Linnets on song

RUNCORN FC Halton scored another victory in their pre-season preparations against a Witton side that included former Linnets striker Mike Moseley.

Runcorn were ahead after just 35 seconds with a Brazilian type finish from Chris Lightfoot who flicked the ball over the Witton keeper into the net.

He could have added a second soon after but his header went just over the bar.

Although the away side struggled at times to reproduce the flowing football of their pre-season, Chris Price added a second before Matty McNeil completed the scoring.

Maghull 1

Runcorn FC Halton 5

MAGHULL took the opportunity to give some pre-season trialists a run out and they did their chances no harm by scoring three of Runcorn FC Halton's five goals.

The other two came from the first team squad players with Steve Daly taking advantage of some good work on the left from player/manager Liam Watson. Paul Allen was also on the score sheet, finishing coolly when he was sent clear of the Maghull defence.

"I was delighted with the way the trialists played," said player/manager Liam Watson. "I am sure that we will be signing one or two of them on before the season starts."

Bamber Bridge 2 Runcorn FC Halton 2

RUNCORN concluded their pre-season preparations in searing heat at Bamber Bridge.

Although Bamber Bridge took the lead early on after some poor marking in the Runcorn FC Halton defence, the Linnets were soon on control of the match and Chris Price was unlucky not to equalise after a slick-passing move involving Dominic Morley and Kevin Leadbetter.

The away team pulled a goal back midway through the half when Watson was sent clear of the Bamber Bridge defence and slotted the ball coolly into the net.

A minute later Watson added a second when he again found himself in space on the left and placed his shot past the Bamber Bridge keeper into the corner of the net.

The Linnets continued to be the dominant team and it seemed likely that they would increase their lead as Watson and Matty McNeil Both had chances to add to the score line before just on half time Bamber Bridge equalised although there was some doubt as to whether the ball had crossed the line as Mike Harris tried to clear.

Although the teams were suffering in the energy-sapping conditions both created chances to win the game.

Bamber Bridge hit the bar with a speculative long-range effort before three corners in succession for the Linnets looked certain to produce the winner but it was honours even as preparations were completed for the start of the season next Saturday.

Next game is Frickley Athletic v Runcorn FC Halton, Saturday, August 16, kick-off 3pm.

The next home games are against Droylsden on Tuesday, August 19, kick-off 7.45pm and against Bradford Park Ave on Saturday, August 23, kick-off 3pm.