‘Onwards and upwards now’
● Striker Freddie Potter slides away in delight after scoring what proved to be the winning goal for Runcorn Linnets against Ramsbottom United last Saturday afternoon.
RUNCORN LINNETS are back to the top of the EvoStik League West Division table after another incredible week for Michael Ellison’s men.
Linnets managed a dramatic 3-2 victory at Ramsbottom United last Saturday afternoon after twice taking the lead and being pegged pack.
Freddie Potter netted the winner with 10 minutes remaining before Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit Hyde United were put to the sword on penalties in The Integro League Cup third round on Tuesday night after the match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Louis Corrigan’s second half equaliser from the penalty spot helped take the tie to a shootout before debutant goalkeeper Tom Scott made himself the hero with two crucial saves from 12-yards.
“It’s been a really good week!” Ellison beamed.
“It was a tough game against Ramsbottom because they were unbeaten in 13.
“Considering the injuries we’ve got I was delighted to get all three points and then we followed it up on Tuesday with another really good performance. “There are positives all round. “I think we were worth the two victories, we deserved to win both games and onwards and upwards, hopefully.”
Ellison also admitted he has a potential selection headache on his hands after the impressive debut of goalkeeper Scott.
Dylan Forth and Matt Holmes have been Linnets’ regular keepers this term but the former Kendal Town man enjoyed a dream start to life at the club on Tuesday evening.
“It was a dream debut! I was made up for the lad,” Ellison said.
“He’s been out for a while injured and he contacted me asking if he could come down.
“It was the perfect opportunity to give him some game time [against Hyde] and he done really well. He’s given me a bit of a headache, to be honest!”
With several players also continuing their comeback from injury over the past few weeks, the Runcorn manager was also pleased to see the return of two squad members at Hyde on Tuesday evening.
“Josh Dobie got 90 minutes – he’s been out for a very long time,” Ellison added.
“That’s a real plus point. Jack Hinnigan got some game time so it was really important that lads got minutes and it was a positive night all-round.”
The Runcorn boss also confirmed striker Connor McCarthy has left the club to join Evo-Stik League Premier Division outfit Warrington Town.
Runcorn continue their league programme at home on Saturday when they play host to Glossop North End at the Millbank Linnets Stadium. The match has a 3pm kick-off time.
Linnets are without a midweek game next week.