Runcorn Town FC Official Website - Upton Athletic Association Reserves Match Report

Runcorn started the tie well, retaining possession and also putting together several quick short passing moves that threatened the visitors defence.

Graven tried a long range shot that was well off target, then a series off crosses from Illidge were poor and never even troubled the Upton defence. McEvoy did well to create space for himself but his cross was poor hitting the back stanchion.

Upton were also creating opennings and the game was entertaining flowing from end to end. Upton�s Armour tried a spectacular volley but the ball flew high and wide.
McEvoy played Illidge in down the left side but once again his cross was poor deflecting off a defender for a corner. Tudor then put Brown clear but his attempted chip went straight into the arms of Upton keeper Derkacz.

Against the run of play Upton took the lead, breaking quickly and following a series of passes that openned up Towns defence, Arjon Van De Wolfshaar fired home in the 27th min.

It proved just what the game needed, Runcorn�s Aaron Brown firing in an unstoppable shot from 30yards to equalise in the 30th min. Upton�s Armour went close with a low shot that flew inches past the upright.

McEvoy and Illidge combined with the keeper hanging on to McEvoy�s low shot. Graven ried his luck again but this time his on target shot was well saved by Derkacz.
The move of the match followed, Jolley, Illidge and Brown interchanging passes allowing McGrath to hit a powerful shot that was well saved. Illidge then shot wildly from 18 yards.

McEvoy crossed for Brown to head onto the top of the crossbar, then Jolley struck a dipping volley just wide of the upright with the keeper stranded. Upton ended the all action half when King struck a powerful shot that Williams blocked then gathered the rebound.

HALF TIME RUNCORN TOWN RESERVES 1-1 UPTON A A RESERVES

The 1st half was very good but the 2nd half was even better. Runcorn�s manager Paul Egerton substitutions made a difference, the team looking much more balanced.
Brown should have scored but somehow keeper Derkacz made an astonishing save to prevent a certain goal, diving backwards he punched the ball off his own goal line.

Aaron Brown eventually put Runcorn in front in the 59th min side footing home from 10yds. Within a min., Jonathan King had equalised, a centre cum shot deceived Williams who could only help the ball into the net. Brown then put Runcorn ahead again in the 64th., his strong header finding the top corner.

Upton once more caught out the home defence when a low cross from the left was stabbed home by Arjon Van De Wolfshaar from within the 6 yard goal area in the 67th min.

Blink and you missed some action, a cross by Burbidge was headed home by Jon McEvoy in the 70th min to regain the lead. Brown was guilty of some glaring misses to the dismay of his team mates, one a lazy back heal being cleared off the line.

However it was the striker who finally sank Upton when McEvoy unselfishly laid on an open goal for his co-striker Brown in the 76th min. Gorry rattled the crossbar with a 25 yard volley, some brilliant dribbling by Paul Glynn met with the full approval of the supporters. Gorry then hit the net support with a half volley.

Town were through to the next round but it took a full length save by Williams to keep out Retter in the final min.

FULL TIME: RUNCORN TOWN RESERVES 5-3 UPTON A A RESERVES

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