Big clash ends in a stalemate

West Kirby Ladies 1 R’corn Linnets Ladies 1 THE big Cheshire Women’s League Premier Division clash of the day saw honours end even between unbeaten second-placed West Kirby Ladies and Runcorn Linnets Ladies who are in third spot.

It is probably fair to say the game did not live up to its billing with both sides leaving their shooting boots at home.

Early West Kirby pressure saw Tish Collins clear the danger.

A wayward shot at Runcorn’s goal preceded a Becky Barker effort that cleared the bar at the other end.

Megan Pickering had to be alert in the 23rd minute, saving a half chance before racing out of her box to sweep up a ball over the back line.

Runcorn were forced into a change on 33 minutes, Ellie Johnston replacing the injured Mary Rossiter-Gurrell at left-back.

Linnets opened the scoring five minutes before the break. Millie Critchley crossed the ball into the area from the left. And as keeper, defender and Barker converged, the Runcorn player got the key touch.

The second half started with both sides putting balls tantalisingly in behind the opposing defence.

With Lile Ashley having replaced Marcia Jones-Sacharewicz on 53 minutes, taking up the striker’s role, Chelsea Gillies nearly doubled Linnets’ lead, firing just wide on the hour.

Soon after, West Kirby forced a couple of flag-kicks, scrambling an equaliser from the second. Post-match, Runcorn’s players were adamant that the corner bringing the goal should not have been awarded, insisting the ball had not crossed the goalline and a throw-in should have been awarded instead.

On 79 minutes, Runcorn brought on Ellie Isherwood for Gabby Evans to go three at the back. If either side was going to find a winner now, the chances were it would be the Linnets.

West Kirby were content to run the clock down but Linnets wasted three chances in the final throes which could have brought them a victory.