Runcorn youngsters lift the spirits

Top: Skipper for the day Callum Grogan gets in a header. Bottom left: Luke Wall makes progress into the box, despite having his shirt pulled; Bottom right: Matchwinmer Adam Moseley goes for goal. Pictures by Neil Thornton.

Runcorn Linnets 1 Avro 0

Linnets found cheer after a sobering week.

Promotion hopes and the chance of Liverpool Senior Cup success had been extinguished by two defeats in six days but Brad Cooke's charges got back on the winning trail.

Adam Moseley's winning goal took him into double figures for the season. Pictures by Peter Cantwell.

Adam Moseley's early second-half goal was the difference as eighth-placed Runcorn edged an unremarkable match to move onto the shoulder of Avro in seventh.

One of their own - Mose celebrates with the fans. Pictures by Ben Jackson.

The teams are now level on points.

Cooke, as promised, rang the changes in his line-up as Runcorn returned to action within 48 hours of their county cup disappointment at Lower Breck.

Most notably, first senior starts were granted to Under 21s skipper Jay Lee and leading scorer Lewis Crane.

Harvey Washington and Callum Grogan were meanwhile recalled in a double central defensive change.

Harvey Washington is on the stretch but puts in a perfectly-timed tackle. Picture by Peter Cantwell.

Washington's accomplished performance earned Bucket Hat FM's man-of-the-match honours.

Bucket Hat FM's man of the match shares a moment with the boss. Picture by Peter Cantwell.

Avro had been looking to extend their play-off push, having at the start of this month parted company with co-managers David Birch and Michael Norton.

This was their first Pitching In Northern Premier League West defeat in seven.

The match had very much an end-of-season feel.

There was precious little to report in the early stages, the Yellows controlling possession but clear opportunities were at a premium. This would continue throughout.

Joe Ferguson evades a challenge. Picture by Peter Cantwell.

In the 17th minute, a superb ball in behind of the Avro defence by Joe Ferguson picked out Adam Moseley, who was dubiously given offside.

A minute later, Luke Wall pinged in a tempting ball from the right wing towards the back post but just beyond the reach of centre forward Crane.

Wall continued to have an impact, his free-kick being met by a Grogan header, just over Grant Shenton's goal. Reece Daly's shot on the half hour suffered a similar fate.

Airborne action featuring Reece Daly. Picture by Peter Cantwell

In a rare foray into the Runcorn box, with half-time fast approaching, Avro defender Geffrey Ebhote likewise couldn't hit the target.

Upon the restart, another marginal offside decision foiled Linnets with Naim Arsan being trapped after Adam Moseley had skilfully carved out a pass.

However, the deadlock was broken in the 54th minute, Lewis Crane crossing superbly to the back post for Moseley to score for a second successive match.

The Runcorn cousins had no doubt rehearsed the move many times in the back garden while progressing through Linnets' junior and youth ranks.

Young guns going for it - three of our four U21s graduates starting the game. Clockwise from top left, Jorge Dwyer, Jay Lee and Lewis Crane. Pictures by Peter Cantwell.

Lee, Crane and fellow U21s graduate Jorge Dwyer made way as Eden Gumbs, Ryan Brooke and Lewis Doyle came off a strong-looking Linnets bench.

All three youngsters had acquitted themselves well.

The contest largely fizzled out with not a lot to excite in the final thirds. But Runcorn's youthful side had done enough.

Experienced Peter Wylie replaced matchwinner Moseley to steer Runcorn through what remained of stoppage time.

Boss that - Manager Brad Cook and assistant Rob Sadler, right, engage with the fans. Picture by Peter Cantwell.

Attention now turns to Easter and another quick fixture turnaround.

Linnets on Saturday head to Congleton Town who, despite losing at Stafford Rangers today, remain strong favourites for a play-off berth and a crack at a second promotion in as many seasons.

The curtain will fall on another first-team season at APEC Taxis Stadium with Bootle's Bank Holiday Monday visit ahead of a last-day trip to Hednesford Town, who are challenging for the title with leaders Widnes.

Runcorn Linnets: Bayleigh Passant, Joe Ferguson, Jay Lee (Eden Gumbs, 59 mins), Jorge Dwyer (Lewis Doyle, 72 mins), Callum Grogan, Harvey Washington, Luke Wall, Reece Daly, Lewis Crane (Ryan Brooke, 68 mins) Adam Moseley (Peter Wylie, 90+3 mins), Naim Arsan. Sub (not used) James Short.

Attendance: 485.

Ryan Brooke received his March player of the month award before kick-off, having broken the club's all-time scoring record. Picture by Peter Cantwell.