Under the guidance of Jay Maddock, championship winning Runcorn Linnets Reserves made it a double last night, as they added the Complete Focus Shield to their league title. In front of a three figure crowd at Vauxhall Motors’ Rivacre Park, the Linnets’ grabbed a winner 7 minutes from time to overcome Manor Athletic 1-0.

A bright, early evening sun was always going to be awkward for goalkeepers, but Runcorn’s first success of the night came when Joe Elson won the toss and asked Manor to face the sun while it was still up in the first half. Manor undoubtedly had a size advantage, but as early as the first minute Runcorn showed they wouldn’t lose that particular battle as a couple of crunching challenges went in. Manor settled the faster though and forced a series of corners in the first 10 minutes, none of which they managed to capitalise on.

Josh Smith took what looked like a painful blow to the arm when he inadvertently met the perimeter fence during one of Runcorn’s first serious attacks. Runcorn had two close shaves before they finally started to establish a foothold in the game. Firstly in the 12th minute, Manor’s giant Joe McKeown won a free header from a corner, but sent it well over the bar. Manor were then left rueing their luck again when they had a goal chalked off for a foul on Runcorn ‘keeper Neal Percival.

Joe Elson and Jack Webb began to see more of the ball as the midpoint of the half arrived and started to bring others into the game. Mike Wilson in particular, had a couple of excellent runs from left back. On 23 minutes Wilson was brought down just outside the corner of the 18-yard area. Like his first free kick from distance a few moments earlier, Jack Webb’s effort went well over. It wasn’t the end as far as Webb and free kick’s were concerned though.

Runcorn had penalty shouts for a foul on David Jolley turned down after good work from Elson and Smith on the left. It looked like a decent shout, but was evened up when Manor had an appeal of their own declined before the half was out. A tight game sprung to life with 5 minutes of the half remaining. Another great run from Mike Wilson saw the full back go clear, but Manor ‘keeper Jon Rushton did well to smother. It was then Percival’s turn to save as he stood up well to Leigh Carter. Manor’s Oliver James saw a dangerous cross cleared and a shot hit the side netting before the half time whistle.

Jay brought Jack Shaw on in place of Joe Elson at half time in a like for like change in central midfield. Both defences had to be alert early on in the second period, as firstly Ray McDonald and Josh Rizzotti did well to halt Manor attacks, and then Lloyd Ithell stretched to clear from a Runcorn corner. Runcorn were starting to dominate possession and put together some tidy build up play. Josh Smith was nearly the man to break the deadlock, but saw his 71st minute shot blocked by Craig Kavanagh.

Manor caught Runcorn on the break in the 73rd minute and Oliver James missed what was arguably the chance of the game to that point. To be fair to the Manor captain, the ball did arrive at his feet quickly and he was unlucky to send his shot narrowly wide. Phil Evans had provided Manor with fresh legs from the bench and Ray McDonald did well to get back to deny him with 15 minutes remaining.

The deciding moment of the final came with 7 minutes remaining. More good build up play found Jack Webb on the edge of the 18-yard area. After initially losing the ball, the midfielder did well to win it back and then draw a foul. After blazing two free kick’s over the bar in the first half, it was third time lucky for Webb as he got up from the foul to leave the ‘keeper rooted to the spot and hand Runcorn the lead. It was a great free kick and a goal worthy of winning a final.

Manor deserve credit for the way they responded to the goal, It would have been easy to lose heart, but they continued to push and Runcorn had to hold on tight for the final few minutes. But hold on tight they did and after 3 additional minutes were greeted by the welcome sound of the referee’s whistle.

A big well done to everyone involved tonight. It was a game played in the right spirit and Manor contributed to a closely fought final. The fact that it was won by a free kick demonstrates how organised Runcorn’s opponents were defensively. Good build up play by Runcorn was snuffed out at the last on a number of occasions before the goal. The officials also deserve credit for a calm and sensible display, allowing the game to flow wherever possible. The biggest congratulations though are reserved for Jay and the lads who have had a fantastic first season. Watching the young side enjoy the celebrations after the game couldn’t fail to bring a smile to the face.

Runcorn Linnets Reserves: Percival, Dennet, Wilson (Cawley, 80), Rizzotti, McDonald, Elson (C) (Shaw, 45), R Smith, Webb, McGee, Jolley (Murphy, 84), J Smith. Subs not used: Fitzsimmons.
Manor Athletic: Ruston, Mustoe, McGowan, Kavanagh, Buhalfaia, Salmon, McKeown, James, Ithell, Tolley, Carter. Subs not used: Chadwick.