to shake things up and tactically are very strong. They didn’t try to come here and play against us as they know we would have punished them. They were smart and they beat us 2-0 last time.”
Ahead of such a big game, Herbert admitted it was hard to keep his players calm because they are so eager to come away with a win this time.
He said: “It’s hard to keep the players calm before a game like this as they know how important it is. The lads didn’t like getting beat last time and they want to make up for it on Saturday. We have been training a little harder this week. We have had two big training sessions rather than the one we normally have because we have no midweek fixture. It’s a big game so we need to be prepared. Hopefully we can get a few new faces in before next weekend too which will boost the squad.”
It was another positive week for Herbert and his side, but a late injury to Craig Jones did spoil the party slightly and he will now be out of action for a lengthy period.
“Craig Jones suffered a knee ligament injury on Saturday despite only returning a few weeks ago so that was a big loss for us,” said Herbert.
“He was just starting to hit form and he will now be out for a few weeks but hopefully we will still have a strong squad available for Saturday.”
The game at St Luke’s Barton Stadium kicks-off at 3pm. Runcorn are without a midweek match next week. ●