14th October 2017 - Burscough FC 0 v 1 Runcorn Linnets - I am suffering form anxiety at the moment, it happens when one is passionate about so many things and struggles to cope with many everyday niggles. Despite this I keep my arse in gear and the morn was spent at Formby NT leading a group of 26 people on a fungus hunt. 66 species were named and shamed and the sun that beat down was ruddy well enjoyed too. We turned up at Victoria Park full of spores and covered in crud but that didn't stop us grabbing a bite to eat, a cup of cha' and settling down to enjoy the pre-match build up. We chatted with the dad of Burscough player Hyun Seol and chomped and slurped with zeal after building up a good appetite out in the field. The sun shone, we were looking forward to this one, what a fine way to unwind - better than spending a day behind closed doors with a .copy of Quasimodo's Love Tales - all that humping is bad for the head don't ya know! Anyway before I digress too much and have the authorities at my door again, here is the report!
The game began in earnest and a long ball from a Linnets back bod saw their No 10 (Freddie Potter) begin a hardy chase. He was vulgarly tripped, the away fans crudely shouted for a sending off but for me, the referee was bang on with his delivery of a yellow, the legs were still cold, a mistake is easy to commit in the first few seconds. No 7 (Paul Shanley) took the bonus hoof, not bad but, like a Christian at a FIFA board meeting, it wasn't bent enough. With a few ticks on the clock Potter was in again when he crossed and an awkward bounce of the ball beat the defender and allowed No 9 (Stuart Wellstead) to produce an off-balance header. Alas power was lacking to trouble the netman. Burscough now responded with their robust No 5 (Alex Parkes) who had a determined long range punt. The ball flew over but it was worth a crack if only to relieve some early pressure. Soon after the Linnets flocked forth again, 2 quick passes came, a cross and a low header by Potter was the end result - straight at the mitter the globe flew. Burscough repaid the attack when their No 11 (Terry Cummings) started a move that saw No 7 (Prince Ekpolo) pass to No 8 (Hyun Seol) who shot but found sky rather than mesh. It was a neatly worked move and showed that the lower positioned side in this affair were far from being overawed.
Next and a streaking Runcorn move saw No 3 (Aaron Morris), find No 2 (Matt Atherton) who found Shanley who eventually connected with Potter. The final shot missed and denied us all one helluva memorable goal. Unlucky chaps, it could have been a stunner. Soon after No 6 (Michael Simpson) shot after a ball was retrieved from a seemingly lost situation. Again the target was not found with the ball being dragged wide - what a good entertaining half though. A brace of corners now came for Burscough as well as a free kick after their impressive No 9 (Liam Diggle) worked his arse off. Nothing came of all three punts but it was all promising stuff to build upon. Next, and a guest long ball found Shanley who worked the flank and crossed. The balding pate of Wellstead connected and a groan of disbelief went up from the crowd as the crossbar was rattled. Up the other end and a defender was robbed and Ekpolo was in. He was a long way out and saw the mittman off his line but the chip was too low and easily grabbed by the gloved guardian. Runcorn were straight back, Wellstead through, goalkeeper in no mans land. The shot came, where the hell did the mitter come from, his digit tips just did enough to deny the first strike. Great effort man. Another visitors attack, Shanley down like a sack of shit, a free kick given. The sack must have been torn during the collision because the free kick was also shite - it happens. Soon after this, the Linnets frustrations spilled over and the Burscough lads reacted too. A bout of pushing and shoving came which the ref did well to quell. It is just as well, because once the sequins come off the handbags they can be quite dangerous to play on. The match duly resumed.
Burscough came on as Runcorn got niggled. Seol crossed, Ekpolo was only feet away from goal - how he knocked it so high into the sky is anyone's guess, a bad blunder for sure. A free kick was earned by the home lads, once again via the handful that is Diggle. The ball came in, Ekpolo shot again and once more blazed high. Two chances, both wasted and one felt these situations may come back to haunt the home squad later in the game. Before the half folded the Linnets had one last clump at goal, No 8 (Kyle Hamid) though was wasteful and missed in elaborate style. The referee called the half to a close and what a good thrilling 45 minutes it had been.
A quick Arthur Bliss, a slurp and a natter, this one could still go anyway - a bit like my urine when I get up in the night and aim at the bowl with lidded eyes - they don't call me Fungal '3 jets' Dave for nowt!
Back at it, an early show from Potter of the Linnets warmed the goalies hands and set the tempo rolling. Burscough were just doing enough to deny their opponents any time on the ball, the work rate was impressive. This was end to end stuff with a Burscough penalty shout thrown in the mix and several Linnets attacks denied at the last by some stout defending - what good value and all and sundry were lapping it up. As the match looked balanced a ball from the pack came the way of the guests. Potter floated an impeccable cross into the box and Mitchell Bryant tupped home with controlled ease. From here the Linnets sung and surged with No 6 (Michael Simpson) sinking one in the goalies guts and then Potter doing the same after showing good strength to gain a shooting position. A Linnets corner posed danger, the ball was trapped on the line and eventually cleared. Both teams now worked with urgency, Burscough moved forth but lacked options and space up front, Linnets worked the other end with Shanley a menace but not having any luck today and being kept securely at bay. A late on corner for the guests saw a touch header ping wide and a bit of late Burscough pressure saw things dissolve at the very last when a gamble, a hopeful run and some last ditch commitment was needed. The game balanced itself out, the ref called for time, despite this being an encounter between a team at the top and one in the dungeon it was a mighty close affair and was up for grabs right until the death. Both teams supplied many good performances today but for Man of the Match I feel as though I have to go for Runcorn Linnet's No 10 (Freddie Potter) who was intelligent, strong, willing and skillful throughout his time on the pitch and is the man who may just help his team win this much sought after promotion. I was really taken by this guy's efforts, long may they continue.
FINAL THOUGHT - Two teams, one striving for top spot, one trying to avoid being bottom of the pack - who would have thought it! Let's face it, Runcorn Linnets are a good well run club who always do well and will have a good season no matter what, they will be in the mix at the end and will fight right up until the wire. Burscough are better than what their league position says and today I thought they deserved at least a draw. Several players worked well, were up for the challenge and gave 110% right up until the final peep of the whistle, all that was lacking was a bit of luck. We headed home after this one delighted with our jaunt and vowed to be back again. We thanked a Burscough bod from the bench and tootled home, we vowed to be back, and why not indeed, what a great ground it is!
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