Towey fires in winning double for Runcorn Linnets (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

AFC Blackpool 2 Runcorn Linnets 3

11:47am Thursday 11th August 2011 in Sport

LINNETS got the North West Counties Premier Division season off to a winning start when they fought back from a 2-0 half-time deficit on the Lancashire coast on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Richie Mottram, making his competitive debut, kept Linnets in the game with great saves either side of half time and then Runcorn took charge.

Keeping the ball on the floor, the visitors started to look dangerous and Kevin Towey started the fight back on 57 minutes.

Towey’s control and finish from a Michael Ellison pass had a real touch of class about it.

Runcorn pulled themselves level in the 68th minute when a well worked short corner saw Phil Holland tee up Sean Pearson and his shot found the top corner with the help of a deflection.

Seven minutes later the Blackpool defence was in disarray.

After waltzing past three defenders, Towey arrowed home his finish for the eventual matchwinner.

The drama was not over, though.

A massive kick from Mottram then put Rob Hardwick clean through.

Hardwick was up-ended by Mark Thornley and the home keeper saw red.

Towey’s penalty was saved by stand-in keeper Paul Carroll but he had already had the last laugh.

Runcorn: Mottram, Savva, Fitzsimmons, Hill, Lawton, Ellison, Towey, Holland, Prescott (Hardwick, 80), Whyte, Pearson. Subs not used: Webb, O’Reilly, Park, Dykes.

Linnets, who have been drawn at home to Warrington Town in the first round of the Cheshire Senior Cup on September 20, host Flixton at the Millbank Linnets Stadium on Saturday, kick off 3pm, and then travel to Bootle on Tuesday.