Runcorn Town FC Official Website - Ellesmere Port Match Report

Two goals in two minutes from Warren Bellew and Simon Burton were enough to give Town a 2-0 victory at Ellesmere Port and it could have been a lot more but for some poor finishing.

Bellew went close with an early drive after good work on the left from Tony Wynne and Danny Cummins, and after 19 minutes Ste Latham almost gave Town the lead. Danny Cummins' free kick was headed back across goal by Burton with Latham's header cleared off the line and the linesman ruling the ball hadn't crossed.

Man-of-the-match Emini Adegbenro then had a good run and shot which flashed across goal before he played in Tony Wynne whose shot was deflected for a corner. Town were pressing with Bellew then playing in Wynne with Bob McLoughlin making a good save from his shot.

The opening goal eventually arrived after 31 minutes when Mini dispossessed Peter Charles and crossed for Bellew who fired low into the net. From the kick off Port should have been level when Mark Toohey was dispossessed and Mark Baldwin found himself in space in the box but his shot was straight at Karl Wills.

After 33 minutes Town went 2-0 up with the best passing move of the game. Cummins found Mini who played it into Wynne, and his cross was turned in by Simon Burton in the box.

More trickery from Mini almost made it three with five minutes of the half remaining with nifty footwork creating chance for a shot which hit the post before being cleared.

The second half saw Jason Carey replace Burton and he rode two challenges after 56 minutes on the right hand side before crossing for Wynne who headed just wide. Chances then dried up somewhat before the introduction of Connor Anderson, with his fresh legs opening up the game more.

After 73 minutes Anderson won the ball on the right and whipped in a great cross that Wynne headed over from the edge of the six-yard box. Then Cummins played a great through ball from his left back position to Bellew who fired wide of the post.

Bellew crossed for Latham after 78 minutes with his shot cleared for a corner, with Latham also seeing an effort go wide a minute later after good work on the right by Danny Dalton. With ten minutes remaining Marvin Molyneux saw a shot from the edge of the box go straight at the keeper before Port reminded Town that they were still in the game with a glorious chance.

The ball was played through to substitute Mike Jones who went clear of the defence with Karl Wills making a great save to deny him what looked like a sure goal. Town continued to find space up front without creating clear cut chances, before Port had a glorious chance to get on the scoresheet in stoppage time.

A cross from the left was handled in the box by Cummins to give Port a penalty, with Wills rounding off an excellent game with a fine save to his left to deny Jones.

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