Alsager Town 0-4 Runcorn Town
Alsager Town hosted Runcorn Town in the NWCFL First Division South in an opportunity to win a third consecutive league fixture after two strong results away from home.
First half
Alsager got off to the worst possible start when Oliver Culkin came out of his net and committed a foul inside the home penalty area. Thomas Ruffer slotted his penalty right of the goalkeeper, who dived the other way. After just six minutes, Runcorn had the lead.
Alfie Carmichael landed Alsager’s first shot on target from distance after seeing shot-stopper William Ebbrell stood high up the pitch. However, his shot lacked power and failed to trouble the visiting keeper.
Runcorn came close with an effort on goal and doubled their advantage not long afterwards. Connor Spiers’ shot was fired straight at Culkin, but he was unable to make the save.
The Bullets had a chance of their own when Luke Nicholls made a good run down the left wing and got a shot on target, but Ebrell’s commanded his space and made saved his effort.
It was Runcorn who had the next big opportunity and it could easily have been a goal. However, Culkin made up for his earlier mistake by tipping the ball over the bar after it was hit with power and height.
Things then got worse for Alsager, as Thomas Boyd received a second yellow card shortly before the interval.
Half time: Alsager Town 0-2 Runcorn Town
Second half
The visitors were instantly on top in the second half and forced Culkin into a close range save, having already missed a chance in front of goal.
The goalkeeper was called into action again and spilled his save, but the Runcorn forward skied the rebound which kept the score at 2-0.
They did eventually get their third after 67 minutes and it was Spiers another goal scored by Spiers. He made an impressive counter attacking run after Alsager lost possession shortly after a corner kick. The winger outpaced his opposing players and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
Runcorn continued to look more likely to score and there was an opportunity when Culkin found himself a long way from his own net. However, Alsager’s defender stepped up and cleared the ball.
Culkin then made a good save at his near post, but he was unable to stop Runcorn scoring a fourth goal in stoppage time from a scrappy corner kick.
Full time: Alsager Town 0-4 Runcorn Town
Alsager are no longer in danger of drop
The Bullets may have suffered a heavy defeat against the league leaders. However, 6-0 and 4-1 victories over Wolverhampton Sporting Community and Market Drayton Town in their two fixtures prior means Warren Jones’ team sit in 11th position in the First Division South after 12 matches.
Next up for Alsager is an away trip against Foley Meir next Tuesday. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8pm.
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