Scores on the Doors

U7 Yellow

Halton & District Under 7's Cup Semi Final Match

Runcorn Linnets Yellow Versus Pex Hill Sharks

Well done to the Runcorn Linnets Under 7 Yellows for reaching the final of the Halton & District Cup, on their first attempt. After convincing performances in the earlier rounds versus Brookvale and Heath Rangers Galacticos, the lads booked their place in the Cup Final with another exceptional display against Pex Hill.

1st Half

The conditions for the semi final tie were abysmal to say the least, an already cold and breezy morning turned into a rainy one right on cue, as if the dark clouds were waiting for the game to start. Right from the whistle Ben controlled the back line with his usual assured, calm and composed role at the back, helping to steady the ship for the Yellows early on. Before Alex L took over the reigns as the defensive rock, with an equally solid performance at the back. Pulling off a masterclass in defence as he held the fort with his usual style of defending, akin to that of Alan Hansen. The Linnets youngsters pressed high up the pitch with wave after wave of attack, when Jamie tilted the tie with a superb shot that shook the back of the net.

(1-0)

Leading the line during his turn as Captain for the team, Jamie was an ever-present threat to the opposing defence, constantly pressing forward and linking up well with his team mates throughout the game. It was his dogged determination for the team to succeed that created the fortuitous second goal for the Yellows.

(2-0)

2nd Half

A sharp reply in the second half from Pex Hill saw the Linnets lead cut in half, as the Widnes opponents tried desperately to level the match.

(2-1)

Unfortunately for the Sharks, the Runcorn boys weren't phased by the setback. Unperturbed they marched on, eager to book themselves a place in the final. The team advanced forward. Taylor's darting runs and powerful shots kept the Pex Hill keeper busy, but it was the Linnets goalie that took many of the plaudits for the day. Taking his turn between the sticks was super Sami. He was out first on almost every occassion, pulling off some world class saves to deny the Pex Hill forwards from clawing their way back into the game. Alex T made some clever runs whilst in an attacking midfield position during the first half, before helping out in a more defensive role at the back in the second. Adversely, David helped out in defence during the first half, before moving into his more favoured forward position in the second. Where he shown his strength at linking up well with his contemporaries and shooting at the goal, with a memorable low drive shot which forced the keeper to parry it out for a corner. Jamie capped off an exemplary captain's performance as he dispatched his second goal for the Linnets with much aplomb, which almost felt like a hatrick given his contribution to the second goal.

(3-1)

In the middle of the park, Elijah was his usual inventive self throughout, picking out enchanting passes and adding that bit of magic to the play. His personal exploits payed off in the final quarter, as his fiercely driven shot was too much for the keeper to handle, allowing him to pounce on the rebound and put the tie to bed.

(4-1)

As the referee blew his whistle on a fine semi final encounter, the rain continued on relentless, like the Yellows unwavering resolve to succeed. And so it was written, an all Linnets cup final was to come. Just rewards for both teams at the busy end of a successful campaign.

Man of the Match - Jamie

U8 Yellow

Runcorn Linnets Yellows U8’s V Bold Rangers Fireflies U8’s

Finally the weather gods finally kept away from St. Helens, allowing the Yellows to have their first run out for nearly 3 months! To say the lads were chomping at the bit for a game would be a massive understatement.

It was clear to see that the lads were just going to pick up where they left off in their last game in November, with Callum Kerswell looking lethal in training, it didn’t take him long to find the back of the net with a net and cool finish. The boys worked their socks off and played some great passing football on a heavy pitch. The first half saw Callum Kerswell with a 4 goal haul, with one of them being a insanely good finish from one so young. A huge mention must also go to Dan McCaffrey  at the back, he was relentless in brilliant tackling and mazy runs forward with the ball.

Second half saw the lads playing some great football and selflessly passing the ball around, and shout to Tommy Loyden for his vison to shoot from the half way line for a goal! Mention to Luke Jones in the nets also, he looked half frozen in the second half but pulled some great saves out the hat, a very confident performance.

Well done lads, the most pleasing thing was to see the lads back out on the field with their best mates, big smiles all round.

Goal Scorers – Callum Kerswell x6, Reece Perry x 1, Tommy Loyden x2, Dan McCaffrey x1, Jacob Knell x1.

Man of the Match - Dan McCaffrey

GU13 Yellow

Runcorn Linnets Girls u13s Yellow - 4 v Chester & District Girls - 3

Well what can I say? The girls showed tremendous spirit today to keep the 100% record going, in what was probably our toughest match of the season so far against a well-drilled, organised and powerful Chester & District side.

Some nice football early on just didn't pay off and we found ourselves two goals down at the half, our opponents taking their counter-attacking opportunities well. Nothing our fantastic keeper, Megan could do about those goals in the driving rain! It certainly can't take away from her fine performance between the sticks today.

We had chance after chance, but it just wouldn't go in; the best of which saw Tilly put Caitlin Doran through on goal with a superb first time ball, only for their keeper to come quickly off the line to smother the shot.

The second half saw our character rise to the surface, with Caitlin D pulling a goal back with an excellent finish after a neat exchange with Amy.

But then, another set back, as a long range effort from Chester skipped up wickedly off the greasy surface to catch us out and reinstate their two goal lead.

The girls never gave in though, making all us parents and coaches proud as they never panicked or despaired and continued to play good football. Macy gave the Chester back line a torrid time, running at them time and again, interchanging well with the midfield and forward line and firing in shots and crosses to keep our opponents on their toes. But eventually we got the breakthrough we deserved, with Caitlin D firing home her second, before Erin volleyed in a wonderful equaliser from a corner shortly after.

And then, with time running out, one final chance came, with a Chester defender making a fine double-handed save from a goal-bound effort, giving the ref no alternative but to award the penalty.

The ever reliable Caitlin Albiston stepped up to smash the ball into the back of the net and secure the three points.

Final score 4-3 to Runcorn Linnets Girls u13s Yellow!

Special mentions to each of our defenders today; Taylor, Lily, Ericka & Katie were all immense, both individually and collectively. But the PoM award had to go to our Captain, Callie Clarke-Smith, with yet another driving, powerful performance from the middle of the park.

What a great recovery and all round team performance! Well done, girls. That was the kind of game great seasons are made of.

Finally, huge thanks to Dan Albiston for stepping in at the last minute to referee the match and doing such a good, fair job of it too!