Bootle 0 Runcorn Linnets 1
Report by Dave Bettley with pictures from Kelly Jones
Ryan Brooke's early goal earned Runcorn the spoils in face of a double-edged sword.
The visitors survived a sustained second-half Bootle attack in the knowledge that this Boxing Day duel might not go the distance.
Lingering fog had made it difficult viewing - literally - as darkness descended.
But to Runcorn's eventual relief, it never got bad enough to warrant an abandonment.
Linnets saw the match out for a second only-goal victory over the Bucks this season, following their home success in the Liverpool Senior Cup.
December has been the most profitable month of the campaign so far, Antony Kay's side picking up four victories and a draw from five league outings while also advancing to the Liverpool Senior Cup quarter-finals.
This latest result was a fitting farewell for Will Saxon, who took the captain's armband for his final Linnets appearance before embarking on travels which will culminate in a new life in Australia.
The popular winger took his leave in the 56th minute to a warm ovation from away fans and an embrace from his manager.
An unchanged team selection meant that new signings Callum Grogan and Przemek Staniszewski began their stints with the Linnets on the bench - before coming on after the break as Kay employed all five substitutes.
In contrast to their guests, Bootle's form had suffered before Christmas, just one point having been accrued from their three games since an excellent 4-2 triumph at Hednesford Town.
They were soon up against it again.
Inside three minutes, a sidefooted volley from Luke Wall had Tony Thompson flinging himself to his left to save, lack of venom in the shot giving the home skipper just enough time to react.
But Linnets went ahead in the 14th minute.
Saxon's progress was checked as he tried to flee his marker on the right. But he laid the ball off for Sam Barratt to deliver a superb cross, which had Brooke rising between defenders to steer a header home.
The route to victory would have been a lot easier had Saxon accepted the glorious chance of a goodbye goal eight minutes later.
Another Brooke header, this time from a kick out of hands by 'keeper Tom.Myles, had left the wideman with a clear path through the middle.
But perhaps caught up in the significance of the moment, Saxon snatched at the opportunity and his shot cleared the bar.
An entertaining half, of which both sides had a fair share, ended with spectacular action at either end.
Myles flew to his right to spare the blushes of tram-mate Jacques Welsh, who in trying to deal with a dangerous cross had launched it back towards his own goal.
Bootle 'keeper Thompson was then very nearly caught out by an audacious chip, Linnets right back Barratt trying his luck from well inside the centre circle.
The deliberate attempt looked to be dipping in but Thompson got back in the nick of time, jumping to turn the ball away for a corner from under his crossbar.
The second half was mostly a rearguard action for Runcorn as they struggled to rebuild an attacking platform.
The only question was whether Bootle could get themselves on the scoresheet and back in the game.
For all their pressure. the hosts' response wasn't all that convincing.
Myles reacted smartly to save a low Jack Lenehan shot from the edge of the box while Courtney Duffus clipped the ball wide at the near post from a right-wing move.
Ben Hodkinson was always dangerous, a drop of the shoulder creating space for one sumptuous cross, which flitted across an empty goalmouth to underline Bootle's lack of finishing power.
Hodkinson's next delivery was well gathered by Myles, after bouncing just in front of the 'keeper.
Matchwinner Brooke had given way to Staniszewski with 13 minutes left. There was little chance to make a real impression but the new striker showed his mobility as a willing runner in attack.
By this stage, it was all about game management.
The visitors' other Christmas Eve recruit Grogan was introduced in the 87th minute with a bigger part to play - weighing in with some clearing headers to keep Bootle at bay.
Grogan's first home game as a Linnets player on New Year's Day will see a quick reunion with his last club, Witton Albion.
Fortunes have changed somewhat since the club's met at Wincham on August Bank Holiday Monday.
Slowly but surely, Runcorn have recovered from the sobering 4-0 NPL loss - winning 3-0 when returning to the U Lock It Stadium in the Cheshire Senior Cup, while climbing the league table to now lie seventh.
Witton, having dropped into the bottom four, have arrested the decline with three straight West Division victories - the latest, at home against top-five outfit Nantwich Town, lifting them to 15th.
It promises to be an interesting contest and should prove a lot closer than the previous two.
Runcorn Linnets: Tom Myles, Sam Barratt (Callum Grogan, 87 mins), Naim Arsan, Karl Clair (Jaden Jones, 62 mins), , Peter Wylie, Harvey Washington, Will Saxon, (Adam Moseley, 56 mins), Jacques Welsh, Ryan Brooke (Eden Gumbs, 77 mins), Lewis Doyle (Przemek Staniszewski, 77 mins). Luke Wall.
Attendance: 623.
Comments