Linnets claim moral victory

ALTHOUGH beaten by the only goal, Linnets claimed something of a moral victory by keeping promotion-chasing Hednesford at bay until the Pitching In Northern Premier League West title was beyond them.

- BY DAVE BETTLEY

Widnes, needing only to draw their last-day fixture against Trafford, had wrapped up the Pitching In Northern Premier League championship with a 1-0 home win before the Pitmen finally breached Runcorn’s defences two minutes into stoppage time.

Eight minutes in all would be added at Keys Park-most of them for a distressing injury to Runcorn’s Karl Clair.

He was stretchered off in only his second comeback appear ance, both off the bench, after an eight-week absence.

It was later confirmed that the unfortunate midfielder had suf fered recurrent knee damage.

Substitute Nathan Blissett's headed winner was little reward for Hednesford. The hosts were already aware that they would have to settle for the runners-up spot, which had been fatefully claimed by Linnets in 2023-24.

The Pitmen's hopes of pro gressing to the NPL Premier Division for next season now rest on the Play-Offs.

As Linnets know only too well, from three failed attempts in as many seasons, it is a precarious route. Hednesford will entertain Vauxhall Motors in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Bayleigh Passant is under pressure but claims comfortably at a Hednesford set piece while (below) the Linnets ‘keeper bol sters the Linnets attack deep in stoppage time.

Defeat was ultimately cruel on Linnets, who had fought valiantly to withstand a lot of home pressure but came more into the game the longer it went on.

They ended the campaign in 11th spot, this being the lowest finish of Runcorn's five completed seasons at Step 4.