Kieran’s double puts paid to dogged Irlam

RUNCORN Town finally ended their penalty drought as Kieran Holsgrove’s double from the spot saw them edge a scrappy game away at Silver Street.

Paul McManus made four changes to the starting line-up with Liam Turner, Mark Haslam, Simon Thelwell and Danny Byrnes all returning from the side which beat Winsford last Saturday.

The first half was a close affair and both teams were restricted to half chances.

The best one for Runcorn came in the 42nd minute when Aidan Roxburgh crossed the ball from the right towards Kieran Holsgrove who headed the ball just over the crossbar.

At the other end Irlam had their best chance of the half just a minute later when Jordan Icely had a fierce shot from distance. It was saved superbly by Adam Reid, who dived to his left to push the ball away for Haslam to complete the clearance.

However, the deadlock was broken in the 51st minute as Irlam pushed forward. Putting some good passes together from the right flank started by Jordan Southworth, the ball was then passed to Jack Lever who fired across Adam Reid into the bottom corner.

Irlam’s lead had lasted two minutes when Kieran Holsgrove was subjected to a rough tackle which gave Mr Swift no option but to point to the penalty spot.

Holsgrove coolly stepped up and blasted the ball home to level the scores.

Shaun Weaver then missed a huge chance to make it two when he hammered the ball over the crossbar from just six-yards following a Holsgrove corner.

There was some late drama to be had as

Runcorn were awarded a second penalty of the game for a heavy challenge on Craig Cairns.

The Irlam defenders were incensed by the decision made by Mr Swift and Karl Cassell was given a second yellow card of the game – resulting in a dismissal.

Captain Charlie Doyle was still incensed and the referee gave him a yellow card and 10 minutes in the sin bin.

However. Holsgrove was the calmest man in the stadium and with ice running through his veins he stepped up again and clinically dispatched the penalty, giving the keeper absolutely no chance.

Five minutes of injury time were awarded but there were no significant chances for either side as the game drifted.

Mr Swift brought the game to a close and Runcorn Town took a hard-earned three points back down the M56.

Right: Kieran Holsgrove scored two penalties. Far right: Shaun Weaver