Victory over Nantwich lifts Runcorn into third
Runcorn Linnets Ladies 2 Nantwich Town Women 1
Report by Jack Slater with pictures from Neil Thornton
Runcorn welcomed the North West Women's League South Division leaders Nantwich to APEC Taxis Stadium.
The visitors needed a point to seal the league title but the hosts spoiled the party.
Both teams had been in good form and the game started at a high pace with Erin Roberts, Emma Mclarney and Aisling Hart dealing well with the threat from the Dabbers.
On seven minutes, Alex Bellfield comfortably saved a shot fron distance by the league’s leading scorer, Amanda Fallon.
However, Nantwich made a breakthrough on 15 minutes when Katie Naylor travelled with the ball from centre half before unleashing a wonder strike from all of 35 yards.
Linnets looked for an instant reply. Mollie Bennett did well to win the ball and feed Callie Cllarke-Smith, who was off target from 25 yards out.
Linnets gave the ball away cheaply when attacking on 24 minutes, allowing Nantwich to break down the right for Fallon to go one on one with Bellfield.
The 'keeper came out on top with a smart save.
While the game remained competitive, the majority of chances were now falling to Nantwich.
But Bellfield continued to win her battles - again denying Fallon, who had got in a header as a lofted pass bounced for her.
Clarke-Smith picked up a yellow card for a tackle in midfield.
With Nantwich in the ascendancy, half-time gave Linnets a welcome chance to regroup.
Runcorn started the second half well as they rallied for a response.
They came close when a throw-in from Roberts found Lile Ashley, who turned to unleash an effort across goal but just wide.
On 54 minutes, Roberts won the ball well in midfield to release Lily Shakeshaft, whose well-placed shot was well saved by the 'keeper with an outstretched leg.
The rebound just evaded the in-rushing Ashley.
Linnets' pressure eventually told - a well- delivered corner from Bennett being met at the back post with Hart turning it home to level at 1-1.
Not letting up, Linnets soon took the lead with a piece of Bennett magic. Her 30-yard free kick deceived the goalkeeper.
Linnets introduced Amelia Cullen and Ellie O’Nions to freshen up their approach.
Nantwich continued to strive for a way back but sent a couple of long-range free kicks into the hands of Bellfield.
Late on, the ball broke to Nantwich in the area but they were unable to find the target with what was by now a rare clear-cut opportunity.
Runcorn dealt well with crosses into their area and saw the game out for a valuable and well-deserved win.
In so doing, they delayed the visitors' title celebrations and lifted themselves one place to third in the table.
