Match Report

Runcorn Linnets after playing in Oldham at 11am in the Manchester Summer League made the 80 mile trip, 90 minutes driving time to Denbigh in this pre-season friendly with a 2:30pm KO time

The Linnets coming into this game after lifting the Summer League Trophy for the second year running earlier that morning raced into a 2-0 lead within 5 minutes, Marcia Jones-Sarcharewicz netting on both occasions. the first goal came in the first minute, Captain Becky Barker pressed in midfield, won the ball and threaded a delightful pass through for Sarcharewicz to pass in to the net from a 1v1 with the keeper. The second goal was a good team goal, again the midfield of Barker, Chelsea Gillies and new signing Jess Bazley over powered the Denbigh play, Bazley played the ball wide right for Wieland to run on to, cutting inside, passed to Sarcharewicz who did the rest from 18 yards with a sweet strike giving the ex Rhyl FC keeper no chance.

Denbigh pulled a goal back in the 9th minute, the Linnets back line dropping off allowing the shot from distance, Keeper Pickering got a hand to the ball but couldn’t keep the effort out low to her left
The game settled, both sides enjoyed possession without threatening to score.

Half way through the first half Linnets replaced Sarcharewicz, new signing Emmarose Russell and Beth Graham for Lile Ashley, Demi Lee Rogers and Ellie Isherwood
The Linnets won a free kick left side of gaol 22 yards out in the 35th minute, up stepped Barker, her direct effort saved by the keeper, Tish Edwards quickest to react side footing home the loose ball for 3-1

Runcorn increased the lead in the 38th minute, Ashley's left side corner deflected into her own net by a Denbigh defender for a 4-1 Linnets lead
Ashley got on to the score sheet in the 42nd minute, Denbigh playing a short goal kick in their area, Ashley pressed as soon as the ball was moved, pick pocketed the defender, rounded the keeper and from a tight angle netted Runcorn's fifth goal of the afternoon

At the start of the second half, Graham, Sarcharewicz and Russell all returned to the action replacing Full back Caitlin Gibbons, Forward Ashley and winger Lucy Wieland

The second period was a tighter game, Runcorn tiring after the early morning game in Oldham and the long drive time to Denbigh but stuck at the task well, both sides looking to add to the score line but wasting good opportunities

On 65 minutes Lile Ashley returned for Becky Barker, Wieland for Rogers and Gibbons for Isherwood
Denbigh pulled a goal back in the 68th minute, catching Runcorn on the break, the Linnets had been well placed to attack Denbigh from a set piece, fatigue setting in allowed Denbigh to break quickly catching the Linnets back line with a ball over the top for 5-2

Denbigh now on the from on the front foot , started catching a leggy Linnets with balls over the top, full backs Graham and Gibbon getting caught for pace as were centre half’s Jo Finnegan and Edwards

In the 80th minute, Skipper Barker returned to action for Finnegan playing her second game since returning from Injury, Isherwood replaced Graham at right back

The changes settled the back line and allowed Runcorn's midfield to press forward supporting the front 2, Ashley grabbed her second and Linnets sixth of the afternoon thanks to great determination from Bazley.

Final score Denbigh 2-6 Runcorn Linnets