Runcorn Linnets' first away game of 2015 saw them finish with 10 men after seeing a first-half penalty saved in a goalless stalemate they largely dominated.

The Linnets travelled to College Road in Crosby, to face AFC Liverpool in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division.

A decent-sized crowd enjoyed the spring sunshine as Michael Duffy returned to the Runcorn Linnets starting eleven, Adam Hilton made his full debut, and River Humphreys returned to partner Mike Burke at the back, with Michael White missing out with a niggling injury.

It was Burke who was the provider in the early stages, spraying passes across the field, finding firstly Kev Towey, whose turn and cross was intercepted, and then Freddie Potter with a raking, pinpoint pass.

Freddie chested the ball down well but his first-time shot lacked accuracy. Towey played a skilful one-two with Adam Wade, releasing Martin Crowder, and then the extremely busy Wade found Towey, who opted to shoot with Potter running into a great position.

An effortless pass from Potter then found Towey, again the striker’s shot being saved, and when Towey found space to cross, only the toes of a defender thwarted the Linnets. Freddie Potter ghosted past the AFC Liverpool number four but shot just wide, and Martin Crowder’s sublime first-time cross eluded everyone.

AFC Liverpool's first chance came from a corner, and a shot blasted wide. Good build-up by Adam Hilton fed in Towey whose cross was handled in the box to give the Linnets a penalty, albeit in the absence of regular taker Michael White.

Freddie Potter stepped up but saw his strike saved. Freddie saw yellow soon after for a trip, and the home ’keeper clung to a Crowder cross after more good work from Adam Hilton.

The frustrations were to continue throughout the second period which started with a decent Adam Wade shot. Michael Ellison's weekly shot was of more concern to the Merchant Taylors’ School caretaker than anyone on the ground. Towey headed a brilliant chance, after an accurate Adam Hilton cross, straight at the ’keeper.

The afternoon seemed to be getting worse when Duffy received a straight red for a rash challenge in the opposition box.

Instead of pushing on with the numerical advantage, the home side were intent to play for the draw, and with 20 minutes to play their ’keeper was taking an eternity to clear every time he had the ball, to the frustration of crowd and opposition players alike.

The Linnets continued to carve out half-chances, and also one excellent opening with Potter millimetres away from Crowder's free-kick.

Joey Dunn introduced attacking players Chris Lomax, Kurt Sherlock and then Matt Atherton from the bench in a last-ditch effort to force a win.

The game petered out to a series of embarrassing ball changes as a regulation ball could not be found, and the final whistle sounded to visible frustration from the away contingent on the terraces.

There will be more days like this, with the Linnets clearly on top, but unable to capitalise on their chances. A chance to return to winning ways is immediate with the Cheshire side making the long midweek hike to Squires Gate on Tuesday.

 Runcorn Linnets: Mottram; Duffy, Humphreys, Burke, Crowder; Hilton, Ellison, Smith Wade; Towey, Potter. Subs used: Lomax, Sherlock, Atherton.