Linnets return to winning ways on NPL travels
Ryan Brooke crowned his 150th Linnets start with a goal. Picture by Ben Jackson.
Avro 1 Runcorn Linnets 2
Report by Dave Bettley
Linnets posted their best away result of the Pitching In Northern Premier League West season in
bringing down second-placed Avro at Vestacare Stadium.
The Oldham hosts had been undefeated in eight games but were caught out as a surprise
formation change helped Runcorn to gain the upper hand.
As in Saturday's draw at Stafford Rangers, they took a two-goal lead into the interval.
This time, Linnets emerged with full points despite Avro giving themselves hope with a very late
goal.
Manager Brad Cooke switched to a three-man defence, recalling stalwart vice-captain Peter
Wylie alongside Harvey Washington and Adam Rooney.
Joe Ferguson and Eden Gumbs operated as wing backs with Ferguson having particular licence
to push forward.
Lewis Doyle and Sean Miller supported Ryan Brooke, who was restored at centre forward after
injury, with the two other midfield players Markell Foulds and Jacques Welsh shielding the
restyled Runcorn rearguard effectively.
The new system worked a treat as Linnets bagged their first league win on their travels since the
opening day of the campaign at Atherton Collieries.
There had been three away draws and a defeat in between.
But it wasn't the only Runcorn change ahead of kick-off.
Unusually, the starting XI didn't return to their dressing room after the traditional warm-up,
Cooke instead overseeing final preparations on the pitch.
Players eventually dispensed with training tops in front of the away dugout to quizzical looks
from fans of both sides.
However, traffic chaos had delayed the arrival of some Linnets players and the management
team wanted to give the squad as long as possible to run through their routines.
Linnets clearly meant business from the outset, showing real intent with some incisive football.
Gumbs, released on the left by the impressive Doyle, brought a decent save from Avro's 'keeper
Cameron Mason.
The high-flying home side looked perplexed as Miller and Doyle dictated the play - both also
shooting wide from distance - while their own opportunities were limited by the well-drilled
visitors.
Harvey Washington opened the scoring on the half hour. Picture by Peter Gallagher-Headley
Linnets went ahead on the half-hour mark. From a corner on the left, a ball contested by Rooney
at the far post found its way back to the taker.
Doyle's excellent return cross was met by the head of Washington.
He jumped high to meet it and even higher in celebration of his third goal of the campaign.
With half-time approaching, a header by Avro centre back Jack Kenny from a corner was
blocked in front of the goal but Runcorn extended their lead in the 44th minute.
Ryan Brooke's persistence in chasing down a long clearance from defence by ,Welsh was rewarded,
although he was initially second favourite.
A touch back towards his own goal left both defender Kenny and his 'keeper Mason caught in
two minds.
Brooke made up ground to get a boot to the ball as all three converged. It was a fitting way for
the experienced striker to mark his 150th Linnets start.
Runcorn knew there would be a response from a very good home side and it was all about how they dealt with it.
With Miller's half-time withdrawal, the playmaker's recent injury problems continuing, Linnets
reverted to a more familiar shape.
Matty Rain was introduced at left back with Peter Wylie moving out wide on the right of a
defensive four.
The expected Avro onslaught was forthcoming.
Linnets had to soak up strong pressure throughout the half as well as the heavy rain, descending
on an a cold evening.
There was only brief attacking respite for Runcorn but they defended superbly to limit the
opportunities for the opposition.
Greg Hall made an important save from Sam Davidson, diving at the foot of his left post in the
78th minute.
But left back Adam Owen caused Linnets most problems with his dangerous crosses in open and
set play.
Runcorn's resistance was finally broken, in the final minute of normal time, as Owen's free-kick
from near the left touchline was headed home by defender Kenny.
There was a heart-stopping moment midway through the five minutes of added time.
A vicious cross by Owen flashed past a clutch of players when a touch by a player of either side
might well have brought an equaliser.
Avro had given it everything after the interval but because of their offensive efforts in the first half
and their resilience in defence in the second, it would have been harsh on Runcorn had they not
held on.
They were quick to the applaud fans, who had braved the elements after their midweek trip to
Greater Manchester.
Linnets are up to 13th in the table and with games in hand on all teams above them, the play-off
positions are in their sights.
A return to home action for Linnets on Saturday will see next-to-bottom Darlaston Town visit
APEC Taxis Stadium, ko 3pm.
Runcorn Linnets: Greg Hall, Peter Wylie, Eden Gumbs, Jacques Welsh, Adam Rooney, Harvey
Washington, Joe Ferguson, Lewis Doyle (Marcus Cusani, 80 mins), Ryan Brooke (Lewis Crane,
69 mins), Sean Miller (Matty Rain, 46 mins), Markell Foulds (Naim Arsan, 63 mins). Sub (not
used): Oskar Rosenblatt.
Attendance: 231.
Brad Cooke saw his team win an NPL away match for the first time since the opening day