We’re in a good place – Ellison
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RAMPANT Runcorn Linnets extended their lead at the top of the Hallmark Security League Premier Division table to 10 points with a 5-1 home win over AFC Darwen last Saturday afternoon.
A double from Kris Holt and strikes from Paul Shanley, Michael Simpson and Stuart Wellstead secured an emphatic victory, but boss Michael Ellison was concerned by his side’s start to the game.
Darwen – who sit second-bottom and 13 points from safety in the table – stole a shock early lead on Runcorn when defender Luke Cassidy opened the scoring after nine minutes, and Ellison was relieved to gain victory in the end.
“I think we started slow and missed a couple of chances,” the manager reflected.
“Darwen came and had a go at us and we conceded a goal which I wasn’t too happy with and I let them know that at half-time.
“It’s hard playing teams at the bottom.
“It’s a no-win situation. You’re expected to beat them and if you don’t it’s the end of the world so we’re just glad to get the win.”
Mark Houghton made his 200th appearance for the club in the process and the manager was full of praise for his forward.
“He’s a top lad and a top player. I’ve played alongside him and now I’m managing him,” Ellison explained.
“He’s a joy to work with. He looks after himself.”
With a trip to bottom-of-thetable Barnton next up tomorrow night, the manager has spoken to his players about managing expectations.
“We had a little chat about it. The mood is good, we’re in a good place and we’re scoring goals,” he continued.
“But with the opportunity for sides to go up finishing second, teams at sixth and seventh are thinking they could probably get up there so it’s competitive.”
He added: “It can all change a seven point gap [if teams around Linnets win games-in-hand] isn’t a lot and there’s a lot to play for. Everyone expects up to go to Barnton and get a win but we played them a couple of weeks ago and they’re not a bad side.
“Chris Smith is a goalscorer with 25 goals and it certainly won’t be an easy game as they’re fighting for their lives.”
Tomorrow evening’s match at Townfield kicks-off at 7.45pm.
Runcorn are back on home turf at the Millbank Linnets Stadium next Tuesday night when they play host to mid-table Ashton Athletic. The game has a 7.45pm kick-off.