Flying Linnets stay ‘grounded’
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MICHAEL ELLISON has asserted Runcorn Linnets will remain grounded in their pursuit of EvoStik League West Division glory this season.
The newly-promoted outfit have enjoyed a stunning start to life in the higher division and ended 2018 top of the league following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Skelmersdale United last Saturday afternoon.
“The position we’re in is great but we’re keeping our feet on the ground,” Ellison said.
“There’s other clubs who have got games in hand on us and if they win those games we’d be third.
“We’re not stupid but we’d rather have the points on the board.
“Most clubs would. It’s been a really, really good year.
“Last year was a bit different because I expected us to go on and win the league when we were top at Christmas because we had the best squad and the best players. I think we’ve got a really good squad and really good players now but this league is a little bit different. We’re keeping our feet on the ground.”
Linnets enter this month with a tough start to the New Year ahead.
After a blank Saturday this weekend, their next match sees Stalybridge Celtic visit the Millbank Linnets Stadium next Tuesday evening in the Cheshire Senior Cup first round before league clashes against Atherton Collieries, Prescot Cables and Leek Town respectively.
All three sides are currently in the top five in the division and within just nine points of Ellison’s pacesetters.
“It’s a real important month for us,” the manager added.
“Come the end of January and we’ll have a really good idea of where we are.
“I know we’re halfway through the season now but they are three really good sides who are up there.”
It is also understood that Linnets are chasing a striker and central defender with the club in talks with several targets.
Freddie Potter is the only available attacker while the boss is also searching for cover at the back.
Added Ellison: “It’s a really important month for us and we’re trying to get a couple of lads in so fingers crossed but it’s easier said than done.
“If not, we’ll go with what we’ve got and see where we are.” RUNCORN TOWN manager Chris Herbert admitted he was disappointed to lose teenage striker Leon Wright to Barnton last week.
Wright, 17, was tipped for big things by Herbert after arriving at the start of the campaign and made 19 appearances during his short time at the Viridor Community Stadium.
The youngster, who scored his first goal for the club against Northwich Victoria back in November, is understood to have joined Hallmark Security First Division side Barnton in search of regular first-team football after predominantly being used as a substitute by Herbert.
“I’m pretty sure Leon is going to make it as a player if he keeps doing what he’s doing,” the manager said earlier in the season.
“For a player that age to be at this level, pushing the likes of Dale Jennings and Jamie Menagh for a starting role, it’s unheard of. “Leon will make it; he’s just got to be patient. “He’s got to learn from the lads playing in front of him and he’ll go far.”
Speaking after Wright’s move, however, the former Flint Town boss added: “Leon wants to play. I can’t guarantee anyone minutes so I think it was in his interest to go and get games.
“Unfortunately he’s just turned 17 and I thought he was learning quite well. I understand he wants to play and I can’t guarantee it so he’s moved on.”
Town’s miserable winter continued at West Didbsury & Chorlton last Saturday as they went down 3-1 to Dave Powell’s strugglers.
Runcorn have now lost eight of their last 13 games in all competitions and Herbert admitted he has never experienced form like it as a boss.
“It’s frustrating. It’s not just me it’s the players as well,” he added. “The whole club feels the same. “The fans aren’t happy when you’re getting beat but the players see it as well. It’s what happens in football.
“As soon as things aren’t going right everyone has a little pipe up.
“When it goes well everyone loves it and you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth.”
Town, who have now slipped to fourth place in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division, are now 14 points adrift of pacesetters City of Liverpool.
They are next in action on Saturday when they play host to Bootle in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.
The match at the Viridor Community Stadium kicks-off at 3pm. Runcorn are without a midweek game next week. ●