Irlam 2 Runcorn Linnets 0

A lacklustre and completely off-colour Runcorn Linnets team crashed out of the North West Counties League's Men United Cup in one of the shocks of the second round.

With Joey Dunn having fielded a strong side for the Linnets' entry into this season's competition, the Premier Division outfit looked shell-shocked as the First Division hosts matched them all over the field, and showed a togetherness and spirit that ultimately swung the tie, although the goals conceded by the visitors were largely once again down to themselves.

Runcorn dominated the opening quarter, Matt Atherton forcing an early corner after good work, and River Humphreys showed a calmness and intelligence on the ball before playing in Kieron Brislen.

Kyle Hamid's through ball to Freddie Potter was gathered by the home keeper and more through balls were to follow from Hamid, but to no avail at all.

Atherton's cross was just taken off Antony Hickey's head, and a Kevin Leadbetter corner was headed on by Mike White, but Potter couldn't finish.

All this occurred before Irlam's first real attack, which led to a corner, the ensuing chance being blazed over.

Hamid was next to go close, shooting over the top, and it was Humphreys to the rescue again as the hosts broke with five attackers onto four defenders, resolute defending by the Linnets centre back denying any real threat.

Dean Porter's miscued clearance was returned straight back into the box, and Irlam headed home through Michael Itela to give themselves a lead in the 27th minute.

A great header on from Jason Carey set up Matt Atherton, the defender shooting over after skilfully beating two players.

More pressure from Atherton forced another Runcorn corner, this time Potter heading over with the goal at his mercy.

The home keeper was forced to take a dangerous Carey cross after a decent run, and Hamid found Antony Hickey who was blocked into a corner.

The second half saw the Linnets grow in frustration, and then ultimately run out of ideas.

Another great Leadbetter corner saw Potter head over again, and when Leadbetter was fouled, the referee just waved play on. The classic sucker punch saw a great Irlam strike from Jordan Southworth nestle into the corner of the net to give the hosts a two-goal cushion.

The reply was instant, the ball bundled out of the keeper's hands for the Linnets to find the rebound and fire home, only for the referee to belatedly give the initial foul.

Kurt Sherlock replaced Carey, and Leadbetter's cross found Potter's head, the effort this time on target but denied by the home stopper.

With challenges flying in everywhere, the referee finally decided to punish one, Irlam's number 10 seeing yellow.

Leadbetter shot on sight but the ball flew over, and then Ben Halfacre came on, replacing Potter.

Smith was next to throw in a fierce challenge, this time the referee produced a straight red.

The lack of consistency from the official coupled with the lack of anything tangible from the Linnets made it another desperately disappointing afternoon for fans of the out-of-form visitors.

Linnets fans will be looking for improvement when the team returns to action in the FA Vase at home to Winsford United this coming Saturday (ko 3pm).

Runcorn Linnets: Dean Porter, Kieron Brislen, Matthew Atherton, River Humphreys, Michael White, Francis Smith, Kevin Leadbetter, Kyle Hamid, Freddie Potter, Jason Carey, Antony Hickey. Subs: Kurt Sherlock, Ben Halfacre. Not used: Michael Simpson, Taylor Kennerley, Adam Donohue.

Runcorn Linnets Ladies were without a game at the weekend but saw results elsewhere largely go their way.

Julie Makin's team remain top of the Cheshire Women's League although their lead has been cut from three points to two ahead of this Sunday's visit of AFC Stockport to the Millbank Linnets Stadium (ko 2pm).