Runcorn Town FC Official Website - Bethesda Athletic Match Report

Runcorn Town kicked off their first pre-season game with 12.30pm kick off against a first choice Bethesda Athletic.

With Town having two games on the day, team managers Simon Burton and Rod Looker took the opportunity to mix and match the teams with just four of the starting XI at the club at the end of last season.

New faces included Karl Kneale, Andy Griff, Marvin Molyneux and Alex Lucas who all made their debuts with Paul Glynn, Robbie Gorry and Paul Angell returning having previously played for Town.

Bethesda took advantage of Town's lack of knowing each other early on by taking the lead after just five minutes. A long ball from the keeper bounced into the Town half with Gareth Davies outmuscling Greg Byrne and slotting the ball past Karl Wills.

The lead lasted just seven minutes with Paul Angell equalising. Paul Glynn's free kick from the left found Angell completely unmarked at the back post, and he controlled the ball well before slotting it into the corner of the net.

Town were looking strong with Jason Carey making a good run before seeing a shot deflected onto the post, and Glynn also making a weaving run but shooting straight at the keeper.

Bethesda then took the lead with a goal that the managers will not be too happy about as a corner from the right was headed in by Richard Owen. Owen should have made it 3-1 shortly after a good passing move, but his header from inside the box went over.

The third goal arrived after 52 minutes with Molyneux losing possession inside his own half. The ball was quickly played up to Gareth Davies who cut inside the last defender and found the corner of the net for his second goal.

This match report represents the views of the author and not particularly that of Runcorn Town FC.