Potter has month to remember

AFTER scoring Runcorn Linnets’ opening goal in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over Ashton Athletic, Freddie Potter awoke yesterday morning to more good news.

‘The Wizard’ has landed The Hallmark Security League Premier Division’s Macron Player of the Month award for January after securing his nomination as the winner of the club’s corresponding Millbank honour. January saw the striker rubber-stamp his recovery from a longterm injury by having a massive influence as Linnets extended their winning run in the top flight to 10 games.

He was already considered the comeback king at the Millbank Linnets Stadium on account of his return last season from a brief spell at AFC Liverpool.

But after getting himself in peak condition in time for the new campaign and in its early weeks looking as sharp as he has ever been, the talismanic frontman was hit by serious collar bone damage in an FA Cup tie loss at Ashton Athletic.

A long and frustrating way back for the fans’ favourite was only complicated when he picked up another niggle early in his recuperation.

The double setback coincided with his colleagues in the club’s striking department continuing their own fine form.

All this meant that Potter had to bide his time and when he got out on to the field, frustrations were only exacerbated by wretched luck in front of goal as he was regularly denied by good goalkeeping and the woodwork.

However, his recent scoring record has been on an upward curve with two goals in November followed by four in December, including a derby double at Pavilions against Runcorn Town.

Despite Linnets boss Michael Ellison having an embarrassment of frontline riches with top scorer Stuart Wellstead, long-serving Mark Houghton and former Conference South striker Mitch Bryant all vying for places, Potter figured in all five January matches.

Five appearances yielded five goals during the month, taking his total to 14 from 26 outings, including – because of injuries – just 11 starts.