‘We know what we need to do’
● Runcorn Linnets striker Freddie Potter – pictured shooting for goal against AFC Darwen last month – enjoyed a January to remember picking up two awards. Turn to page 51 for full story.
MICHAEL ELLISON believes his Runcorn Linnets players “understand what needs to be done” after recording 12th straight victory against Ashton Athletic on Tuesday night.
Goals from Freddie Potter and Paul Shanley took Ellison’s side a huge 13 points clear at the top of the division with two games in hand on second-placed Widnes FC.
Linnets have not lost in the league since the Halloween defeat to Irlam, and the manager is keen for his players to continue in the same vein without losing sight of the prize at hand.
They did, however, go a goal behind to bottom-of-the-table Barnton last Saturday before recording a 3-1 victory.
Did Ellison ever believe his side’s good form was about to end dramatically?
“We didn’t panic and we reacted really well,” he asserted.
“We just kept playing. It was a terrific strike from them but like I say, the lads kept playing and creating opportunities and in the end we took them.”
After eventually running out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Michael Simpson, Louis Corrigan and Paul Shanley, Linnets faced a “tough” Ashton side.
“They’re a very good side and the games always tend to be tight,” the manager said, as Ashton became the first side to stop Linnets scoring three times in a league game for five matches.
“They gave us a hiding earlier in the season so it was an opportunity to put it right, but it was a tight game and a tough one.”
With two sides being promoted from the Hallmark Security League Premier Division this season, Linnets’ 13-point advantage at the top of the table means it would take a considerable collapse for Ellison’s men to throw the title away.
The manager, however, is taking nothing for granted.
“The next result is the most important one,” he stated firmly.
“We’re just concentrating on ticking each one off and trying to get a result.
“The lads understand what needs to be done and we know that we always have to be at our best.”
Runcorn put their excellent run of form on the line at Northwich Victoria on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm). Linnets are also on their travels next Tuesday night when they go to Padiham. That match at the Ruby Civil Arena kicks-off at 7.45pm.