Ellison delighted as youth deliver Senior service

RUNCORN LINNETS enjoyed a hugely-successful few days as they thrashed West Didsbury & Chorlton 7-0 in the league last Saturday before netting a late winner against Congleton Town in the cup on Tuesday evening.

Linnets’ stoppage-time goal netted by Stuart Wellstead in the Cheshire Senior Cup capped off an impressive display from a young side.

Manager Michael Ellison made five changes to the starting XI which picked up a convincing win in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division on Saturday.

Two of those alterations were a 17-year-old right-back and an 18-year-old midfielder so boss Ellison was understandably delighted with the display and making progress in the cup competition.

“It was a really impressive performance. We did well on Saturday and I made five changes for the cup game,” he said.

“I played lots of young players so it was a good opportunity for them and it was a chance to give some of our regular players some rest.

“Obviously we have had a lot of injuries recently so it is important to keep them fresh and it was nice to give the youngsters a game.

“It was end-to-end but I thought we deserved the win in the end.

“I’m pleased we got that goal because it has given the team a real buzz.

“We missed a couple of chances before that too. I don’t think either squad needed it to go to extra-time and I was worried it was.

“I made a few changes and they were all involved in the goal so I was over the moon and it was an excellent goal too!”

Runcorn Linnets return to action on Saturday when they entertain Northern League Division One outfit Sunderland RCA in the second round of the FA Vase at the Millbank Linnets Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Ellison is expected to make several more changes to the starting line-up as he welcomes back some experienced players and others who are returning from injury.

However, Ellison was “impressed” by the performances of his young stars and highlighted Kasie Jones as someone who could be up for selection again in the near future.

“We will take it very seriously – it is a big game for us. We drove up to Sunderland this week to have a look at them,” said Ellison.

“We know what to expect and we know what we have to do because we have done our homework on them and are prepared.

“The players did really well in the cup game and it was really good to give the kids a game so they proved themselves.

“Adam Jones got an injury which was a set-back for us but that is football and we are starting to get used to the injuries!

“Young Kasie Jones was absolutely fantastic and it was against a tough Congleton side so he really, really impressed me at right-back.

“I’m absolutely delighted for the youngsters.”