Billy Paynter believes Runcorn Linnets have to put an end to their inconsistency.
Newcastle Town halted their momentum last time out as Neil Baker picked up his first win in charge. Linnets have endured an indifferent run, winning three in six and losing the others, the rollercoaster form hasn’t curtailed their promotion push as they sit in third.
They sit nine points off league leaders Leek Town and two behind nearest challengers Prescot Cables – who have a game in hand.
Thomas Jones’ goal was the difference for Newcastle Town last time out in a disappointing showing from the visitors. Paynter says that defeats need to be eradicated if they are to be contenders.
“Disappointing result, disappointing performance, I wasn’t happy with how we performed and we didn’t really create much. Newcastle brought in a new, experienced manager so you knew it’d be difficult to break through them and we had to display more, be braver which we wasn’t,” he reflected, speaking to Off The Park.
“With us not playing at the weekend, results went for us as well, again it’s been one of those seasons where we’ve been inconsistent. If you want to be challenging at the top, you need to have be picking up points away from home.”
They bolstered their ranks with Northern Premier League West experience as Eric Byrne and Kieran Knapper were brought in as part a double swoop at the APEC Taxis Stadium. Paynter believes their introduction can have a positive impact as the competition for starting places continue.
“With the two new signings, we needed spark and an attacking threat,” he added. “(Kieran) Knapper is quick, direct and he’ll put defences under pressure so we’ve got a variety of attacking players, Eric Byrne has come in as well, he’s a versatile midfielder with a bit of bite and he’ll be challenging for a starting spot – so it’s healthy competition.
“I’d like to give lads certain time but we’ve got to come out of this inconsistency rut where you lose one, win one, I want to get onto a consistent run.”
After their showdown with Bootle was postponed last weekend, Linnets’ attention turns to Vauxhall Motors, who have had a strong start under Danny Holmes but have endured a dip in form as of late.
They showed their quality to come back and draw with Prescot Cables in early January, the Linnets boss knows their quality but reaffirms that his side have to perform to their capabilities.
He said: “We watched them against Prescot, they got a result that night and can make it hard for you. They have a new manager, we know it’s not going to be an easy game but it’s what we do on the day, hopefully we turn up and perform.”
