Ellison hails his flying Linnets
● The delight of goalscorer Freddie Potter ( is clear to see as Kyle Hamid ( and Niall Watson join the celebrations during Runcorn Linnets’ 2-0 win over Colne FC at the Millbank Linnets Stadium last Saturday.
MANAGER Michael Ellison has praised his Runcorn Linnets players after their flying start to the 201819 campaign.
Linnets, promoted as champions from last season’s Hallmark Security League Premier Division, have won all five games since their opening day defeat to Droylsden and defeated Warrington Town on penalties in The Integro Cup on Tuesday night.
“It was a nice distraction from the league,” Ellison said after the victory in midweek.
“Lads got minutes who’ve been patient, who’ve sat on the bench and waited so we’ll do that tonight and then go into Saturday confident.”
Linnets have conceded just two goals in their past four games while scoring eight and sit second in the Evo-Stik West Division, just one point behind early pacesetters Radcliffe FC.
With Colne dispatched 2-0 last Saturday, Ellison believes it is the players who deserve all the acclaim.
“We’re playing well. It was a really good performance on Saturday,” he continued.
“I said to the lads before the game all the results have been close. I think we were the better side on Saturday.
“We weren’t troubled but the previous games could have went either way – they were nip and tuck and we seen it out.
“The lads deserve massive credit for the way they’ve started.
“It’s been a response from the first game at Droylsden and they’re getting better each week.
“Hopefully we can continue that.”
When asked about his side’s continued success this season after being promoted last term, the boss highlighted the fact that most of his stars have been at the Millbank for several campaigns.
“I think it’s key. It was key last year.
“The nucleus of the side stayed secretary@runcorngolfclub.co.uk www.runcorngolfclub.co.uk together and the majority of lads have been with me since day one,” he said.
“And even though we’ve brought a few lads in and lost a couple it helps. They know our shape, they know how we want to play and although we’ve tweaked it a little it’s still pretty much the same as what we were trying to do last year.”
Linnets are on their travels on Saturday when they visit Atherton Collieries for a league match.
The game at Alder Street kicksoff at 3pm.
Runcorn also have an away match in the league next Tuesday evening when they go to Mossley AFC. The encounter at Seel Park has a 7.45pm kick-off time.