Trafford 1 Runcorn Linnets 1
Report by Dave Bettley with pictures from Kelly Jones
Linnets dug deep for a late but deserved equaliser, after fighting hard against the elements to wipe out arrears incurred a quarter into the game.
Linnets dominated the second half yet it looked as if Trafford would hold on under pressure in one of only two Pitching In Northern Premier League West contests to survive Storm Darragh.
But home resistance was broken in the 84th minute as Naim Arsan's corner, swung in left-footed from the right, drifted on the wind and inside the far post.
Linnets had conceded from a flag kick at the same end, albeit from the other side of the goal, in the 22nd minute.
Trafford centre back and captain Harry Norris met it with an effort which squirmed agonisingly away from Tom Myles.
The 'keeper was no doubt disappointed to have conceded, after getting a hand on the ball, only to see it cross the line.
It has been that kind of week for Runcorn's two goalkeepers, at least in league action.
Myles - restored between the sticks in place of Bayleigh Passant after the heavy defeat at Clitheroe the previous Saturday - starred in between, in a penalty shootout victory against Ashton Town in the Liverpool Senior Cup.
Nobody could begrudge Linnets their draw for effort and perseverance alone.
They gave away possession and were caught offside too frequently, also frustrating by not delivering into the box often enough - especially from wide areas.
However, Runcorn can take a lot of credit for keeping the ball on the deck as the conditions demanded.
For 75 minutes, Trafford carried the greater goal threat, even when they were starved of the ball for long periods, after the break.
In making all four available outfield substitutions, Antony Kay tried every permutation imaginable to turn around Runcorn's fortunes.
The introduction of Lewis Doyle made a big difference. The substitute, who hasn't been at his best of late with injuries not helping, caused the hosts problems in a welcome return to form in the No.10 position.
Eden Gumbs also made a strong impression with typical graft and versatility. He came on to play at left back but ended up partnering Ryan Brooke in a two-pronged attack.
Brooke had himself joined the fray off the bench as Luke Wall succumbed to a head wound in the 28th minute. A bandage painstakingly applied on the touchline was unfortunately restricting the player's vision.
With Runcorn back on level terms, there was another twist when Jack Grundy was red carded in the 88th minute for an offence of 'serious foul play' just beyond halfway in Linnets territory.
Six minutes were added and those Runcorn fans, who had defied the wind and rain to faithfully make the trip, must have feared their team was in danger of relinquishing a hard-earned draw.
Linnets had not always looked secure - only staying in contention, thanks to a couple of quikfure saves from Myles earlier in the half as Trafford had two men over in one attack.
But the visitors were resolute by this stage.
Manager Kay and coach Dave Hankey were, meanwhile, hopping mad when Brooke was stopped in his tracks by the last of several offside flags raised against the Linnets.
They had a good line of sight from the away dugout, the feeling being that the striker was not guilty this time as he ran beyond the Trafford defence to go clear - with the opportunity to advance on goal for a potential winner.
Kay had been yellow carded for his reaction to an earlier refereeing decision and both men did well to keep a lid this time on their anger and consternation.
A lower than usual Shawe View crowd, understandable on an afternoon when it wasn't that wise to venture out, were appreciative of the efforts of both sides to entertain against the odds.
Trafford had the chances to have won the game and Linnets - without midfield kingpin Jacques Welsh through suspension - the determination not to lose it.
Runcorn Linnets: Tom Myles, Sam Barratt, Naim Arsan, Karl Clair, Peter Wylie, Jack Grundy, Will Saxon (Eden Gumbs, 57 minutes), Lewis Nolan, Adam Moseley (Harvey Washington, 79 mins), Jaden Jones (Lewis Doyle, 59 minutes), Luke Wall (Ryan Brooke, 28 mins). Sub not used: Bayleigh Passant (GK).
Attendance: 216.
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