Kim cracks Runcorn’s winner

WEST KIRBY LADIES 1

LINNETS LADIES 2 LINNETS Ladies had to come from behind to secure all three points on Sunday at Bidston Tennis and Sports Complex.

In an entertaining game, the home side exerted early pressure with a string of corner kicks while the Linnets arguably had the better of the first-half chances and should have scored on more than one occasion.

However, a mix-up in the Runcorn defence led to the Linnets going a goal behind on 25 minutes, a fine lofted shot beating goalkeeper Rebekah Durr.

The Linnets got back on level terms in the 41st minute when Tempany Carlson’s free-kick wrong footed the home goalkeeper and crashed in off the right post.

Carlson was unlucky moments later with another shot that was scrambled off the line.

The second half began with Runcorn exerting pressure then manager John Pickering freshened up the play on 58 minutes with a double substitution. Caitlin Gibbons and Gabby Evans replaced Ellie Isherwood and Mary Rossiter-Gurrell, respectively.

Gibbons’ pace down the left flank was a particularly effective weapon for the Linnets, giving them a new dimension.

Runcorn didn’t have to wait long as Kim Roberts turned in the box to hit a shot high into the net on 67 minutes.

The home side were still dangerous, however, and the Linnets were indebted to Durr, who pulled off a couple of fine saves to keep her side in front.

Runcorn thought they had that crucial third goal on 78 minutes as the home keeper took the ball over the line with her momentum, but Chelsea Gillies was adjudged to have committed a foul in the process.

It was one of those decisions which could have gone either way and, in this case, the referee’s verdict was probably right.

But Runcorn were well on top in the game with Lile Ashley putting a chance over the crossbar – which she then hit with another effort.