Colne 2 Runcorn Linnets 0

LINNETS’ title hopes took a big blow over the weekend as two second-half goals secured victory for Colne in this top-of-the-table clash.

After a tight and goalless first half, Jason Hart struck twice for the hosts after the break to ensure the hosts closed to within one point of their visitors at the top of the North West Counties Premier Division.

This means Colne will have jumped above Linnets in the table with a win against Atherton Collieries in their game in hand on Tuesday night.

A bumper crowd of over 500 meant the game kicked off amid an electric atmosphere at Holt House, but the football on show was disappointing as both sides struggled to create chances.

Linnets probably just shaded the opening period, with Kyle Hamid’s free-kick forcing a good save from the home keeper but that was the closest either side came to scoring in a scrappy first half.

The second period was continuing in a similar vein before Colne took the lead just before the hour mark when a thunderous volley from Hart was deflected past Dean Porter in the Runcorn goal to stir the home crowd.

The goal seemed to galvanise the hosts as Runcorn struggled for possession, resorting to long balls to try and cause the Colne defence some problems but they were easily dealt with.

Linnets were then caught out by a long punt upfield and Hart found himself one-on-one with Porter and he coolly finished to give Colne a two-goal cushion they never looked like surrendering.

 To their credit, Linnets continued to push and Matt Atherton had a header well saved but Colne held on for a deserved win to swing the momentum in the title race their way.

Runcorn Linnets: Porter, Brislen, Atherton, Humphreys, White, Ellison (capt), Simpson, Hamid, Potter, Sherlock, Houghton. Subs: Cox, Jones, Smith. (Not used): Hardwick, Armstrong.