Runcorn Town FC Official Website - Ellesmere Port Reserves Match Report

Town Reserves lost a game they were more than capable of winning if they had applied themselves properly, but this was a first half horror show, manager Rod Looker commented afterwards that the half was the worst performance he can remember from any team he has managed, pointing to a total lack of commitment, effort and cohesion and warned that changes will be made for next weeks home game.
With passes going astray and the team generally looking disjointed right from the kick off the Ellesmere port Res sensed the opportunity of a victory and visibly grew as the horror show unfolded, taking the lead midway through the half when striker Lee Moores received the ball with his back to goal some 20 yards out, he turned and took a speculative shot which keeper Carl Williams pushed up onto his bar and into the net, Town rallied briefly and when James McShane latched onto a through ball into the penalty area the home keeper rushing out went right through McShane leaving the ref no alternative but to award the penalty the amazing
thing was he decided to book the keeper but not send him off for what was a terrible foul, with McSane still receiving treatment Connor Anderson stepped up to take the penalty
but his spot kick hit the bar and came back, Anderson following up put the ball into the net instead of either trying a pass or leaving it for someone else, this summed it up and with very few other chances the half ended with Town still trailing.
The second half started better Town on the front foot looking for the equaliser but a total mess up in the Town penalty area following a hopeful lofted free kick, Port stretched there lead with Williams and the rest of Town defence failing to deal with the delivery the unmarked striker headed into the open goal unopposed, this did finally bring a reaction and McShane and Jolley both went close on a number of occasions ironically the home keeper who should not have been on the pitch at this point following the reckless challenge which had lead to the penalty was in inspired form and saved everything that Town through at him notably when flying full length to deny marauding right back Barry Angell's goal bound effort with only minutes remaining. Dave Jolley did get a goal back when he was quickest to react in the box, firing in low on the turn to reduce the deficit but it was scant consolation and a shake up looks on the cards for this Saturday�s home game.

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