By Ethan Hoijord

Photo by Marc Gibbs

Vauxhall Motors were beaten 2-0 at Runcorn Linnets in interim manager Joe Heath’s third league game in charge.

Heath’s time so far in the position has been fairly balanced, with some positives and negatives to take following last weekend’s fantastic comeback victory at home to Hednesford.

Last time out, they were beaten 2-0 by Crewe Alexandra in Cheshire Senior Cup action. Heath had the chance to make changes to his side that night, giving many who hadn’t had much game time some playing minutes.

Former Tranmere striker Craig Curran featured and placed the ball into the back of the net before he was ruled to be offside, he did the same on a cold day at The APEC Taxis Stadium.

Runcorn edged themselves in front straight away with a header from a perfectly placed corner by the very recently signed Oliver Molloy. He continued to prove a threat with his great ability, strength and aerial awareness. ‬

Both sides continued to challenge but there were fairly limited chances created until striker Lewis Buckley had an effort pushed away by Tranmere academy graduate Bayleigh Passant.

The Motormen again got close when Jordan Wynne saw his deflected chance go just wide.

Heath was forced into making an early change when injured defender Ben Dufton-Kelly, who had passed a fitness test just before the game started, was replaced by forward Craig Curran.

Curran made an immediate impact, creating a great chance for Conor Harwood but he fired the ball over the bar.

Curran used his experience to put a helpful word into his fellow frontman’s ear and his side believed that he had put them back into the game but for a raised flag by the official.

Runcorn were back on top in the second half, flashing many crosses into the Vauxhall box.

They were unable to test keeper Ally Hughes – standing in for the injured Sam Booth – from their play until he produced an excellent save from Molloy’s shot after sending the game’s goalscorer wide, getting low to do so.

That opportunity did however result in a corner which Adam Moseley, whose dad played for the club, struck into the net on the 65th minute.

Interim manager Heath stated after the game how unhappy he really is with his side’s inability to defend corners having conceded many of late.

They were close to getting themselves back in the game late on but failed to do so when Adam Hughes blasted his chance over the bar after captain Tom Mitchell had a header cleared off the line.

Vauxhall Motors are back in action on Saturday afternoon as they host Clitheroe. All support, as always, for The Motormen is greatly appreciated thus we look forward to seeing you there.