Match Report

Runcorn Linnets 0, Trafford 2 – Northern Premier League West Division, Saturday 14th September 2024
Trafford’s incredible form continued on Saturday when they regained 1st position in the NPL West with a 2-0 victory away at Runcorn Linnets – This despite having goalkeeper Sam Booth sent off after an hour played!
The opening phases of the game were good for Trafford – they were tidy on the ball and quick to regain it after losing possession. Chances were few & far between for the first 10 or 15 minutes, but Runcorn then began to make their mark, forcing some corners at the Trafford end, and seeing a couple of long-range shots whizz past Sam Booth’s woodwork.
Trafford kept their discipline however, and on 37 minutes a well worked move involving Mike Burke and Isaac Noble gave Ryley Smith a shot at the home side’s goal. His effort was parried by Linnets’ on-loan Man United Youth ‘Keeper Thomas Myles, but Noble was sharpest in the box, the Trafford No.7 netting the rebound from a tight angle.
The second half followed much the same pattern – the home side having good spells of possession, as you’d expect, but Trafford’s well-marshalled defence and goalkeeper Sam Booth taking care of business. The game changed in the 62nd minute when Booth exited his penalty area to deal with a dangerous one-on-one as Runcorn’s Taylor Bowen tore towards the Trafford goal looking for an equaliser. As last man, Booth had to go, and Trafford faced a nervy half-hour one goal ahead, down to ten men, and with midfielder Matty Morgan in nets!
We needn’t have worried – Morgan’s handling was good, the defence remained strong, and the home side seemed unable to make the extra man count. Trafford sealed the victory with six minutes to go when substitute Kanye Nisbett broke free at pace, and with two defenders fruitlessly chasing him, Nisbett coolly slotted it past the ‘keeper for 2-0.
The win took Karl Marginson’s team back to the top of the Pitching-In NPL West Division after 6 games played. This coming Saturday 21st September, the team is at home to Atherton Collieries in FA Trophy action, kick off 3pm. (Picture by Kelly Jones, Runcorn Linnets FC)