Linnets hit by injury concerns
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RUNCORN LINNETS picked up four points from their last two games and extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches.
Michael Ellison’s side drew 1-1 with Hanley Town last Wednesday night before recording a narrow 1-0 victory over Burscough last Saturday afternoon.
Both opposition have undergone several changes in recent weeks so Ellison wasn’t sure what to expect but he was pleased with the draw, despite dropping two points.
In a feisty clash in the Potteries last Wednesday, Linnets had three players sent-off late in the game.
“The Hanley game was a bit of a cagey one,” said Ellison.
“It was a bit ridiculous really because they gave us a referee that couldn’t control the game – I don’t know why they keep doing this.
“It was a good result against a strong side but it wasn’t a sending-off (the red card for Antony Hickey). Their player was rolling around and he made a meal of it.
“It was embarrassing really. For their management team to condone it is unacceptable.
“It was a good result but I can’t fathom it. It was just something that goes against everything I would have stood for.
“You wouldn’t catch a player of mine doing that kind of thing, that’s for sure.”
Despite frustrations over the officiating, Ellison was delighted his side were able to bounce back with a win over Burscough.
It was a bittersweet victory, though, as Runcorn suffered yet more injuries and now have serious concerns going into this weekend’s game.
Linnets are on their travels up to the North East for a showdown with Team Northumbria in the first round of the FA Vase – and Ellison is preparing to take drastic measures in order to field 11 players for the game.
“It was poor conditions for the game on Saturday but Burscough played well and have made lots of changes to the team,” he said.
“They worked hard and were always in the game at 1-0 but I felt comfortable and a win was never in doubt for us.
“We had Danny O’Brien and Adam Jones come off with injuries in the game and now we are really struggling. We have got a few younger players we can bring on – like Kasie Jones who has been around the squad a bit already this season.
“But I’m trying to bring in a few new players this week. We might have to look at bringing in players in on dual-registration. We are missing lots of players.
“The injury list is as long as my arm. It is going to be difficult.
“I’m not too sure if we will be strong enough to get the win.
“It will be a case of playing lads out of position so if we can get 11 players on the pitch I will be happy! It really is bad. I don’t want players to play injured as we need them for the rest of the season but we will assess where we’re at this week.”
Saturday’s clash at Team Northumbria’s Coach Lane Sports Centre ground kicks-off at 3pm. AFTER enjoying the weekend off, Runcorn Town are raring to get back in action with a doubleheader against Alsager Town this week.
Chris Herbert’s side are unbeaten in the league this season and sit a point clear from Runcorn Linnets with two games in hand.
However, they have been in this position before – when they were cruising at the top over Christmas last season – only to fall away in the New Year.
Herbert will be keen for his side to bounce straight back from their short time off with a double win over Alsager Town.
Town were scheduled to host Alsager in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division last night before travelling to the same opposition on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) and Herbert hopes to welcome back a few players who have recovered from injury during the lay-off.
“We go into the games with only one injury which is to Marcus James,” said Herbert.
“He picked up a nasty ankle injury at City Of Liverpool last weekend and will be missing for at least a couple of weeks. But his injury gives an opportunity to the likes of Josh Dobie who is more than capable of stepping in and making the place his own.”
Herbert has also urged his players to lift their game despite being strong favourites to go far in the FA Vase.
“Alsager have been on a great run and they are a real threat. They have nothing to lose in the games and come in to it with no pressure on them,” said Herbert.
“We are doing well in our league and everyone expects us to do well. We went out to lower opposition in all of the cups last season so we won’t be making that mistake again.
“The FA Vase is a prestigious cup competition that gives us our best ever chance of playing at Wembley Stadium in the final. We are classed as one of the favourites for the competition because of the start we have had and we need to show why this is the case on Saturday.
“Alsager will not change their shape against us. They are a decent attacking team who play a 3-5-2 formation so we have to set up for that. The last few weeks have been a bit stop-start with postponed fixtures and free weekends but hopefully now we can get a serious run of games going.
“After Saturday’s game we will be at home to Witton Albion in the Cheshire Senior Cup so it’s all cup action and it gives us a chance to get going again before we return to the bread and butter of league action.”
Should Saturday’s FA Vase clash with Alsager finish in a draw, the replay will take place at Pavilions next Wednesday evening displacing the scheduled Cheshire Senior Cup match with Witton Albion (kick-off 7.45pm).
After last night’s match at Alsager, Runcorn Town’s next league game is away against Barnton a week on Saturday – October 28.