Runcorn Linnets 2 Hyde United 1
By Dave Bettley
Runcorn Linnets will contest the Cheshire Senior Cup final for the first time after surviving a strong comeback from holders Hyde, Pitching In Northern Premier League rivals from a division higher.
Deservedly ahead at half-time, thanks to a super strike from man-of-the-match Adam Moseley, Linnets extended their lead in the 56th minute through top scorer Ryan Brooke.
However, with Matthew Fearnley pulling a goal back just after the hour, a tiring but well-organised Runcorn side were given a tough and thorough examination as Tigers fought to extend their defence of the trophy.
Runcorn have finally put behind them the disappointment of missing out on the 2019 final - after being disqualified for fielding an ineligible player when defeating Cammell Laird 1907 in the semis.
Linnets had reached the last four again in 2022-23 but a depleted side was outclassed 4-0 at home by Conference National side Altrincham.
The men from Murdishaw were better armed this time to bridge a smaller gap in league status, although again not at their strongest.
Stretching their unbeaten record under Brad Cooke to seven games and making it nine undefeated in all, Runcorn are still fighting on three fronts.
They are only one victory away from another county final in the Liverpool Senior Cup and battling hard for a promotion play-off spot.
Cooke had been forced to make changes with Callum Grogan and Lewis Crane cup-tied. The biggest blow, however, was the ACL injury to Karl Clair, which will rule out the influential midfielder Karl Clair for the rest of the season.
In Clair's absence, Jorge Dwyer partnered skipper Jacques Welsh. They were a key part of the high press, which unsettled the visitors.
Holding ninth place in NPL Premier, Hyde fielded nine of their starting line-up from the weekend's league draw against Whitby Town, 17-goal frontman and captain Jack Redshaw returning.
Runcorn's industry stifled Hyde's in the opening half hour, the away side being closed down quickly and often dispossessed.
Linnets could have been in front sooner.
A speculative attempt by Redshaw from out wide had landed on top of Runcorn's bar in the second minute.
But the hosts dominated the early play and created the better chances.
Hyde had a triple escape in the same Runcorn attack as Brooke forced a flying save from Callum Hiddleston, Joe Ferguson struck the bar on the rebound and Naim Arsan's follow-up was blocked.
Moseley, handed the No.10 role, was a constant menace.
He broke the deadlock in the 26th minute with a low drive from just inside the penalty area - a right-wing cross by the busy Luke Wall having cannoned off a defender into his path.
Hyde had their best spell of the first half in its final third but Runcorn were worthy of their advantage at the break.
However, it always felt like a second goal would be needed and so it proved.
The extra cushion inevitably came from Brooke, whose purple patch in front of goal continued.
He turned at the near post to fire home from an Arsan cross.
Brooke is now one goal away from equalling Mark Houghton's club record haul of 76.
Tuesday's effort took him level with Freddie Potter.
Hyde's defence of the cup was in peril but they replied quickly enough for Runcorn's resolve to be tested.
Fearnley fastened onto a Callum Spooner through ball into the area, rounding Bayleigh Passant to score.
Runcorn's energy levels had dipped after all their endeavours but desire and determination got them through.
Linnets also continued to create chances, Arsan lashing wide from an excellent team move and Moseley, by now playing at centre forward, flicking a back header wide.
The team must wait to discover their opponents in the final.
In the other half of the draw, Stalybridge Celtic are the only confirmed semi-finalist.
They will entertain Warrington Town or Crewe Alexandra, who are due to play their quarter-final on Tuesday, March 18th.
The final will be at Chester's Deva Stadium on Tuesday, May 6th (ko 7.45pm).
Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Peter Wylie, Eden Gumbs, Jorge Dayer (Lewis Nolan, 77 mins), Joe Ferguson, Harvey Washington, Adam Moseley, Jacques Welsh, Ryan Brooke (Lewis Doyle, 70 mins), Luke Wall, Naim Arsan. Subs (not used): Alex Ellams, Jay Lee, Przemek Staniszewksi.
Attendance: 389.
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