Frustration for Linnets in home loss McIntyre’s men edged by leaders despite fine display
RUNCORN Linnets manager Calum McIntyre said his frustration in losing to league leaders Workington was fuelled by his side’s fine performance.
Linnets were hoping to make up ground on the Northern Premier League West Division tabletopper from Cumbria, but Chris Willcock’s men landed their 11th win from their last twelve games with a 2-1 victory.
McIntyre said: “I’m disappointed to lose a game of football - we have established a mentality in the dressing room that that’s how we’ll feel when we lose a game, whether that’s Conference North high-flyers Gateshead in the FA Cup or against a side who have threatened to run away at the top of the table, Workington, who we’ve pushed right the way through.
“So disappointed to lose at home for only the second time in the league this season, but I was really pleased with the performance.
“The pleasure I have in the performance probably increases the frustration at the manner in which we’ve lost.
“There was a lot of talent on show – Workington are a good team and they are right up there where they deserve to be.”
After an evenly contested opening hour of the game neither side had managed to break the deadlock – but the Cumbrians landed the first blow on 69 minutes folliwing a lapse in the Linnets defence.
Jim Atkinson volleyed forward to David Symington on the right and he touched inside to Ceiran Casson who, in turn, picked out Brad Hubbold. He raced through unchallenged and stroked the ball home.
Linnets pushed hard for an equaliser but were also battling against an increasingly troublesome wind, and the visitors doubled their advantage four minutes from time, Scott Fenwick converting a spot kick after being brought down by goalkeeper Scott Reed.
The home side dominated the final ten minutes, including six minutes of stoppage time.
It was game on again when Kain Dean struck home a half volley, but try as Linnets might, the equaliser proved elusive.
Despite the loss, Linnets remain in the play-off positions, six point clear of Clitheroe in sixth spot.
This weekend Linnets are away against Trafford.
RUNCORN Town have added three more new signings to the roster in a bid to stave off relegation from the North West Counties League Premier Division.
A 7-0 thumping at Wythenshawe on Saturday was followed on Tuesday evening by a 2-1 defeat at home against Irlam, leaving Town second bottom of the table and now six points adrift of safety.
Joint manager Niall McGuinness and Aden Shannon are working desperately hard to turn things around and have introduced three players to strengthen the spine of the team.
Experienced midfielder Gary Roberts joins from Congleton Town.
Roberts started his career at Crewe Alexandra where he spent five years before going on to play for four other league clubs, most notably at Port Vale.
More recently he spent three seasons with his home town club Chester FC, before joining Congleton Town at the start of this season.
Shannon said: “We are delighted to complete the signing of Gary. To inherit his level of experience is massive for the group of players currently at the club and he will be a huge asset to the dressing room and on the pitch.
“He has had a fantastic football career playing across all levels of English football and as high as the Championship.”
“Gary’s main reason for signing for Runcorn Town was to help the club and the management during this relegation fight and he’s determined to do that and make a difference to the club.”
Town’s attacking options have been boosted with the signing of Mark Winslade, a 28 year old striker from Holywell Town.
Winslade had three seasons at Vauxhall
Motors as a youngster before moving to the Welsh Leagues with Rhyl, Cefn Druids and Flint Town United.
After an impressive season at Flint Mark moved onto AFC Fylde before signing a 2 year contract at Nantwich Town. He returned to
Wales to play for Holywell Town where we has been for the last couple of years.
McGuinness said: “Mark is a number 9 who does all parts of the game. He is a menace for defenders and works tirelessly for his team. He has a good goal scoring record and we believe he is a character with the qualities to fit our group at the club.”
Defender Niall Fallon, 22, joins from North West Counties League First Division South side Maine Road.
He has made 18 appearances for Maine Road this season, scoring three times.
McGuinness said: “Niall has a good pedigree the potential to progress at the football club and at 6ft 2 he is a threat in box boxes. We look forward to working with him.”*