‘City came out to be horrible’
RUNCORN TOWN’S magnificent run of 11 consecutive Hallmark Security League Premier Division victories to start the season came to an end on Tuesday night as they dropped their first points in a goalless draw with 10-men City of Liverpool FC.
Their unbeaten start to the campaign is still intact but manager Chris Herbert admitted his side were disappointed not to come away with a win.
Herbert believes City of Liverpool were out to play “ugly” and has been left frustrated by League fixture organisation.
“It was a bit of a weird game,” said Herbert.
“City of Liverpool were made up with how they played but we were very disappointed because we feel we should be winning those games.
“They came out just to be horrible, really. There were a few naughty tackles and they were looking for trouble.
“I’ve got no problem with teams being ugly with us – it will happen – but to shout things off the line, I wasn’t happy with. I suppose it’s the way they think they can win games of football.”
Runcorn Town were meant to be playing AFC Darwen last Saturday but the match was called off due to a waterlogged pitch up in North East Lancashire.
Herbert’s side now don’t play a league match for two weeks and he is frustrated at how things have been organised.
“Our game against Darwen got called off and it’s really poor,” observed the Town boss.
“The league needs to clamp down on it because it’s in the other team’s interests to get it called off as we then have to travel for a midweek game at a later ● Mark Reed has his eyes on retaining possession for Runcorn Town during their feisty goalless draw with City of Liverpool FC on Tuesday evening. date. The referee didn’t even check the pitch. By the time we play our next league game, we could be three games behind.
“It needs to be looked at – I keep saying it! We have not lost a game but we could be second by the time we play next. “That’s ridiculous!” Despite remaining frustrated by the league schedule, Herbert was pleased to see another strong defensive display from his side on Tuesday night.
He singled out Simon Thelwell – a centre-forward who was forced to play centre-back during the match following an injury to Marcus James.
“They put us under a lot of pressure in the second half and were probably the better side in those 45 minutes,” said Herbert.
“We were carrying a few players who just weren’t at it in the second half. I wasn’t happy about that. You can’t afford to do that at this level. City of Liverpool.
“City of Liverpool were good at “After the result against City of set-pieces but we defended them Liverpool, we need to get a perbrilliantly. We had an injury to formance out of the lads,” continMarcus James and Simon Thelued the manager. well had to go centre-half and “It’s difficult when it stops and he’s a striker. starts with the fixtures and now
“You can put him anywhere, we will have to wait a bit but we though. He’s always playing with will be prepared. 110% effort and he’s a good player “We will take the cup games so you can put him anywhere and seriously. The Vase is the biggest he knows the job that needs to be one and obviously we want to get done. out of the League so that is the
“It saved us moving things priority but it’s always nice to do around elsewhere by putting well in the other cups too. Simon at centre-back and he did “I don’t know if Marcus James a great job.” will be available. He was really
Runcorn Town’s next game struggling after the game. We will isn’t for another week as they have to wait and see on that one. have to wait until next Wednes“We have a good squad though day night to play host to Alsager and anyone who comes in is as Town in the first round south secgood as the next player so I’m not tion of The Macron Cup. worried about bringing players
Herbert is keenin.”togethisside back out on the pitch and hopes Next Wednesday evening’s they can return to winning ways match at Pavilions kicks-off at after the disappointing draw with 7.45pm.