Herbert positive despite missing out on a victory
● RUNCORN TOWN boss Chris Herbert saw his side concede a last-minute penalty which denied his side a win in a thrilling draw with Bootle on Tuesday evening – but remains in upbeat mood as their quest for promotion from the Hallmark Security League Premier Division continues.
The visitors led 3-2 going into the final stages – thanks to goals from Paul McManus, Harry Brazel and Kevin Exell – but Liam Loughlin’s dramatic spot-kick allowed Bootle to stay within touching distance of Herbert’s men.
“It was a really good game with pure attacking football from both sides,” Herbert said. “Bootle fancy themselves and like to go for it. “Like I said to the lads before the game, whoever defended best was going to win the game and both sides didn’t defend great but the attackers on both sides were really good.
“We were missing Craig Cairns so we played Kevin Exell up front who played very well, but if Craig plays the scoreline is different.”
With Town now level on points with thirdplaced Charnock Richard (58) – and 11 points behind in-form Widnes FC but with five games in hand – Herbert admitted the draw was not such a bad result for his team.
He explained: “It was important not to lose because Bootle stayed below us. The only team who have gained anything on us is Widnes, but they beat Linnets [who are top of the league], so the scores have worked out well for us. Everyone in the top five – plus 1874 Northwich who have got nine games on us – are all in it.”
Runcorn travel to struggling Burscough on Saturday – who sit just four points outside the relegation places – and Herbert reckons it is a vital week for his team as they also face Squires Gate at home next Wednesday night and a trip to Hanley Town a week on Saturday.
Added Herbert: “Performance-wise we’re getting better every game and we’re in the ascendancy. We’re coming into form at the right time and it’s going to be an exciting end to the season. The lads want to play games and now they’re coming it’s perfect. We want the games.”
Saturday’s match at Burscough kicks-off at 3pm while the home encounter with Squires Gate at Pavilions next Wednesday evening has a 7.45pm kick-off time. ● Turn to page 55 for full match report and more pictures from the game with Bootle.