Collings answers Linnets calling
● RUNCORN Linnets added more Football League quality to their ranks this week after landing Fleetwood Town youngster Liam Collings on loan.
Collings, 18, plays as a holding midfielder and previously represented Liverpool’s academy before joining the Cod Army.
The starlet will line-up alongside Niall Watson – son of Southport manager Liam – at the Millbank, who is also enjoying a temporary spell at the club from League One outfit Accrington Stanley.
Watson made his first start for Michael Ellison’s side in the 3-1 Evo-Stik West victory over Skelmersdale United on Monday and said afterwards: “I was delighted to get my first start for Runcorn Linnets. [There was a great attitude from the lads and we’re made up with the win.”
Linnets crashed out of the FA Cup to Maltby Main on Saturday after a 2-1 defeat but bounced back admirably against Dave Powell’s United to record their first away win in the Evo-Stik West.
After opening the campaign – their first ever in the Evo-Stik pyramid – with a 4-2 loss to Droylsden, Kris Holt, Paul Shanley and Louis Corrigan’s late penalty handed Ellison’s men their second consecutive league win.
After the game, however, Skem boss Powell criticised referee Christopher Porter for his performance during the encounter.
“Decisions in the game went consistently against us despite them fouling us and wasting time and it was very inconsistent,” he said.
“Two clear shouts for penalties, studs over the ball in the first half and Will Dunne had his legs taken from under him in the box. Anywhere else on the pitch that’s a free-kick!
“At 2-1, that would have made it 2-2 with 10 minutes to go. We were absolutely flying in the last half-an-hour and I just feel absolutely gutted for the lads.
“They put so much effort in and for so many decisions to go against them in that game, I was really disappointed.”
Linnets have been handed a home derby tie with Premier Division outfit Warrington Town in the first round of the Integro Cup.
The game will be played during the week commencing September 17 with the last meeting between the two sides ending in a 1-0 home defeat for Linnets.
Trafford visit the Millbank this weekend as Runcorn look to make it three on the spin in the Evo-Stik.