‘We need to go back to basics’
RUNCORN TOWN were unable to follow up their draw against Runcorn Linnets with a victory as they surrended a lead late in the game to share the spoils with Squires Gate on New Year’s Eve.
Chris Herbert’s side dominated for long spells and held a 1-0 lead thanks to a first half Craig Cairns penalty.
But they spurned a number of opportunities to score again and it proved costly as they dropped two points for the second time in five days.
Herbert’s side still remain at the top of the Hallmark Security League Premier Division table but the sides around them are ganging up – including rivals Runcorn Linnets.
Just four points separate Town in first place and Northwich in fifth so the manager admitted it was a disheartening week.
“I’m very disappointed [with the draw against Squires Gate.] In the derby anything could have happened,” said Herbert.
“We expected to win the game but to be fair to Linnets, they defended for their lives. It was as good as I’ve seen all season – we couldn’t break them down.
“Their keeper was an outfield player and he was unbelievable. We camped in their half for 45 minutes.
“Against Squires Gate we had three or four chances in the first half but we were terrible, to be honest. We were very poor.
“We didn’t take our chances but we defended well at least. We shut up in the second half, though, and Squires Gate were the better side.
“We’re top of the league and teams will come here to beat us so we can’t do that. They carried on until the end. It was very dis- ● Kevin Exell shoots goalwards for Runcorn Town in the clash against Squires Gate at Pavilions on New Year’s Eve. appointing but the loss of some of our big players proved costly. Joe Holt and Carl Rodgers were missed greatly,” he added.
Herbert used Tuesday evening’s friendly against Rhyl as an opportunity to work on some things that he felt his side have struggled with in recent weeks.
The boss admitted he is looking to change things slightly and he wants his team to “go back to basics” in order to return to winning ways and not lose momentum at the top of the table.
He said: “We were able to mix things up in the friendly. We wanted the game as it was perfect timing. We need to go back to basics and play how we were to get to the top. I’ve tried to change a few things to make us better and it’s not quite clicked yet but it will. We’ve brought a few people in and we just need to adapt.
“We need to be more efficient and play more football rather than direct stuff. That’s what we’re good at. We need to pick the players that are good at that.
“We’ve brought in Phil Marsh from Altrincham and he’ll be a big player for us. He’s a striker and he just needs to get his fitness up. I’ve worked with him before and I trust him. He’s come in at just the right time. He’s a very clever player and he can open teams up for us.
“We’re top of the league. Atherton can go up but we’ve got to play them twice so we’re not in a bad position at all,” he added.
Town’s next fixture is at Nelson on Saturday but Herbert’s side will be handed a major boost as key duo Joe Holt and Carl Rodgers will be returning.
Herbert is expecting a tough game but he hopes the return of the two Town stars will give his team the edge, although they could be without another key player.
Herbert said: “Nelson are struggling at the minute but they’re spending money and they’ve signed a striker from Colne who could be a big player.
“They have a chance of getting out of trouble. It will be a tough game away and you have to earn the right to play football this season.
“Craig Jones got hurt against Rhyl – he’ll be out for a couple of months. He’s big around the place so that’s a big loss. It will be great to get those two back though. Joe Holt is the best player in the league in my opinion. You can really tell when he’s missing.
“Carl Rodgers is the calm head in midfield. He’s a model pro. They’re both the same and they have that energy.
“Joe Holt works harder than any other player I’ve ever worked with.
“It’s great to have him here. He’s getting better and better each game.”
Following Saturday’s trip to Nelson (kick-off 3pm), Town are in action at Pavilions next Wednesday night when they entertain Altrincham in the first round of the Cheshire Senior Cup. That match kicks-off at 7.45pm. RUNCORN LINNETS enjoyed a successful festive period following up their Boxing Day derby draw with leaders Runcorn Town with a 4-0 victory over Irlam last Friday night.
The victory coupled with Runcorn Town’s draw with Squires Gate on New Year’s Eve saw Linnets move to within two points of the pacesetters in fourth place in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.
Manager Michael Ellison was happy his players were able to bounce back from conceding a late equaliser against their cross-town rivals the day after Christmas to secure all three points against Irlam.
“It was very comfortable so I’m pleased,” said Ellison.
“The lads were great against Runcorn Town and it did feel like a defeat after conceding a late goal, despite it being a good result, so it was nice to get back to winning ways.
“It was important we didn’t lose ground on Boxing Day against Town and we’ve backed that up with a good victory.
“We can jump up a few places or drop a few in the table so it’s very tight.
“We need to take each game as it comes and worry about ourselves – as cliché as that sounds!”
Linnets return to action this Saturday when they entertain Hanley Town and Ellison is prepared to make a few changes.
The manager admitted some of his players look tired and there have been a few knocks suffered in recent games due to a busy schedule.
He stated there would be a few changes to the starting XI but Linnets will not change their tactics and they will set up in the same format to face the visitors from the Potteries. He said: “We’ll set up the same way. “We very rarely change our shape but we might need to switch some of the personnel to give players a rest. There are a few lads who need to get some games in so we will look to rotate things. We’ve got a few injuries. I’m waiting on some of the players to get some treatment and then I will know more. There have been a few little knocks over Christmas and fatigue is starting to kick in so I may have to give the lads some rest. We’ll be making a few changes in the middle of the park probably but I will make a firm decision on Friday. Hanley are dangerous so it will be tough and certainly won’t be an easy game.”
Saturday’s match kicks-off at 3pm. Linnets play host to Nantwich Town in the first round of the Cheshire Senior Cup next Tuesday night. The game kicks-off at 7.45pm. ●