Vauxhall Motors 3 Runcorn Town 1
Saturday 26th March 2022
NWCFL
@The VanEupen Arena
Report by Ethan Hoijord
Vauxhall Motors continued their positive NWCFL form with a 3-1 victory over Runcorn Town on Saturday afternoon.
The Motormen started strongly when Ben Holmes struck from the penalty spot within the opening ten minutes, sending the keeper the wrong way as the nation celebrated ‘Non-League day’.
However, there were few chances for either side within the initial half hour of play. A chance fell to Kieran Knapper to double the lead when the forward’s low and hard strike was saved and put behind for a corner by the keeper.
A relatively tame first half was brought to an end when Runcorn Town had their best opportunity at levelling the scoreline. Town’s striker placed his shot wide.
There would be more attacking intent from the visitors when the game continued, Runcorn hitting the crossbar a minute into the second 45.
To relieve fears of finding themselves in a position requiring a match winning moment, Jordan Deer headed home from a Micheal Burkey cross just before the hour mark.
A couple of substitutions were made by Mick McGraa before a goal for Town would come, Jamie Eaton and Jack Kelly replacing Burkey and Knapper who had both put in energising attacking performances.
The goal would come from the penalty spot. However, they nearly found their equaliser when an astounding Ciaran O’Loughlin save kept the ball from finding the net in quick succession.
A third sub for the hosts would be made with 20 minutes left to play, Leo Riley replacing Harvey Sample.
One of Motors’ issues recently has been their discipline, receiving a few yellow and red cards. Two yellows would be dished out by the referee, Eaton and O’Loughlin on the receiving end.
However, it would be the visitors that were on the receiving end of a red card as a classic Deer finish heightened their frustration.
The goal put the game to bed, it was a fantastic finish which received plaudits on Twitter ‘It was an incredible piece of art’.
It was a day to remember for McGraa’s side as their talent shone on the second to last home game of the campaign. A Cheshire Senior Cup Semi Final against Runcorn Linnets, this coming Tuesday, awaits.
Runcorn Town are already relegated but the three points brings Motors up to seventh.
TEAMS:
Vauxhall Motors – Ciaran O’Loughlin, Kyle Scarisbrick, Greg Drummond, Simon Thelwell, Marcus James, Sean Moscrop, Micheal Burkey (Jamie Eaton 60’), Ben Holmes ©️, Harvey Sample (Leo Riley 72’), Jordan Deer, Kieran Garner-Knapper (Jack Kelly 63’).
Runcorn Town – Adam Reid, Liam Turner ©️, Dominic McHugh (Tom Ruffer 27’), John Davies, Anthony Davies (Ashley Ruane 61’), Brandon Lockett, Samuel Hughes, Gary Roberts, Joseph Holt, Francois Antoine, Kyle Smyth (Andy Brown 57’).