Runcorn Town FC Official Website - Newcastle Town Match Report

Runcorn Town's first pre-season home game was a 3-3 thriller against Vodkat Premier League side Newcastle Town.

Newcastle had the better of the opening chances but Simon Burton almost gave Town the lead with a shot from the edge of the box that struck the post. Last season's joint leading scorer Jason Carey gave Runcorn the lead in the 12th minute with a textbook route one goal. Keeper Karl Wills' kick took one bounce in the opposition half with Carey getting in between the keeper and a defender to head the ball into the net.

Danny Cummins then pulled a shot wide from Warren Bellew's cross but Newcastle continued to look dangerous, particularly counter attacking when winning the ball in defence.

After 35 minutes the home side went 2-0 up with Carey notching his second. He took the ball away from the keeper from Ste Latham's pass before chipping the ball into the empty net from the edge of the box. The lead lasted barely a minute with Newcastle finding their way through the middle of Runcorn's defence for an easy finish.

Five minutes into the second half Newcastle were level mainly through defensive errors by the home team as a throw in from the right reached the box with Ryan Greene taking the ball around Karl Wills and scoring.

Runcorn had a couple of chances to regain the lead before they did with Connor Anderson having a goal disallowed for offside, with Joey Davies putting Runcorn back in the lead after 61 minutes when Anderson's superb pass left him with just the keeper to beat.

Ste Latham had a couple of chances to put Town further in front with two driving runs from midfield, one ending in a good save by the keeper and the other hitting the post.

Newcastle's equaliser came after 72 minutes when Town were caught napping down the right with the ball played across goal to Greene who found the far corner.

Joey Davies could have won it late on for Town with a powerful shot from Greg Byrne's ball through, but the keeper pulled off a fine save with his legs.

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