‘We’re ready for massive derby’
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RUNCORN LINNETS moved up into second place in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division heading into the always-hectic Christmas period after picking up all three points in Saturday’s fixture at Nelson.
Michael Ellison’s outfit are one point ahead of Bootle, Atherton Collieries and 1874 Northwich and just four behind local rivals Runcorn Town.
All this has whetted the appetiite even more for what promises to be a real humdinger of a Runcorn derby at the Millbank Linnets Stadium on Boxing Day afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
Ellison’s side recorded a 2-1 victory over Nelson last Saturday and had to fight hard to gain all three points, scoring an 88th minute winner through Antony Hickey, his second goal of the match.
“It was a lovely win. It was certainly an important one,” said Ellison.
“We’ve had a bad record there recently so it was a good victory. I think it was the first time in around seven years we won there!
“The manner in which we won made it even better and showed the great character from the players. It was a battle and a really tough test. It was definitely massive three points.”
Hickey has now scored braces in his last two matches, and after making some attacking substitutions, Ellison was pleased it paid off and admitted the celebrations were wild when the winner hit the back of the Nelson net.
“The lads were all jumping on each other and there were some great celebrations,” said Ellison.
“We still had to defend a bit though as there were still around five minutes left to play so it wasn’t as close to the end as I would have liked!
“It was a great feeling. We’ve had no luck there so it was nice to get a win and in the late stages too.”
Linnets’ huge rivals Town have been in excellent form and boss Ellison is well aware of the importance of Monday’s showdown and says his side are excited.
“It’s always massive, especially for the fans,” said Ellison.
“This year the fixture has more spice to it with us both being first and second in the league so I’m looking forward to it.
“As a player, it was always a massive day and it will be important to try and pick up three points.”
Linnets skipper Kyle Hamid was missing in midfield against Nelson as he served a suspension but he is expected to return for the derby.
Striker Mark Houghton picked up an injury in the second half and Ellison said: “Chris Lawton might be missing after picking up a slight knock and Mark Houghton, we’re not too sure about. We will see how he is in training but there could be a couple of players out but we will just play it by ear.
“We’re hoping to get the players in on Thursday for a training session but obviously the schools have all closed so we’re struggling to get the facilities.
“We may have to do settle for a standard run which isn’t fun for the lads but it’s important we try and do something.”
Following the derby encounter, Linnets are next in action a week tomorrow – Friday, December 30 – when they visit Irlam. The game at the Manchester side’s Ambitek Stadium kicks-off at 7.45pm. ● RUNCORN TOWN confirmed their position at the top of the Hallmark Security League Premier Division at Christmas with a victory on Saturday.
A convincing 4-0 win over Abbey Hey was more than enough to give Runcorn the advantage ahead of the festive period. Chris Herbert’s side were ruthless in attack and made the most of a number of chances in the first half.
Abbey Hey were not so easily swept aside though, and Town goalkeeper Mike Langley was called into action on several occasions.
Kevin Exell gave Town the lead after just five minutes before Joe Holt and Craig Cairns added further goals in the opening period.
Boss Herbert had earlier identified George Noon as a threat for his side and he proved to be just that, mounting several attacks on goal for Abbey Hey. Langley was forced to make a crucial stop just moments before the half-time whistle and it was Abbey Hey who came out stronger in the second half.
The goalkeeper was eventually forced to leave the pitch after he picked up an injury following a brave save. Runcorn skipper Simon Thelwell took his place in between the sticks but Herbert’s side kept their momentum and Exell put away their fourth goal.
It means Town sit top of the table on Christmas Day and are in a commanding position going into their blockbuster clash with rivals Runcorn Linnets. The teams go head-to-head in Monday afternoon’s Boxing Day showdown at Linnets’ Millbank Linnets Stadium, with three points a must for both sides.
Town could be without goalkeeper Langley but are expected to have a relatively unchanged side.
The Boxing Day game kicks-off at 3pm. Town’s other match over the festive period is a home game with Squires Gate on New Year’s Eve. That contest at Pavilions will kick-off at 1pm.