Skelmersdale United 1-4 Runcorn Linnets - Match Report

Richard Brodie’s return as manager of Skelmersdale United seemed to be going in the right direction when Elliot Morris’ 46th minute strike gave ‘Skem’ the lead, but a Runcorn fightback with goals from Sidi Sanogo Fofana, a double from Jamie Rainford and James Short meant Linnets left Burscough with all three points.

The contest didn’t spark into life until the fifteenth minute, when a Danny Mitchley chance was expertly stopped by Danny Taberner and a follow up by Abdul Djalo was blazed over the bar.

Sam Heathcote was first to test the ‘Skem’ goal, with a guided header from a James Short cross flashing inches away from the far post.

The game picked up pace on the half-hour mark, with both sides having no meaningful shots nor any clearcut chances but possession and dangerous crosses being made. The most threatening came when some valiant goalkeeping by Danny Taberner thwarted a opening in which Abdul Djalo looked almost certain to at least threaten the throat of Taberner. Danny Mitchley had a few good minutes in terms of shots on goal, his first a dragged effort which unphased Taberner but another effort by the ‘Skem’ forward eye-opened Taberner, but his effort nestled into the side netting.

Linnets ended the half the stronger of the two side and a golden chance by Sidi Sanogo Fofana was eventually wasted after failing to connect with a inch-perfect pass.

HT: Skelmersdale United 0-0 Runcorn Linnets

The second half began with full velocity and in the space of five second half minutes, Skelmersdale United took the lead and within a matter of moments, Linnets levelled proceedings.

Elliot Morris gave ‘Skem’ the upperhand within the first minute of the second period, splendidly placing away from Danny Taberner but as soon as they went in front, the visiting Runcorn were level as Sidi Sanogo Fofana blistering strike from afar flew past an outstretched Andrew Coughlin.

Half-chances for the likes of Ally Brown not threatening the ‘Skem’ goal but it was clear to see in the opening of the second half, Runcorn Linnets seemed to be tightening the screw on the contest. Sam Heathcote worried Andrew Coughlin, with a looping volley from almost the half-way line forcing Coughlin into life with the ‘Skem’ keeper being forced to tip it over the bar.

After all the pressure, it payed off eventually for the visitors turned the game round. Jamie Rainford, off the bench, nodded home from close range from a perfectly-timed James Short corner.

As soon as Linnets took the lead, a much controversial decision which the ‘Skem’ faithful felt that a Lewis Doyle tackle should have seen red, but the tackle was adjudged to be a yellow card tackle.

James Short gave Runcorn Linnets a two-goal lead, when a free-kick from just outside the area was powered underneath the jumping Skelmersdale wall and rooted Andrew Coughlin to the spot.

Jamie Rainford almost doubled his account and gave Linnets a fourth when a hooked effort on target flashed past the left-post.

‘Skem’ became desperate and attempted every chance to reclaim clarity and a way back into the game, with Danny Mitchley’s strike from an unorthodox angle claimed by Danny Taberner and Darren Brannigan blasted strike could only be diverted wide.

Another Linnets attack nearly meant a meaningful goal, however despite some slick passing play by the visitors - the strike on goal couldn’t beat Coughlin, who was equal to the effort that was placed straight down his throat.

Rainford got his second and secured a fourth goal for Runcorn Linnets. Andy Coughlin had his pockets picked by Rainford, catching the keeper of guard out of his goal and only had to aim at an empty net, which he duly converted to round off the scoring.

FT: Skelmersdale United 1-4 Runcorn Linnets