RUNCORN Linnets Ladies progressed into the quarter-finals of the Cheshire FA Ladies Cup for the first time but their passage was far from comfortable, writes Neil Philip Thornton.

Team manager John Pickering, although delighted the fledgling club has now gone further than ever before in the county's premier women's knockout competition, described the performance as 'huff and puff'.

Wallasey had of late produced some very encouraging performances in league encounters while also even eliminating top side Chester Women FC in the previous round of this competition and confidence gained showed in their early play.

The Linnets, hoping to wipe away the memory of a defeat two weeks ago, started tentatively.

Runcorn forced the first corner in the second minute when Mandy Kennedy, who would go on to win the Player of the Match award, put Tempany Carlson through on the right.

At the other end, a timely tackle by Sadie Bond averted danger before good approach play by Frankie Valdez allowed Becky Barker to shoot wide from just outside the penalty box.

In the 13th minute, Jo Finnegan ventured forward to strike the bar with a tremendous effort from 22 yards. A minute later, from Carlson's corner, Ana Duran Anca opened the scoring for Linnets with a free header.

During the middle period of the half, Runcorn could and should have extended the lead before Wallasey equalised on 27 minutes.

The Linnets girls were caught ball watching instead of tracking a run by Wallasey No 10, Rachael Bailey who nipped in to lob Nat Pinnington

On 33 minutes, Beth Coppin (who had the visitors central pairing beaten for pace all game) raced clear from a perfect Duran Anca pass - and rounded the 'keeper to restore the home lead.

The first half ended with Wallasey pressurising the Runcorn goal, winning a succession of corners with attractive approach play. But the Linnets defended with a resolve not seen in the last few games - particularly at set pieces - to keep the visitors out.

The Runcorn players admitted at half-time that the opposition had played the better football.

Boss Pickering talked about the trouble the team had been having in keeping its shape and how he wanted them to react to certain situations, especially the second ball.

The visitors had an early effort on 49 minutes but the chance was blazed high and wide over the bar when it looked easier to score.

Seven minutes later, a now more confident Tempany Carlson was played through down the right. Racing into the box, she picked out Frankie Valdez at the far post - the youngster coolly side-footing the third Linnets goal.

On 64 minutes, a double substitution saw Kim Roberts make her first appearance of the season in place of Valdez while Lucy Wieland came on for Barker.

The Linnets began to exploit the weaknesses of a Wallasey side, which had just a bare starting eleven, as tiredness crept in.

Lile Ashley replaced Carlson on 71 minutes.

Several chances went begging before Wieland's exquisite flick allowed the Linnets to break out of defence, after an outstanding and perfectly-timed Chelsea Gillies tackle.

The move finished with Lile Ashley calmly slotting under the advancing Wallasey Wanderers 'keeper for the fourth Linnets goal.

Manager John Pickering said he was pleased with the result and some of the positives gained from the game, but adnitted his team still have a lot more to give on the pitch.

He added: "This was only the second game in eight weeks for the Ladies and it feels like we are starting our season all over again.

"We need to get match fit and build up a momentum. Today gives us that first step and also gives the players a lift ahead of next week’s Challenge Cup game and the start of our defence of the trophy won last season."

Runcorn Linnets Ladies: Nat Pinnington, Mary Rossiter Gurrell. Sadie Bond, Jo Finnegan, Ana Duran Anca, Becky Barker (Lucy Wieland 64), Mandy Kennedy, Chelsea Gillies, Frankie Valdez (Kim Roberts 64), Beth Coppin, Tempany Carlson (Lile Ashley 71).

Sub not used: Nichola Hyland.