Classic derby memories - Easter 2014
Antony Hickey scored the first and final goals as Linnets recorded the biggest derby success in home league matches
Continuing our look back to past Runcorn derbies as we look forward to next week's Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final, we focus on another springtime clash at Stockham Lane, this time in April 2014.
A convincing win against visitors who had their goalkeeper sent off kept up the pressure at the top of the table - although the title would go to Norton United, this bringing the first of three successive runners-up finishes for Runcorn.
Ever-popolar Antony Hickey topped and tailed the victory with a brace, Kevin Towey (penalty) and Matt Atherton - two all-time Linnets favourites - scoring in between.
April 21st 2014, Runcorn Linnets 4 Runcorn Town 0
Most of a sizeable Bank Holiday crowd, just short of 600, expected another difficult and close affair in the Easter Monday Runcorn derby, and the opening exchanges proved to be just that.
The teams were well matched for the opening 20 minutes or so, with chances at both ends.
The game lacked the physical element present in most of the derbies to date, which led to entertaining football from both sides - the best chance falling to Linnets' Matt Atherton, who saw his shot from distance drift just wide.
The deadlock was broken by the Linnets on the half hour with a simple but perfectly-executed goal, Kyle Hamid laying the ball forward for Antony Hickey to run through, chose his spot and fire home into the corner for the opening goal.
The home side seized the initiative and Hickey's cross-shot almost eluded the Town defence for a second.
The game's major talking point arrived just before half-time, when Town 'keeper Stuart Plant manhandled Kevin Towey and then kicked out at the Linnets forward - a linesman spotting and detailing the incident, which gave the referee no option but to show a red card for violent conduct.
Danny Toone took the number one shirt for the visitors, but Towey's spot-kick gave him no chance and the Linnets left the field at half-time with a definite advantage.
The second half predictably brought more chances with Town eager to get back into the game, leaving space for Linnets to press home their numerical advantage.
Towey failed to capitalise on Chris Lomax's cross, and Linnets stopper Andy Robertson saved well from Kinsey.
The ever-troublesome Hickey continued to cause problems, and the Linnets introduced debutant Kevin Leadbetter as they looked for the decisive third.
It came on 68 minutes, courtesy of Matt Atherton, who rose to head home after great play from Towey, causing jubilation among the vocal crowd in the Hallmark Security Stand behind the goal.
With the game over as a contest, Linnets pushed for more, introducing Gavin Salmon and then Ross McDowell.
Hickey volleyed wide and Leadbetter almost grabbed a dream debut goal, shooting over after great play from Towey, who left the field on being substituted to a deserved ovation for his tremendous efforts.
There was still time for a fourth in the dying seconds as superb team play saw Salmon find McDowell, who in turn released Hickey to volley home for his second.
The final whistle brought a celebration for the Linnets, with both teams warmly applauded, and an extension to Runcorn's involvement in the title race that was to last little more than 24 hours.
Norton United claimed the championship with a game to spare on Tuesday evening following their 4-0 victory at Winsford United.
REMINDER - Tickets are now available for the next instalment of the El Classicorn story. Don't miss out on this experience - admission is by ticket only and you can purchase on the link below:
https://runcornlinnetsfc.ktckts.com/event/rcl2526lscupsf/runcorn-linnets-v-runcorn-town-liverpool-senior-cup-semi-final
