Linnets Ladies miss out on second spot but remain favourites to finish in third

Runcorn Linnets Ladies 0 Ellesmere Port Town Ladies 2

Stalwart midfielder Chelsea Gillies is in the thick of the action as Jess Bazley looks on. Picture by Neil Thornton.

Hopes of a runners-up finish are over for Runcorn Linnets after defeat in their final home game of the North West Women's Regional Women's League season.

They are now unable to catch FC St Helens Women in Division One South, despite the second-placed club losing 1-0 at champions Poulton Vics Ladies.

A goal in each half condemned Linnets to only their third home league defeat of 2024-25.

The Yellow & Greens require one win from three remaining away games to guarantee what would be a very creditable third spot from a transitional campaign.

A jaded Runcorn side struggled to lay a glove on their visitors.

Jess Bazley had a rare first-half opportunity towards the end but couldn't quite get enough power on her shot, which was blocked by an Ellesmere Port defender in front of the goal line.

With Linnets already one down, Alex Bellfield had earlier stretched out to save superbly when a second goal for the away side had appeared inevitable.

Molly Hewitt came closest to putting Linnets on the scoresheet.

Linnets had a go after the break but their execution was lacking with final balls continuing to go astray and wrong decisions being taken in front of goal.

Typically, skipper Emma Mclarney led by example at the heart of Runcorn's defence but couldn't prevent her team's deficit being doubled.

The visiting 'keeper was underworked but made a good save low at her right post to deny Molly Hewitt, preserving the two-goal cushion.

Ellesmere Port avenged a 3-2 opening-day home defeat by Linnets, who will wind up their season with trips to Warrington Town FC Women (Sunday, April 20), Wigan Athletic Women and Girls (Wednesday, April 23rd) and FC St Helens Women (Sunday, April 27th).

Emily Hardman was full of running on the right wing but Linnets are unable to get the better of the Ellesmere Port defence. Picture by Neil Thornton.