Marine 1 Runcorn 1

FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round

RUNCORN kept their FA Cup hopes alive on Saturday after coming from a goal behind to earn a replay against Marine. The Linnets again showed great character to bounce back and force a replay in the fourth qualifying round of the competition.

They totally dominated the first-half and were unlucky not be at least three goals up before half-time.

Liam Watson shot narrowly wide after a strong run down the left which saw him hold off two robust challenges.

Garry Burke and Mike Moseley also went close to opening the scoring. Paul McNally and mom Dave Nolan were outstanding for Runcorn.

Marine started the second-half strongly and took the lead in the 55th minute with a spectacular overhead kick from Richard Townsend.

Runcorn fought back and were denied a well-deserved equaliser when Watson's goal was ruled to be offside. Fine work by Colin Rose had set up the chance.

Runcorn fought back and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 75th minute when Garry Burke scored from a corner.

Runcorn still pressed forward in search of the winner and were unlucky not to get a penalty three minutes from time when Watson appeared to be floored by Ian Baines but the referee booked both players after the incident.

Despite all Runcorn's pressure Marine managed to hold out for the replay at Canal Street.

The winners of the tie will be away to Dulwich Hamlet in the first round proper.

Runcorn Reserves drew 0-0 with Macclesfield Town Youth team on Saturday, whilst the youth team lost 3-1 to Morecombe Youth team on Sunday.

Meanwhile, there are a few places left in Runcorn FC's mini-soccer centre held on Thursday evenings from 5pm until 7pm. It costs just £1 per session and any youngsters interested should meet at the social club.

Runcorn are at home this Saturday in a league game against Blyth Spartans, 3pm kick-off while the Saturday after (October 30) Runcorn Reserves play host to Morecombe Reserves, 11am kick-off.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.