Runcorn Linnets 1 Stafford Rangers 3
Report by Dave Bettley with photos from Peter Cantwell
A long-awaited reunion with traditional rivals, which had been twice postponed, was far from third time lucky for Runcorn.
It had been 20 years since swords were last crossed between Linnets and Stafford in the penultimate season of the original Runcorn club.
2004-05 had seen clashes in Conference (now National League) North and FA Cup but the rivalry dates back to the early 1950s, when Rangers joined the predecessor Linnets in the old Cheshire County League.
Battle recommenced in 2025 under a restyled Runcorn banner but with a definite sense of deja vu for supporters of senior 'rank' on both sides.
Younger Runcorn eyes will be spared the full details of two FA Trophy semi-finals in the 1970s. Let's just say they were gory, grim and remain painful.
This defeat will have been difficult to take for Linnets fans of all ages after the promise of a first half, which admittedly ended badly with an opposition goal, and the false hope which came with a home equaliser soon after the break.
Games between Linnets and Stafford were historically rarely dull and this first encounter of the modern era had plenty of action and incident.
But Runcorn ultimately came up short against a team, which started the night in the relegation places.
The game didn't so much change on that Linnets leveller but the substitutions, which immediately followed it.
The hosts completely lost impetus and initiative.
Skipper Jacques Welsh, who had co-engineered Linnets' goal with Lewis Doyle, succumbed to an injury, which he had tried valiantly to run off.
What transpired was further proof of Welsh's importance to the team.
Luke Wall, a Runcorn scorer for a second successive game, was likewise replaced.
This was a surprise change, but one which had clearly been planned before Runcorn got back into the game - or so they thought.
Upon conceding, Stafford took full command.
When visiting goalscorer Zidane Sutherland was replaced in the 58th minute, it seemed as if there might be some respite for the Linnets defence. The No.9 had caused problems with his power and pace.
But Stafford grew stronger and Runcorn found it tough just to stay in the match, let alone get back into contention.
Strong-running Rangers regained the lead in the 73rd minute and, after soaking up a spell of belated Linnets pressure, they broke away to score again in stoppage time to seal the points.
For Rangers, it was the perfect preparation for the impending return of Neil Kitching for a second spell as manager.
He will be their third 'permanent' boss in a torrid season after relegation from the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division.
This was a last game in charge for caretaker Graham Deakin, who will be a part of the new management team.
For Linnets, it's back to the drawing board after this seventh home defeat in 14 league games with one draw.
Manager Antony Kay largely stuck by the team, which had started the narrow victory over Atherton Collieries, another bottom-four side, at home on Friday. Jaden Jones for Adam Moseley was the sole change.
This meant new recruit, ex-Accrington Stanley and Warrington Rylands striker Leslie Adekoya was named as a substitute.
He was introduced in the second half, briefly sharing the stage with younger brother Dean, who was substituted, after the most effective of his three loan appearances to date.
A helter-skelter first 10 minutes had brought enough excitement for a full 90 as both sides attacked with vigour but rode their luck defensively. Naim Arsan went closest for Runcorn when hitting a post.
The pace was unrelenting as play swung from end to end and Runcorn were threatening to shade an entertaining half, which had lacked only a goal until Stafford provided it in the second minute of stoppage time.
Sutherland exploited the type of lapse in the Runcorn defence, which has been all too frequent over the campaign, by turning past Jack Grundy to slam home from a move, which began with a free-kick inside Stafford's penalty area.
Runcorn needed a quick response and found it. In the 53rd minute, a limping Welsh slid the ball through for Doyle, whose shot was well saved by Stafford 'keeper Cameron Belford.
But Wall launched the rebound into the roof the net, the effort proving too high for a defender close to the line.
Instead of lifting Linnets, the goal put them into reverse and if Stafford's precarious league position had affected confidence, it didn't show.
A last-ditch tackle by Grundy threw the elusive Sutherland sufficiently off course, enabling Bayleigh Passant to save desperately at the striker's feet.
Peter Wylie was next to hold up Stafford's progress with a goal-line clearance but it was only a matter of time and the visitors finally hit the front again in the 73rd minute.
Kaiman Anderson connected with a right-wing cross which had sailed beyond the far post.
Runcorn mustered their best spell of the half late on but without really hurting a by now more resolute Stafford defence.
Ryan Brooke was clattered inside the visitors' area but any claims for a penalty were not sustained - suggesting that there hadn't been anything sinister in the challenge.
Entering stoppage time, Runcorn lost possession upfield, the ball getting away from Leslie Adekoya as he tried to draw it in.
Linnets had committed men forward in an attempt to rescue the game, giving Rangers substitute Liam Brazier virtually a free run to goal down the right from just inside his own half.
He clipped his shot delicately beyond Passant into the far corner to settle the issue.
Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Peter Wylie, Naim Arsan, Jacques Welsh (Karl Clair, 54 mins), Callum Grogan, Jack Grundy, Luke Wall (Leslie Adekoya, 53 mins), Lewis Doyle (Adam Moseley, 80 mins), Dean Adekoya (Ryan Brooke, 60 mins), Jaden Jones (Lewis Nolan, 76 mins), Eden Gumbs.
Attendance: 431.
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