Replay win could turn our season Linnets boss: We can move forward from this result
MICHAEL Ellison believes Tuesday’s FA Trophy replay victory at Prescot Cables could turn Runcorn Linnets’ season.
Linnets produced a dramatic late equaliser through Zac Aley at the Millbank Stadium on Saturday before winning 2-1 at Cables on Tuesday.
Paul Shanley opened the scoring in the first half before Tom Owens was dismissed on the stroke of half-time.
Despite the one-man deficit, Ryan Gibson doubled Linnets’ lead with half an hour remaining before Ryan Edgar’s penalty ensuring a nervy last 25 minutes for Ellison’s side.
“Where do I start? I thought we were excellent, absolutely excellent,” the manager said after the game.
“It’s no secret we got off the hook with Prescot in the last game, we were poor and I said to the lads before the game it was a massive opportunity that we can’t let slip away.
“They turned up tonight, the boys. Everyone to a man was excellent. Going down to ten men and seeing the half out with ten men and getting the second goal I thought we were excellent.
“I’m delighted because we’ve beaten a really good side.”
Linnets missed out on the play-off places via goal difference last season but currently find themselves nine points behind fifth place Pontefract Collieries. With Runcorn yet to win an away game in the BetVictor North West Division, Ellison is hopeful the result at Prescot can reignite their campaign.
“They have to kick on and take it into the league now,” he continued.
“I know I’ve said it a couple of times before but a performance and a result like that could turn our season.
“Hopefully we’ll regroup on Thursday and take it into Saturday against Ramsbottom United.”
Goalkeeper Matt Holmes replaced on-loan Tranmere Rovers starlet Bayleigh Passant for the double-header against Cables and Ellison was also impressed with his performance.
“He was excellent from start to finish,” he said.
“He commanded his box, he took the pressure off us time and time again when they put in really good deliveries and he was brave. He was excellent and his kicking was good as well! Excellent, I’m delighted.”
● Match reports: p46&47
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