Runcorn Linnets 6 Silsden 1 (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Runcorn Linnets 6 Silsden 1

10:38am Monday 11th February 2013 in Sport

HIGH-flying Runcorn made it six consecutive wins with a comprehensive 6-1 thrashing of Silsden thanks to an imperious second half display.

Linnets enjoyed more of the early possession but were unable to capitalise and it was the West Yorkshire visitors who took the lead on the 43rd minute.

After being awarded a free kick just outside the box, a quick ball into the box saw the ball being sent goalwards from the near post with Michael Simpson only able to help it on its way in.

The lead however lasted just a minute, Mark Houghton's thunderous strike levelling matters going into half-time.

And Linnets began the second half running, scoring within a minute as Ross McDowell gave Linnets the lead from close range. And the lead was doubled three minutes later as McDowell claimed his second after the Silsden keeper Watson spilled Hamid's shot.

The half belonged completely to the Linnets who totally dominated proceedings until the end. McDowell's hat-trick came from a header to convert Matty Atherton's cross and straight away Linnet had five when McDowell assisted Simpson just outside the box, who in turn provided a neat finish.

Silsden had an effort denied, Daniel Husband' header bouncing down off the bar and being adjudged to have not crossed the line.

Runcorn made it six with the prolific McDowell claiming a fourth from Adam Wade's set up with a ow strike past the helpless Watson. Linnets enjoyed further chances before the final whistle but the rout ended 6-1.

Runcorn: Judge, Duffy (Simpson 6), Crowder (Kennedy 76), Burke, Tomlinson (capt.), Cross, Wade, Hamid, Houghton, McDowell (Campbell 80), Atherton Attendance: 225