Silverware double joy for Linnets U21s

On an afternoon when they would be officially crowned as North West Development League Division B champions, Linnets U21s made it a double celebration.

- BY DAVE BETTLEY

They defeated league runners-up Kidsgrove in the divisional cup final on Sunday, defying a strong and spirited second-half fightback from the Staffordshire outfit.

A Bank Holiday weekend crowd of around 300 watched Runcorn edge a close contest in spring sunshine at APEC Taxis Stadium to register a third campaign victory over their visitors.

The hosts had suffered a pre-match blow when Jay Lee was withdrawn upon late confirmation of the skipper’s suspension, following his dismissal in the recent league match against AFC Liverpool.

But Linnets deservedly led 2-0 at half-time, thanks to goals by Zack Parker and leading marksman Lewis Crane with a penalty.

The Grove replied soon after the break when Ioannis Koutouzos, second only to Crane in the division's scoring charts, netted on the rebound after initially being denied by 'keeper Alex Ellams.

Linnets had a fright when a subsequent attempt by the same player hit both the bar and a post without crossing the goal line.

A late equaliser would have brought a penalty shootout but Runcorn saw out the eight minutes of stoppage time without further alarm.

The early stages had been cagey, neither side genuinely threatening in open play. Free kicks for both from dangerous areas failed to deliver a breakthrough.

Slowly but surely, Linnets began to take a grip with Billy McNay, Sam Stephens, Macauley Clifton and Asnafi Shamari calling the tune in midfield.