Wright wins it for Under 21s after Ellams saves spot-kick

Runcorn Linnets Under 21s 1 Southport Academy 0

Alex Ellams' fine penalty save kept the scores level at half-time (Picture by Neil Thornton).

Linnets U21s were pushed to the limit by a powerful Southport outfit but Wes Wright's debut wonder strike was the difference.

Wes Wright (second right) celebrates his matchwinner with Lewis Crane. (Picture by Ben Jackson).

Appearing as an over-age player, Wright volleyed home left footed at the near post from a Ben Dobbie corner just after the hour.

The visitors, lying ninth in the North West U21s Development League's Championship Division B, fielded one of their strongest line-ups of the campaign.

By contrast, Runcorn were without five first-choice players.

They did well to withstand fierce pressure in the first 25 minutes and another onslaught as the Sandgrounders battled in vain for a late equaliser.

Zack Parker came close tomscoting in the first miute, (Picture by Ben Jackson).

Runcorn might have been ahead after 35 seconds but Zack Parker's shot from inside the box was turned around a post.

It was all hands to the pump as Port responded with a series of free-kicks and corners,which tested the home side's resolve.

Home 'keeper Alex Ellams tipped a shot over his bar and went a long way to sealing Runcorn's man-of-the-match award with a brilliant penalty save in the 19th minute.

Linnets slowly fought their way into the game with Sam Stephens clearing the bar with a first-time shot on the full, from a Jaden Ditchfield knockdown.

Central defender Cam Schofield then directed a header wide from a left-wing Stephens corner.

Having struggled for control of midfield, Linnets looked more confident after a half-time switch to a three-man defence.

A Southport defender gets there first as Jaden Ditchfield closes in. (Picture by Ben Jackson).

This enabled them to defend their six-yard box effectively.

At the same time, Runcorn were dangerous on the counter attack with Wright supporting centre forward Lewis Crane, who twice came close to adding a late second for the hosts.

Linnets remain fourth in the table, continuing to play catch-up on the teams around them in terms of games played as much as points won.

Their next match is against third-placed Kidsgrove next Sunday.

With vital league points at stake, it is much more than a dress rehearsal for the Divisional Cup final between the clubs at APEC Taxis Stadium on Sunday, May 4th.

Harry Vernon delivers a cross for Runcorn Linnets U21s. (Picture by Ben Jackson).

Runcorn Linnets U21s: Ellams, Prince (Vernon, 20 mins), Dobbie, McNay, Schofield, Lee, Parker (O'Connor, 46 mins), Stephens, Crane, Ditchfield (Harwood 66 mins), Ibrahim (Wright, 40 mins). Sub not used: Ball.