Back problems concern Ellison
IT wasn’t the best week for Runcorn Linnets after they suffered two defeats against Hanley Town and Nantwich Town.
Michael Ellison’s side have now dropped to fifth place in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division table following Saturday’s 5-2 loss against Hanley.
They are now four points off Bootle in first place but boss Ellison admitted it was one of the “strangest” games of his footballing career.
Linnets suffered a shock defeat after dominating the first half but they bounced back on Tuesday night to produce a good performance in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Evo-Stik League Northern Premier Division outfit Nantwich.
The favourites held on to win the cup-tie 2-1, but Ellison said his fringe players performed well and he was “pleased” with the display.
“No it wasn’t [the best week.] I was pleased with the performance on Tuesday though. We were playing a league above,” said Ellison.
“I’m a little concerned about the sloppy goals we conceded but it was a good reaction from the players after Saturday’s defeat.
“I’m still shell-shocked about that loss, to be honest. We dominated the first half and we could have scored enough goals to win us three games!
“We didn’t take our chances and I just didn’t see that result coming. It was one of the strangest games I’ve ever been a part of.
“The chances were clear-cut. We really should have won the game but we made mistakes at the back and they proved ultimately costly. They were very sloppy goals. We were just all over ● Michael Simpson races upfield for Runcorn Linnets against Hanley Town while ( teammate Danny McKenna ventures forward in the same game. the place defensively and I wasn’t very pleased.”
Ellison admitted the cup fixture came in perfect timing as it gave his squad an opportunity to bounce back from Saturday without pressure to perform.
It was also a major boost as a number of players are currently injured or unwell and Ellison may be forced to select a weakened side on Saturday.
He said: “It was good we had a game on Tuesday because you always want to get back to playing after a disappointing result.
“I only had 14 players for the game compared to the 22 I had available last week. We’re struggling with a few injuries and illnesses at the moment.
“Some lads had an opportunity to play in the cup who don’t get to as often and they impressed.
“They deserved a draw really. Nantwich were a good side but we matched them.”
“I’m not sure about availability for the weekend, though, because we’ve got a few lads out but we might have one or two back for Saturday. I need to check up on them.”
On Saturday, Linnets face Winsford United at the Barton Stadium as they return to league action and they will be hoping to pick up maximum points after last week’s setback.
“We will work on our shape in training this week like we always do. Our forwards have been great this season and I think they always look like scoring goals,” said Ellison.
“We need to keep it tighter at the back – that’s the problem. I’d be worried if we weren’t creating chances but we are.
“I’m more concerned about conceding goals recently as that’s not like us.
“Winsford are flying at the minute and they have a good manager who I know well. It will always be a tough game so we need to turn up.
“We’re not on the best run so we want to get the next game going as soon as possible.” ● Reports from Linnets’ matches against Hanley Town and Nantwich Town on pages 52 and 53. RUNCORN TOWN dropped to second place in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division table after their game against Nelson was postponed on Saturday with Bootle taking advantage with a win to take over at the summit.
Town have had a busy schedule so manager Chris Herbert admitted the break was helpful, though his side are eager to get back into action.
“We’ve got almost everyone back now which is good as I think we needed a break. I find it strange the game was off though,” said Herbert.
“It was the only game off in the Premier Division. The weather wasn’t even that bad. They have to look after the pitch but I do think it’s easy to get games off in this league – it needs to be looked at a little.”
Town were taking on Altrincham last night in the first round of the Cheshire Senior Cup ahead of a home league clash against Barnoldswick Town on Saturday.
When asked if Herbert was looking forward to another busy week, he admitted it was a great opportunity for his players and he would rather play a game than hold a training session.
He said: “I love the midweek games. I thought we were doing well when we were playing regularly and then it started to change a little with games being called off. It ruins the rhythm and I know it can make it difficult for managers but the more games the better! It’s better than training. The lads will all agree.”
Rivals Runcorn Linnets were beaten at the weekend but Herbert admitted the two local teams are just happy to be in contention for the title and they will encounter rough patches.
“It will take time to build new sides and both of us (Linnets) knew teams would catch us.
“Atherton Collieries have been together a while. They are in good form at the moment. For us and Linnets it’s a building season. From day one, we didn’t expect to win the league. We’re in good contention. We’d like to challenge.
“Linnets will be the same. They’ve dropped points but Hanley were a decent side. I thought they would be higher to be honest. We’re the underdogs against Altrincham so I want us to test ourselves but the main thing for us is Saturday’s game. We have to take the league seriously because we are now title contenders.”
Town also have a major boost ahead of Saturday’s league fixture as the club’s top goalscorer Craig Cairns is expected to make his return from injury. Herbert admitted he wouldn’t feature against Altrincham but they will also be boosted by Phil Marsh – a new addition who joined the squad this week.
“Craig Cairns will be out on Wednesday which is a huge loss for us but he will back on Saturday so that’s great news.
“Phil Marsh is in the squad now too which means we’ve got some selection headaches now but that is a really positive thing. We can’t have any excuses now. We want to go out there and challenge for the title.”