Linnets edged by Egerton
Egerton Ladies 2 R’corn Linnets Ladies 1 BIG decisions went against Runcorn Linnets in a narrow Cheshire Women’s League defeat on Sunday.
A draw would have been fair result on the balance of play.
In a very uninspiring first half, the first controversial decision came in the 17th minute as Kim Roberts turned the Egerton centre-half in the area only to be tripped. But the referee awarded a free-kick outside the area.
Three minutes before half-time, Megan Pickering got free from her marker before being taken down by the home goalkeeper as she poked the ball towards the net. ●
Her effort was cleared by the back-tracking Egerton defence before it reached the goalline.
With Runcorn’s players appealing for a penalty, the referee, after momentary hesitation, awarded a goal.
They had not even claimed one amid protests by home team players and management that the ball had not crossed the line.
The decision to give Runcorn a goal benefited the home side who retained their goalkeeper for the remainder of the match when she could have expected a red card.
Defending the slope, Linnets knew they would have backs to the wall for the second half.
Rebekah Durr made a superb save but Runcorn defended stubbornly throughout.
Having survived two stonewall penalty claims against them in the first half, the home side were granted one at their own in the 76th minute. This brought their equaliser.
The Egerton winner came from a free-kick four minutes from time, given for what appeared an innocuous 50/50 challenge on the edge of the penalty area.
Durr got a hand to the shot but could not keep the ball out.