Runcorn Linnets Vs Castleton Gabriel’s

A cold Witton Albinon’s ground with a decrepit scoreboard told us two things;
1. Winter was on its way, and 2. We were about to witness the second round of the League Challenge Cup match between division 1 outfit Runcorn, and the Castleton Gabriel’s.

Castleton began the game with a blustery wind at their backs, but failed to use the conditions to their advantage with Runcorn having the better of the early exchanges. Canning being tested early on, but Runcorn’s effort from 25 yards sailed over the bar.

After 17 minutes the crowd were warmed by the games first goal. Collecting the ball in the Castleton half, some clever one touch passing from the Runcorn engine room finally ended up at the feet of midfielder Young who had no trouble converting from 15 yards

Runcorn continued to dominate throughout the half; both wingers causing several problems for wingback’s Brannick and Hicks. Runcorn could have taken an further lead had Thompson’s header been on target.

Gabs held back constant pressure from Runcorn, and the difference in class was beginning to show.

The second half was to bear few fruits for the Gabs. One minute in and Runcorn had scored a second. Castleton gave away a sloppy free kick on the edge of the area, and the Gabriel’s now playing against the torrid wind, failed to clear the ball, and the free kick found striker Halpin who headed home for his first of the night.

Gabs were lucky not to concede a third soon after. Runcorn’s Thomas Lamb made sure Canning had not seized up in the cold; as he made an excellent save to deny a third of the afternoon. Lamb also shaded the post from close range.

The brave but frost bitten crowd were then treated to an excellent goal on 77 minutes. Runcorn Midfielder Leahey tried his luck from 30 yards, and aided by the wind, the ball sailed past Canning into the top corner.

3 minutes later Castleton conceded their fourth of the afternoon. Canning parried a shot from close range, but the ball fell to Runcorn’s Halpin who poked the ball over the line from close range.

The final whistle was blown and a cold evening was drawn to an end. Castleton will be disappointed that they never got going, and despite having an excellent scoring reputation in the league, they failed to break a strong Runcorn defence…and muster a single shot on goal.

This weekend fixture sees the return fixture against Oldham Town at Castleton sports centre. Hopefully a vengeful Gab’s will turn on the style and treat us to another enthralling Goal fest, and a much overdue victory in front of the home crowd.