BATTLING LILYWHITES DESERVED MORE
BET VICTOR NORTHERN PREMIER - NORTH WEST DIVISION
Saturday 4th January 2020 @ Linnets Millbank Stadium, Runcorn
Runcorn Linnets
Mossley
(0) 2
(1) 1
Owens (57), Corrigan (67 pen)
Brooke (43)
Mossleyweb Man of the Match: Dylan Fitzgerald


Mossley
1. Theo Roberts
2. Ben Richardson
3. Dieter Downey
4. Mark Lees
5. Jack Grundy
6. Declan Evans
7. Ryan Brooke
8. Andy Keogh (c)
9. Jamie Rainford
10. Dylan Fitzgerald
11. Kayde Coppin
subs
12. Gary Gee (unused)
14. Kieran Nolan (unused)
15. Ben Halfacre (for 9 - 56)
16. Jes Uchegbulam (for 10 - 61)
17. Matty Williams (unused)
Yellow cards: Fitzgerald

Runcorn Linnets
1. Michael Emery
2. Louis Corrigan
3. Declan Gallagher
4. Scott Lycett
5. Ally Brown
6. Tom Owens
7. Louis Hayes
8. Kyle Hamid (c)
9. Connor McCarthy
10. Ryan Gibson
11. Liam Caddick
subs
12. Zac Aley (for 7 - 80)
14. Jack Hinnigan (unused)
15. Lewis McKinney (unused)
16. Paul Shanley (unused)
17. Kurt Sherlock (unused)
Yellow cards: Brown, Owens

Referee: Mr A. Davies

 


Mossley were very unfortunate not to come away with at least a point from Saturday's visit to Runcorn Linnets as the Lilywhites continued their poor run of away results.

On another day surely Mossley would have won this match as they looked the better side throughout and created numerous chances but a combination of some good goalkeeping and frantic defending kept the Lilywhites at bay for the most part.

The Lilywhites first half performance was as good as anything else witnessed this season as Mossley took the game to their hosts, closing down space and defending solidly while looking a constant goal threat when going forward.

Mossley enjoyed all the attacking pressure with Runcorn’s only chance saw Theo Roberts save comfortably from McCarthy’s header.

The much deserved opening goal finally arrived shortly before the break. Dieter Downey’s explosive effort came back off the bar to Jamie Rainford who saw his effort blocked but Ryan Brooke, having probably his best game in a Mossley shirt, was on hand to knock home from six yards.

Runcorn looked more dangerous after the break but Mossley had a penalty shout waved away before Andy Keogh clipped the bar with a delightful chipped shot. Fitzgerald’s towering header flew narrowly wide as the Lilywhites looked to double the advantage.

Jamie Rainford limped off to be replaced by Ben Halfacre but Runcorn were level within a minute. Linnets were awarded a contentious corner and Tom Owens turned the ball over the line at the far post.

Fitzgerald was withdrawn for Jes Uchegbulam as Mossley looked to get back on top but it was the unfortunate Mossley substitute who’s error led to the winning goal. Having lost possession in midfield Uchegbulam raced back to help out in defence but ended up bringing down a Runcorn forward and Louis Corrigan fired home from the penalty spot.

Mossley threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Runcorn in the closing stages. Halfacre had the ball in the net but the referee saw a push and the goal was disallowed. Halfacre then had two chances from free kicks just outside the box but both came to nought and home keeper Emery was the hero with a great last minute save to see Runcorn over the line.

Performances like that will bring positive results, the players just need to keep believing!

Wiz

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