Billy Paynter says the upcoming period is an important one for Runcorn Linnets.
Linnets’ unbeaten run came grinding to a halt as their poor run of form at the DCBL Stadium against Widnes continued. Jack McGowan scored twice for the Whites to succumb their Halton rivals to a fifth defeat of the season.
“It was a derby match and I felt that we didn’t perform on the day and we were second-best across the pitch which was disappointing,” he said speaking to Off The Park.
“Widnes were the worthy winners. I think we overplayed in the wrong areas, slow moving the ball at the back, when we did play those risky balls – Widnes were quick to press and force mistakes.
“We got into the final third and had chances but wasn’t clinical enough to get back into the game.”
They remain outside of the playoffs on goal difference ahead of a busy period of fixtures. Weather-permitting, they’re due to host Clitheroe who occupy the final playoff spot ahead of Linnets.
Paynter previously discussed wanting his side to put the foundations in place to go on a positive run and after an elimination in the cup followed their defeat to their nearest rivals.
He said: “It’s always nice when you go on a winning run but you need to not get sucked into a losing run. It can affect confidence but with the big games coming up, I think the players will get up for that.
“It’s an important time which is why I asked the players can we go on this run to get that winning feeling. We didn’t turn up at Widnes, hopefully it was a minor blip and the boys can respond well.”
For enquiries: info@off-the-park.co.uk/ @OffThePark_
