Linnets force FA Cup replay (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Linnets force FA Cup replay

7:48am Tuesday 6th September 2011 in Sport

RUNCORN can count themselves unlucky not to be leaving Seel Park having progressed in the FA Cup at the first time of asking.

The Linnets more that matched their Evo-Stick First Division North hosts Mossley, but had to settle for a hard fought 0-0 and a replay at the MLS on Tuesday.

Kev Towey, Phil Holland and Paul Prescott were recalled to the starting line up following last week’s win at Atherton.

Rob Hardwick, Chris Dykes and Matty Atherton were the players to make way, all of whom were named as substitutes.

The opening 10 minutes proved to be an indicator of what was to come, as the sides appeared evenly matched.

The first chances of the game both fell to Runcorn. Phil Holland fired wide after 10 minutes, before Rob Whyte also missed the target, this time with a header.

Paul Prescott hooked in a cross that struck the outstretched hands of Mossley centre half Steve Halford in the box but a penalty wasn’t awarded.

As the Linnets took control, Rob Whyte slipped a pass into the path of the on rushing Towey, who took control and was sent tumbling but again no penalty was awarded.

Richie Mottram got right behind the home side’s first shot on goal after 21 minutes, which came courtesy of Cavell Coo.

Prescott couldn’t generate any power on a header at the other end, as the Linnets responded.

Mossley were beginning to work their way into the game and stretched the Linnets twice in as many minutes.

A hopeful clearance from Kayde Coppin sent Peter Band clear and in turn he set up Coo. Not only did Mottram save Coo’s near post effort, he managed to hold it. To that point, it was the best chance of the game.

Coppin, who was proving a handful for Chris Fitzsimmons, saw his dangerous low cross cleared by Neil Murphy, before Prescott missed a gilt edged opportunity at the other end.

Brilliant work from Phil Holland in the middle got the ball to Towey, who in turn put Prescott in, but the forward appeared to slice the chance and missed the target.

Mossley started the better of the two teams in the second half and nearly took the lead when a disputed free kick got a flick off the bottom of the wall and was deflected onto the post.

Had Harry Noon been less selfish and squared the ball to strike partner Peter Band moments later, Mossley would have taken the lead.

Whyte forced a rushed kick from Mossley keeper Martin Pearson on the hour and it was Holland who quickly picked up the loose ball and surged forward. The midfield man angled a ball back to Whyte, but it skidded off the now slippery surface to Towey. Pearson was quick off his line and Towey’s attempted finish drifted wide.

As the home side made changes and opted for a more direct approach, Runcorn responded by bringing on Bodie for Savva, Atherton for Pearson and Hardwick for Towey.

Pearson created the visitors’ next chance. He swept the ball out to Whyte on the left and as he got past Nick Swirad it was clear he had only one thing in mind. That rocket of a left foot let fly and the ball was heading for the roof of the net before Pearson got fingertips to it and brilliantly diverted it on to the bar and over.

Despite the linesman pointing for a corner, he was over ruled and inexplicably, a goal kick was awarded.

Other than a flick from Rob Hardwick that just evaded Pearson and a bouncing ball that agonisingly would not come down for Whyte, it was the Linnets final chance.

A late, late header by the unmarked Coo would have been too much to take, but his effort went well over.

Runcorn: Mottram, Murphy, Fitzsimmons, Savva (Bodie, 65), Lawton, Ellison, Towey (Hardwick, 69), Holland, Prescott (Atherton, 58), Whyte (C), Pearson. Subs not used: Webb, O’Reilly, Dykes, Rigby.

Mossley: Pearson, Ingham, Hallows, Halford (Swirad, 69), O’Brien, Coo, Coppin, Innes, Band (C) (Moore, 64), Noon (Walcott, 84), Queeley. Subs not used: Halligan, Constantine, Byrne, Heap.

Attendance: 228.