City of Liverpool manager Paul McNally has highlighted Runcorn Linnets’ quality ahead of their encounter.
The Purps return to action after their run-up to Christmas was hampered by postponements following the adverse weather.
They go into the Boxing Day clash with Dave Wild’s side on the back of their dramatic late win over Ramsbottom United. But this meeting is the second in quick succession after Linnets ran out winners in their Liverpool Senior Cup clash.
Speaking to Off The Park, McNally said: “It’s a very tough game, we played them in the Senior Cup and it was a tough game, we know what we were up against.
“I’m sure it will be a similar game but we know that they’re organised, got experienced players and they’ve got a way of playing that wins games as well.
“We’ll give them the utmost respect, we’ll go there confident we can go there and do a job but we’re up against a good side and they wouldn’t be where they are if they wasn’t a good side.
“We always try to go toe-to-toe with every team regardless of who it was so we won’t alter our approach, we’ll do as we have done for 99 percent of the games we have done.”
He continued: “We don’t fear anyone but we are wary of them, they’ve got massive threats in Jamie Rainford and Ryan Brooke, they’ve got players who can hurt you. We’ll do our due diligence but we’ll look to try get the points we can.
“It’s a derby, these type of local games form goes out the window and positions. There’s pride at stake for both teams, regardless of who you’re playing, there will always be that local rivalry and it’ll be a good old Scouse battle. There won’t be much love lost, both teams will be at it.
“We are due a good bit of luck but you make your own luck, we’ll be going there and looking to take the points, as they will be too. We need them just as they need them so it will be a good game.”
[Featured Image: City of Liverpool]
