Runcorn Linnets manager Billy Paynter says they’re out to earn bragging rights against Widnes after the ‘missed opportunity’ against Hanley Town.
Linnets are on the cusp of qualifying for the Northern Premier League playoffs but were left frustrated in their last outing in Staffordshire.
On the eve of their trip, Prescot Cables suffered defeat away at Widnes handing Linnets the opportunity to move a step closer to booking their place in the semi-finals at the end of April. However, they were held to a goalless draw.
For the Linnets boss, he has billed it as a missed opportunity in what has proved to be an inconsistent campaign. He told Off The Park: “You go into Hanley with Prescot losing at Widnes, if we get three points you cement yourself in the playoffs.
“But the game was so flat, it was a poor display even though we were comfortable – Hanley frustrated us. We weren’t clinical enough in the final third when we had opportunities to.
“One hundred percent (an opportunity missed), it was frustrating because I know the quality is in there. We have had too many 0-0’s, a goalless draw at Hanley, against Nantwich – when we’ve dominated the game – it’s just that final third.
“That’s why it has shown there’s a big, big difference between Leek and the rest of the chasing pack. The lads felt it was an opportunity missed, things get said in the dressing room but you want them to speak out and have their opinions.
“The backline and goalkeeper done their job in getting the clean sheet, it’s up to the frontline to produce something or be clinical, we had opportunities but we just couldn’t make it count.”
The 39-year-old added: “Far too many draws, in no disrespect but teams in the bottom half of the table. If you want to be challenging, cement your place in the playoffs, they’re your bread and butter – you need to be finishing these teams off.”
This weekend marks, arguably, one of the biggest Halton derbies in recent memory as Linnets look to extend their season beyond April 27. Widnes, on the other hand, have a lot riding on their short trip to the APEC Taxis Stadium, a win for them would intensify their bid for a late playoff push.
For Linnets, they know a win will all but confirm their playoff place and there is a lot riding on the encounter including the fight for bragging rights. Last time the two sides met, Widnes ran out 2-0 winners thanks to a Jack McGowan brace.
Paynter says his side have to be up for it and give their supporters something to cheer about. He continued: “The local derbies, players can get up for those games because they know it’s a challenge and Saturday, Widnes are a well-organsied team. They’re defensively solid, ask questions, willing runners so it will be another tough game. I expect the players to be right at it.
“Can we build momentum – hopefully leading into the playoffs? This is why I want my forward line to get the goals because it breeds confidence. When we played them at their place, I thought we were really poor, when you turn up for a derby match and you’re not at it, you can turn over. The players must be ready, and I will drum that into them.
“The fans want bragging rights as well, in derby matches they want to win these games, we owe them one and hopefully it’s our fans enjoying the result.”
[Featured image: Neil Phillip Thornton]
