Close rivals to meet again in semi after thriller
Scott Bakkor beats Bridge 'keeper Charlie Monks on the rebound to give Runcorn the lead for a second time. Picture by Peter Gallagher-Headley
Runcorn Linnets 2 Stalybridge Celtic 2
Report by Dave Bettley
Linnets twice lost the lead in what became a full dress rehearsal for the Pitching In Northern Premier League West Play-offs.
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Results from the penultimate weekend of league action mean that the teams will meet again in the semi-finals.
But home advantage has still to be decided.
Linnets had threatened to steal a march on their promotion rivals going into next Saturday's final round of fixtures.
But by bouncing back for a draw at a ground, where they had lost all five previous contests, third-placed Stalybridge held on to their two-point cushion over Linnets.
Runcorn can now finish no lower than fourth and could still overtake Stalybridge, earning the right to host the semi.
Linnets will need to win at Newcastle Town and Celtic to slip up at home to Chasetown. Stalybridge are two better off on goals difference.
Harry McGee, third from left, is surrounded by team-mates after his astonishing opener from just inside Stalybridge's half. Picture by Ben Jackson
Where ever the tie takes place, nobody could safely predict its outcome, such was the closeness of this pulsating clash.
Runcorn had gone in front in each half and felt aggrieved at the award of a free-kick which brought the away side's second equaliser.
Harvey Washington had brought the ball away from the right corner at the Forest End after Celtic right winger Ellis Horan had used his speed to keep the ball in play on the Runcorn deadball line.
But referee Mark Reeves blew for a foul.
The set-piece culminated in Dec McLoughlin conceding a headed own goal while trying to intercept a dangerous cross from Horan.
It was tough luck on a player, who had performed well in a good all-round show from the home midfield.
A combative display directly in front of the back four secured man-of-the-match honours for Steve Irwin, skippering the side for the first time.
Runcorn's Yusuf Mersin weighed in with a great reaction save to deny Jack Irlam a late winner, which would have put paid to Linnets' hopes of a Murdishaw semi. Time will tell how important that was.
Picture by Peter Gallagher-Headley
Michael Ellison's men had been forced to soak up strong pressure as Stalybridge attacked with the wind in their favour in the second half.
But the Yellow & Greens had edged it on chances before the break.
Harry McGee's 22nd-minute opener was special, even by his own high standards.
The No.10's 30-yard free-kick at Trafford was a strong favourite for Runcorn's Goal of the Season but fans might have to rethink before voting.
McGee's audacious effort from right of the centre circle, just inside the Stalybridge half, caught 'keeper Charlie Monks out of his ground.
The scorer might have got the idea from an earlier effort by team-mate Scott Bakkor. Hit on the turn from similar distance, it flew wide.
But Stalybridge had been quick and direct on the counter. The Runcorn lead lasted for only two minutes.
A long throw-in from the left by Mike Koral was nodded on for Max Leonard to head in.
It's a thumbs up from Scott Bakkor as Linnets look forward to playing off for promotion. Picture by Ben Jackson
Runcorn had good chances either side of the goals with set-piece headers by centre backs Brendan O'Brien and Washington clearing the bar.
Approaching half-time, McLoughlin tested Monks with an angled shot, the rebound quickly being cleared for a corner.
Roles were reversed upon the restart - Stalybridge now having more of the play while Runcorn attacked on the break.
They were in front on 55 minutes with a well-worked second.
McLoughlin flicked on McGee's ball into the box and while James Steele's shot was kept out by Monks, he was beaten on the follow-up by former Celtic striker Scott Bakkor.
This was a 22nd of the season for Runcorn's top scorer, averaging a goal every other game.
Stalybridge saw a prospective equaliser disallowed for offside while, at the other end, O'Brien missed another glorious chance to put further daylight between the teams.
Matty Rain considers his next move while keeping the visitors at arm's length. Picture by Ben Jackson
Picked out by McLoughlin from Matty Rain's right-wing corner, the defender couldn't keep his shot down.
The match had been preluded by fireworks, accompanying a minute's applause in honour of Linnets supporter and former referee Daz Strain, who died earlier in the week.
At the final whistle, the louder noise was coming from Stalybridge followers but there was appreciation too for the home team.
Both sets of players and fans will realise there is work to be done before they can contemplate where the play-offs might take them.
Runcorn Linnets: Yusuf Mersin, Joe Ferguson, Matty Rain (Naim Arsan, 76 mins), Brendan O'Brien, Harvey Washington, Steve Irwin, Dec McLoughlin, Lewis Doyle (Jacques Welsh, 80 mins), Scott Bakkor, Harry McGee (Scott Miller, 80 mins), Noah Roberts (James Steele, 46 mins). Sub (not used): Isaac Graham.
Attendance: 902.
All inside the APEC join the pre-match tribute to Linnets fan Daz Strain. Pictures by Ben Jackson