TOWN LEAVE IT LATE AT HOLKER

Jason Carey's late goal rescued a point for Runcorn Town as they came from two goals down to salvage a point at Holker Old Boys.

Holker's pitch was on a slope that unquestionably gave them a hugh advantage. Runcorn never produced their usual flowing football, infact Holker looked the more composed team in the early stages. When Ste Latham challenged for a loose ball in the penalty area he, his team mates and the supporters were amazed when the referee awarded a penalty - Michael Kewley opening the scoring from the resultant spot kick.

Runcorn were using the long ball, which ran away from them on the slope. Tony Wynne brought a good save from Ross Liddlicott in the Holker goal, but then an ankle injury to Danny Dalton brought an early Runcorn substitution, Andy Morgan proving an ideal replacement.

Holker then got a second goal in the 40th minute when Gareth Smith pounced on a loose ball in the area to lob the ball over Karl Wills. Runcorn continued to put pressure on the home goal and were rewarded when Ian Robinson drove his shot into the bottom corner from a couple of yards out in the 44th minute.

The view from Holkers pitch must be seen to be believed, it is undoubtedly one of, if not the best in the entire country. Positioned high on a hill it has an uninterrupted vista of the Lake District fells as far as the eye can see. On Saturday they were further enhanced by the clear spring sunshine showing off the mountains in their true splendour and glory.

Runcorn showed much better in the second half, playing up the slope the ball now not running away from them. Holker were playing well though and denied their visitors any space or time on the ball. A groin injury to Latham brought about the introduction of Rob Gorry at full back.

Runcorn manager Simon Burton then changed his formation bringing on Emini Adegbenro for Wynne. Gorry began to feed the winger and Runcorn were suddenly getting round the back of the home defence. Greg Byrne headed over a cross when well positioned and unchallenged, but with time running out a loose ball in the area was hammered home by Carey.

Holker were visibly shocked, but it could have got worse for them in injury time but Adegnebro blazed over the bar from 15 yards out to miss what in all fairness would have been an undeserved winner.

Overall a disappointing day in the Lakes for Runcorn who were grateful for a share of the points on a fine surface.

Click here for match report

Posted at 22:03 on Sunday 20th March 2011 - Viewed 341 times