BIG decisions went against Runcorn Linnets in a narrow Cheshire Women’s League defeat on Sunday.

Three minutes before half-time in a very uninspiring first-half, Megan Pickering got free from her marker before being taken down by the home goalkeeper as she poked the ball towards the net.

Pickering’s effort was cleared by the back-tracking Egerton defence before it reached the goal line.

With the Linnets appealing for a penalty, the referee after momentary hesitation awarded a goal to Runcorn and the half-time lead.

Defending the slope in the second period, Linnets knew they would have their backs to the wall for the second half.

Having survived two penalty claims against them in the first half, the home side were granted one of their own in the 76th minute. This brought their equaliser.

The Egerton winner came from a free-kick four minutes from time.

Durr got a hand to the effort from the edge of the box but it wasn’t enough to keep it out.

Cup woes for Runcorn continued as the boys of Linnets under 15s Yellow lost their Cheshire County FA Junior Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

They were beaten 2-1 by Wallasey Wanderers unders 15s Scorpions at The Millbank Linnets Stadium.