Football: Three more points for Linnets Ladies
Read the latest from the Runcorn Linnets Ladies
NEXT STAGE: Runcorn Linnets U16s Boys booked their place in the semi-final of Cheshire County FA's Boys Youth Cup (Picture: Tom Paul)
Alder Ladies 0
Runcorn Linnets Ladies 4
By a special correspondent
The North West Regional Women's League's Division One South leaders bagged three more points after a display, which in the words of Dave Todd was "dogged and determined".
Early Alder pressure was answered by a third-minute minute goal from Erin Roberts, who capitalised on the home goalkeeper fumbling a back pass. Runcorn created chances to increase their lead while the home side decided shots from distance were the order of the day for them. Mollie Bennett picked the ball up from a weak goal kick to add the Linnets second on 30 minutes.
As Runcorn went into the break two goals to the good, the only sour point of the half had been an injury to Ellie Dyson. The victim of a late challenge, she had to be carried off. The second half saw a more composed Linnets exert pressure on the Alder back line, quickly forcing three corners in succession.
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The third goal was always coming as Runcorn found more and more space behind the home defence, although they had to wait longer than anticipated. A cheeky back heel by captain Becky Barker to Lucy Wieland, whose shot was saved, epitomised the Linnets' performance in the second half.
On 77 minutes, Bennett embarked on a run down the right, crossing for Jess Bazley to touch the ball on from inside the box. Wieland, at the far post, had time and space to beat the 'keeper to increase the score line.
As Alder pressed forward, Linnets broke clear on the counterattack. Bennett took the ball around the 'keeper, only to be taken down for a penalty. The referee appeared to take pity on the home team's situation, allowing the offending 'keeper to remain on the field.
Chelsea Gillies, with her 10th league goal of the season, made no mistake. This was an important win for Runcorn on their travels and in what was a potential banana skin. The depleted visitors had named 'keeper Claudia Basnett as an outfield substitute.
Runcorn Linnets Ladies: Jordan, Wieland, Gibbons, Middleton, McLarney, Dyson (Hodgson, 27 mins), Barker, Gillies, Bazley, Roberts, (Cawley, 79 wins), Bennett. Sub not used: Basnett.
Runcorn Linnets U16s booked their place in the semi-final of Cheshire County FA's Boys Youth Cup on Sunday.
They defeated Princes Villa 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 home draw. This was a second shootout win in the competition for Linnets, their first having come in the last 16 against Manor U16s Trojans.
The Yellow and Greens have so far negotiated four rounds, winning their opening match 6-0.
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