Herbert wants strong finish
RUNCORN TOWN recorded a 1-0 victory against Winsford United on Saturday but they were unable to follow it up with another win on Tuesday.
Chris Herbert’s side dropped two vital points in the midweek fixture as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Ashton Athletic.
It was certainly points dropped as Town are among several teams at the top still in with an outside chance of winning the Hallmark Security League Premier Division title.
Boss Herbert admitted his disappointment at not being able to pick up the victory but he still remains positive and expects his team to finish the season strongly.
“It was a game we should have won. We need to just stay in and around it. We want to have a say in who wins the league,” he said.
“It was a really bobbly pitch and we just need to accept that it can be like that sometimes. We played some decent football on it but they are a good footballing side too.
“I like that about them. We deserved to win the game but we missed a penalty and we’ve only missed two all season.
“The lads are gutted that they didn’t win. It feels like a defeat when we draw because we’re at the top and everything counts.
“We were doing so well until all the games got called off and we fell behind. We win a game on a Saturday and then Atherton win during the week so they’re keeping in front and that’s just how the fixtures are.
“It’s frustrating and I don’t understand why the league have done it that way but that’s how it is and we just need to keep up with them.
“We just can’t catch up at the moment because of the games ● Joe Holt ( is focused on taking control of the ball for Runcorn Town in their encounter with Winsford United last Saturday afternoon. behind. Credit to them though because they’re winning the games. I do think there will be slip-ups, though, and we need to be there.
“We’ll do well and be in and around it. We’ve got to keep going because we’re playing some good football.”
Herbert admitted he was forced to make a few changes to the squad ahead of their draw with Ashton Athletic but he expects all of his squad to perform to the best of their ability when called upon.
The manager admitted Town slipped up earlier in the season but he has urged the players to make up for it in the final weeks.
“We had a few missing due to illness so we had to change things around a bit.
“Everybody is back this weekend which is nice,” said Herbert.
“I knew it was coming to the point where we would have everybody back.
“We needed those three points really to put the pressure on teams. But we can only do what we can do now.
“There will be no headaches in terms of selection. They slippedup really on Tuesday so we can change things now and the players can’t complain.
“We’re in this position because the players haven’t performed. We’ve taken all the excuses away from the players and they can’t perform badly.
“I want them to do things right and be as professional as they can.
“It’s a short career when you’re a footballer and I want them to enjoy it every day while they can and make the most of it. You want them to be desperate to win games.”
On Easter Sunday evening as part of Groundhop 2017, Runcorn Town return to action when they entertain Barnton at Pavilions (kick-off 6pm) and Herbert was reminded of the last time the two teams faced each other.
He expects a similarly tough encounter and has urged his players to start off brightly, play with intensity and ensure they don’t concede early on.
“When we played at Barnton they were on top for the first 20-25 minutes and we saved a penalty. If they had scored it could have been a different story.
“There were a few little problems on the pitch which we weren’t doing right until we got ourselves going.
“It’s important we get off to a good start and put them under pressure early on.
“If you’re bottom of the league and you score a goal against a team like us who are near the top it can give you confidence to push on so we don’t want that.”
Town are on their travels next Wednesday evening when they face another important match at Barnoldswick Town. The game at the Silentnight Stadium kicks-off at 7.45pm. ● Turn to page 53 for reports from the victory over Winsford United and the draw with Ashton Athletic. RUNCORN LINNETS solidified their position in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division table following another 3-0 victory against AFC Darwen on Saturday.
They currently sit in second place, just five points behind leaders Atherton Collieries and despite the teams below having games in hand, they are still not out of the title race.
Michael Ellison’s side have been in excellent form for the final stages of the season and the boss was pleased to add another three points.
“It was another good win. We got there in the end. As soon as we got the first goal we started to ease up,” said Ellison.
“We could have made it easier for ourselves and put away our chances earlier in the game but it was great to get the win. The lads looked a bit tired though – mentally and physically – which is understandable given the amount of games we’ve had up to now. The changes helped to freshen things up and everybody was enjoying themselves so there’s a good team spirit at the moment and that is something I’m really pleased about and it’s good to see.”
Despite a pleasing performance and another victory, there were a few setbacks on Saturday as the Linnets picked up a few injuries.
It means they will be without a number of players this Saturday when they entertain Maine Road at the Millbank Linnets Stadium (ko 3pm) and striker Freddie Porter is expected to miss the rest of the campaign.
Continued Ellison: “We got a few knocks on Saturday which I’m disappointed about – but we’ll be working hard to keep up the pressure on the top-four. Freddie Potter could have ended his season. He’s probably been our player of the month too but he’s popped his hamstring and it’s unlikely he’ll recover before. We have a decent squad and we have got lads who can come in and do a decent job. We’ve been a little unlucky with injuries though. Our goalkeeper broke his ankle in work so we had to find a replacement for him and now we’ve lost Freddie. I’m gutted for the lad. Since he’s come back he’s been fantastic. His attitude and work rate is always excellent and the way it’s ended has just been so unlucky. He’ll be here next season though I hope and we can start fresh then and build up for next season.”
Following Easter Saturday’s game, Linnets visit Hanley Town on Easter Monday (ko 3pm). ● In line with other sections of the local community, fans of Runcorn Linnets are being asked to wear yellow this Saturday, when the first team entertains Maine Road. This is in memory of former Runcorn Town junior footballer Charlie Lunt who died aged 10 on April 15 last year following a courageous battle fighting cancer. Funds are being raised to help the three children’s cancer charities, which supported Charlie and his family – James Apter Friendship Fund, CHICS (Children’s Cancer Support Group) and the Owen McVeigh Foundation. A bucket collection will take place at Saurday’s match.