Colwyn Bay 2 Runcorn FC 2
Runcorn FC 0 Leek Town 1
IT was a disappointing Bank Holiday weekend for the Linnets who picked up only one point from their two league games.
A 2-2 draw at Colwyn Bay on Monday was preceded by a 0-1 home defeat at the hands of Leek Town, meaning the Canal Street Street club have just three points from a possible 12 at the start of the season.
Runcorn were unable to capitalise on a fine first half performance at Colwyn Bay. Runcorn were positive from the start and John McAllister forced a fine save from Colwyn Bay goalkeeper, Ritchie Roberts as early as the second minute.
Runcorn continued to take the game to Colwyn Bay and Roberts was called on again in the ninth minute, this time to save from player/manager Mark Carter.
Mike Moseley and McAllister were a constant problem for the home defence.
Moseley was unlucky to see a fine shot go inches wide following a tremendous long throw from Mike Tomlinson.
Runcorn deservedly took the lead after 36 minutes. Roberts was unable to clear when under pressure from Moseley and McAllister was on hand to put the ball in the net.
Runcorn's defence was looking solid and Colwyn Bay were restricted to few chances although Marc Lambert did hit the post after good work from Owain Roberts and Deiniol Graham.
Runcorn extended their lead just before half time with a superb goal from the impressive Tony Rigby. Picking the ball up on the edge of the area he unleashed an unstoppable drive past Roberts in the Colwyn Bay goal.
Runcorn were happy to defend their two goal lead as Colwyn Bay sought to get back into the game. They got a goal back in the 65th minute through Colin Caton. Runcorn responded and Roberts made another fine save from Moseley after a good move involving Jaime Chantler and Dave Nolan.
A succession of corners followed for Runcorn and they were desperately unlucky not restore their two goal advantage. The Colwyn Bay defence was put under immense pressure by the expert delivery of Rigby and were only saved by a last ditch goal line clearance.
The woodwork was again in action after 75 minutes. This time it was Colwyn Bay's Alun Evans whose shot rebounded off the post.
Evans was involved in Colwyn Bay's equaliser, breaking down the right he put over a fine cross for Graham to head into the net.
Both teams pressed for the winner in the last 10 minutes and David Robinson was unlucky with a shot which just sailed over the bar.
At home to Leek on Saturday, Runcorn showed their fighting spirit after being reduced to 10 men in the first half.
Runcorn were the more positive of the two teams in the opening exchanges and Leek goalkeeper Mark Statham made a fine save from a Nolan shot in the 11th minute.
Runcorn were reduced to 10 men in the 15th minute when David Robinson was sent off for a second bookable offence.
He had already received a caution in the seventh minute when he tangled with Leek defender John Diskin.
Carter immediately removed young striker McAllister who was making his first full appearance of the season. He was replaced by Iain Brunskill to ensure more numbers in the middle in the absence of Robinson.
Moseley brought another good save from Statham in the 16th minute.
The Leek goalkeeper just managed to get his fingertips to Moseley's header.
However, it was Leek who took the lead after 30 minutes through Darren Twigg. He met Rob Wade's cross to the far post and headed powerfully into the net.
Twigg had the opportunity to extend Leek's lead just after half time when he was through on goal.
Although his lob cleared Ray Newlands in the Runcorn goal it also cleared the bar.
Leek were happy to defend their gaol advantage but Runcorn, prompted by Rigby and reinforced by the presence of Mike Tomlinson in the midfield, pressed forward for the equaliser.
Twice Paul McNally went close with headers from Rigby's free kicks and Tomlinson was unlucky with a cross shot which was just the wrong side of the far post.
Twigg had two opportunities to extend Leek's lead within minutes of the final whistle. He had the ball in the net after good work by Scott Williams but it was ruled out for offside and then he put a free kick just over the bar.
Next match at Canal Street, Runcorn v Frickley Athletic this Saturday, September 2, kick-off 3pm. Youth team, FA Youth Cup, Salford City v Runcorn on Thursday, August 31, kick-off 7.30pm.
Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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