Runcorn Linnets 0 Nantwich Town 1
Report by Dave Bettley with photos by Kelly Jones
LINNETS' disappointing home run continued as they struggled and ultimately failed to break down a strong, well-drilled Nantwich outfit.
The visitors won the game courtesy of an early set-piece goal.
Conceding free-kicks and corners is always perilous against a team the size of the Dabbers - especially when, as in this case, the recipient gets a free header.
After finding an attacking threat difficult to build in the first half, Runcorn fared better in the second - half-time replacement Naim Arsan eager to get into the action on his debut - but without creating many chances.
The only goal came in the ninth minute, Kelvin Mellor left unchallenged at the far post to steer his effort home from a corner.
Linnets looked to respond immediately but right back Sam Barratt screwed his shot harmlessly into the ground. It was that kind of afternoon for the hosts.
They conjured up very little before the break and despite their improvement still not enough after the restart to suggest that the away lead would be anything other than decisive.
An Adam Morgan effort from the left of the box was safely gathered by 'keeper Ben Garratt at his near post before the same Runcorn striker set up Adam Moseley for a drive,wide of the same upright.
Nantwich ought to have doubled their advantage when Nathan Sandison's free-kick found centre forward Byron Harrison on the wrong side of Runcorn's rearguard. But the centre forward's header was off target.
Late on, the Dabbers dramatically struck the bar twice in the same attack, goalscorer Mellor and substitute Giovanni Loureiro being thwarted in turn.
With stoppage time almost up, Barratt ventured forward in one last effort to salvage something from the match.
He was downed on the edge of the area but there was a certain irony in appeals for a foul being waved away.
It was the kind of challenge for which Linnets had been penalised consistently.
The officials left the field to a chorus of boos from Runcorn fans, who were unhappy with their handling of the game.
Of greater concern for Linnets, however, will be how they can find the creativity and spark, especially against big and imposing defences, to boost their home record.
They have accrued seven points from seven games at APEC Taxis Stadium, compared to 11 from seven away matches in Pitching In Northern Premier League West.
Before the next home appearance - against Bootle on Tuesday, October 29th - there is a short trip this Saturday to DCBL Stadium, Widnes, where City of Liverpool await.
Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Sam Barratt, James Short, Jacques Welsh (Karl Clair, 46 mins), Peter Wylie, Harvey Washington, Will Saxon (Naim Arsan, 46 mins), Lewis Doyle (Lewis Nolan, 84 mins), Adam Morgan, Luke Wall (Eden Gumbs, 71 mins), Adam Moseley. Sub (not used): Alex Ellams (GK).
Attendance: 581.
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