Potter hits pair in cup triumph

Leek Town 1 Runcorn Linnets 4 RUNCORN LINNETS booked a trip to Evo-Stik League Northern Premier Division side Hyde United as convincing winners of their Integro League Cup second round tie at fellow West Division outfit Leek Town on Tuesday night.

Top scorer Freddie Potter crowned his comeback after suspension with a second half brace – including a stunning long-range drive.

His goals were sandwiched by a Danny O’Brien penalty, which had divided the sides at the break, and a flashing header for a rare Aaron Morris goal to round off the scoring.

The first half had seen Linnets largely dominate and dictate but at that stage the play was generally lacking in goalmouth action.

Linnets’ third spot-kick in as many matches gave them the impetus, however, to go on to ensure further progress in the competition.

O’Brien put the visitors ahead in the 23rd minute. Connor McCarthy, going clean through, was brought down inside the box.

The referee had no hesitation in granting the Linnets the spot-kick and O’Brien never looked like missing as Leek custodian Danny Roberts was sent the wrong way.

An attempted revival from the hosts was halted when on the hour, Zac Aley serving up another super centre which Potter headed in.

The home side, having built up another head of steam, got the goal they had been threatening with 20 minutes left. Aaron Bott was on hand to convert from inside the six-yard box.

But that provoked quick retaliation from Runcorn. Paul Shanley, hearing a shout from Potter, laid the ball off for the striker to drill home an unstoppable 72nd-minute effort from not far short of 25 yards.

With 16 minutes left, a terrific night’s work was rounded off in style.

Shanley was the provider and Morris the scorer, the centre-back getting in front of his man at the near post to steer home a header.

The third-round tie at Hyde is on December 4.