All’s Wellstead that ends well for Runcorn
AFC DARWEN ............................................ 0 RUNCORN LINNETS ................................. 3 ATIENCE was the order of the day on a glorious Saturday afternoon in Darwen, where despite dominating proceedings from the off, Runcorn Linnets had to wait until the final quarter of the match before opening the scoring in their Hallmark Security League Premier Division encounter.
The breakthrough came on the back of a triple attacking substitution from Runcorn manager Michael Ellison, which once again proved a master-stroke.
Matthew Holmes was at Darwen but hobbling around on crutches after injuring a foot at work so Adam Caunce returned between the posts for the Linnets. And with Paul Shanley beginning a suspension, Antony Hickey started out wide in his place.
The early exchanges were subdued, both sides acclimatising to the heat, but when Mark Houghon got round the home side’s goalkeeper Ben Proctor but volleyed wide, Linnets went on to take complete control without being able to make the net ripple.
Houghton got in on the ‘keeper three times in the first half but was unable to convert, and both Freddie Potter and Hickey put headers wide from some inviting Danny McKenna centres when well-placed.
It took a last-ditch sliding block to prevent Aaron Morris from opening the scoring for the visitors before a flicked header by a Darwen defender in his own penalty area had Proctor beaten but the ball dropped inches wide of the target, much to his relief.
Linnets left the pitch at half-time feeling frustrated that their dominance had shown no rewards, but it was crucial to remain composed and patient and that was the message continually from the visitors’ bench.
With half-an-hour remaining, boss Ellison made his triple substitution, introducing Kyle Hamid, Mike Simpson and Stuart Wellstead to the fray, giving them ample time to affect the outcome of the game.
The effect was immediate as the injec-
P● tion of pace and energy on a sapping afternoon rejuvenated the visitors, who set about winning the game.
The breakthrough finally came in the 68th minute.
McKenna had the ball on the left and drilled in a dart-like cross to the far post where Wellstead had sneaked in under the radar to plant a firm header across Proctor and remove any worries that all the pressure would come to nothing.
Within eight minutes, the score was 3-0 and the victory secured.
Potter could have got the goal that his play deserved when he was one-on-one with Proctor, but as the Runcorn man was upended, the ball fell to his teammate Zac Aley who netted.
The third goal was the pick of the bunch as a lobbed pass forward from Hamid caught the Darwen defence flatfooted and Wellstead lifted the ball over the advancing Proctor and into the net to add some gloss to the scoreline.
Ultimately, Linnets’ never-give-up attitude showed its disappointing flip side late on as Potter gave his all to keep in play a loose ball, but he overstretched and went down immediately clutching a hamstring.
It was such a shame to see ‘The Wizard’ limping towards the changing rooms in real discomfort, given the impact he has had since his return to the club.
The win keeps up the pressure on the sides around Linnets, and although games are starting to run out for the Runcorn outfit, Ellison and his management team will be working hard to try to achieve the 12 points still available and see where it gets them in the end.