Ellison hails the ‘superb’ efforts of Chris ‘The Cat’
LINNETS’ centre-back Chris Lawton has a new nickname this week, after his performance as a stand-in keeper earned him rich plaudits during a titanic Boxing Day derby at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.
Chris ‘The Cat’ Lawton was forced to don the goalkeeper’s gloves after regular keeper Tom Hunt was dismissed in the 37th minute for handling outside the area. But after a solid display in his regular berth, Lawton performed even better in the unfamiliar role. He was beaten only by an 87th minute goal which earned league leaders Runcorn Town a point.
“We had mixed emotions afterwards,” said boss Michael Ellison. “But we had to take the positives from it after playing so well for so long with 10 men. Chris had been very good at centre-half, but he was superb in goal. I had just turned to my assistant to discuss what we were going to do and when we turned round he already had the shirt and gloves on so he made the decision for us!
“He’s a big unit and he came for everything, made punches, caught the ball and it was a really scruffy goal which finally beat him right at the end.”
Linnets led with a wonderful strike from Antony Hickey, his eighth goal of the season, and it was appreciated by the home fans among the Hallmark Security League’s biggest crowd of the season, 655 inside the Millbank Linnets Stadium.
The late leveller from Town means that Linnets remain four points behind their neighbours, but have another chance to close the gap at Irlam tomorrow night.
Continued Ellison: “It will be tough – as they all are in this league. But the lads will be up for it. It’s tough at this time of year but they all all looked after themselves.
“They stayed off the ale on Christmas Day and I think they’re delighted that the game this weekend is on Friday night so they can enjoy New Year’s Eve.”
Goalkeeper Hunt’s suspension will be enforced after 14 days so he is free to play at Irlam.
Added Ellison: “We won’t need to turn to Chris again this weekend, although I wouldn’t have any worries if we did! I’ll look to get somebody in for the game Thomas will be missing for.” ● Tomorrow evening’s match against Irlam kicksoff at 7.45pm. ●