‘Stop conceding sloppy goals’
●
RUNCORN LINNETS’ winning streak ended on Saturday as they had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Abbey Hey.
Michael Ellison’s side had won four successive games in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division prior to Saturday’s draw but they faced tough opponents in the outfit from Gorton in Greater Manchester.
Manager Ellison described them as the “best side to come to the Millbank Stadium this season” but was still disappointed not to secure maximum spoils from the encounter.
He admitted Linnets were forced to make a few changes due to injury concerns but overall it was a lack of concentration which proved costly.
“At home we are always disappointed when we don’t win games,” said Ellison.
“I thought Abbey Hey were a really good side though. They were probably the best side to come to our ground this season.
“We weren’t at our best in the first half but they played well in all fairness. We gifted them two poor goals too.
“To get back into the game the way we did and then have enough opportunities to get the winner and not do it was disappointing. “We just couldn’t score. “We lost our centre-half with a knee problem so we had to shuffle things about a little and it was just a sloppy second goal in particular that we conceded.
“It was one header over the top of the back four and there were a couple of other mistakes in the build-up too really.
“We were disappointed to concede in that manner and it’s something we need to work on.
“It was a little bit of a lack of concentration.
“We created a lot of opportunities and we should have nicked a win.”
Linnets are involved in backto-back away games this week.
Last night they were at AFC Darwen while this Saturday afternoon they take a trip north to The Brian Addison Stadium for a meeting with struggling Squires Gate (kick-off 3pm).
Ellison admitted there may still be a few players absent from the squad through injury but he hopes his side can continue their HALLMARK SECURITY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION bright form.
“We have lost Danny McKenna our full-back and we have had to move a few players around to accommodate a few injuries in defence,” said Ellison.
“We have been unlucky as the strength of the squad has really been tested so early on in the season. Aaron Morris certainly won’t be fit so we might bring Tom Hardwick in but he’s not kicked a ball for a while.
“Over the next two weeks we will be trying to bring a few lads in to get some more match fitness after suffering injuries.
“There are no easy games and we have to turn up each week.
“We are on a decent run at the minute so we will go into each game confident. We just need to stop conceding sloppy goals now!”