By Ethan Hoijord
Vauxhall Motors saw their run of games without a win extend to five as they were beaten 4-2 against Runcorn Linnets, on Saturday afternoon.
It had been a busy week at The VanEupen Arena as new signings, such as ex-Tranmere man Jake Kirby, were announced. The 29-year-old had been at Nantwich Town since last year, the club had taken him out of his early retirement.
The Motormen were looking to build on from their one-all draw away at Prescot Cables on January 12th with baltic conditions forcing a postponement in their previously scheduled fixture.
Jay Harvey scored that night against The Cables and he was lively again against Linnets as he netted with his head to level the tie up before the third placed outfit showcased their quality to brush the hosts aside.
There was a slow start to proceedings in The Port but Danny Holmes’ side were putting the ball into some good areas as Kirby linked up well with fellow midfielders Jordan Deer and Haydn Cooper.
Forward Bobbie McDonnell, who returned back for the game at Prescot, replaced injured defender Bobby Beaumont in the 19th minute.
However, it was the visitors that put themselves into the lead, from a corner, not too long afterwards as Will Saxon’s delivery met the experienced Antony Kay inside the box. Kay’s effort smashed onto the crossbar before the ball came back down to trickle over the line.
Harvey levelled the tie up ten minutes later as midfielder Ben Holmes sent in a perfectly placed cross from the right side of the box, it was one-all at the break.
Saxon was again the creator as James Hooper restored Prescot’s lead in the 54th minute. Hooper, substituted moments before the strike, rifled the ball into the roof of Atkinson’s net before he was substituted off with a nasty injury.
Motors manager Holmes made two changes shortly afterwards, Bisensio Kamilo coming on to add a bit of pace to the attack whilst Lewis Willingham added some fresh legs to the backline. Haydn Cooper and Adam Hughes were the men subbed off.
However, Linnets defender Sean O’Mahony would extend Runcorn’s lead on the 79th minute, bundling in a free kick by James Short.
Motors attacker Jordan Deer halved his side’s deficit with five minutes remaining but in-form Linnets man Olly Molloy, who struck his first goal for the club against Vauxhall in October, ensured his side took all three points back to Cheshire.
Vauxhall Motors return back to action next Saturday afternoon, without full-back Jason Akiotu who was sent off late on, as they host former promotion winning manager Mick McGraa’s Bootle. Runcorn next play host to Trafford.
Vauxhall Motors FC, managed by Danny Holmes: Jack Atkinson, Bobby Beaumont (19’), Jason Akiotu, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Adam Hughes (68’), Haydn Cooper (64’), George Nugent, Ben Holmes, Jay Harvey, Jake Kirby, Jordan Deer. SUBS: Leo Riley, Bisensio Kamilo (64’), Lewis Willingham (68’), Bobbie McDonnell (19’), Joe Levey.
Runcorn Linnets FC, managed by Billy Paynter: Passant, Barrett, O’Mahony, Kay, Short, Lynch, Welsh, Knapper, Doyle, Saxon, Molloy. SUBS: Byrne, Moseley, Brooke, Hooper.
Attendance: 356.