Warrington Rylands v Runcorn Linnets – Big game preview
By Garry Clarke
A big crowd is expected at Gorsey Lane on Saturday when Warrington Rylands host local rivals Runcorn Linnets in a NPL West fixture, kick off 3pm.
The “Blues” who when beating Ramsbottom United last weekend secured a minimum of a promotion play off place now control their own destiny in the title race, if they win all four of their games they will be crowned champions. But it will not be easy as they have four very difficult games to play, not least on Saturday.
Promotion chasing Runcorn Linnets are one of only five teams who have lowered Rylands colours this season winning 2-0 at their Apec Taxis Stadium home on 20th November 2021.
Currently sitting in 5th place Runcorn Linnets, 8 points ahead of 6th placed Clitheroe, look to have a play off place nailed on, and could still mathematically overhaul Rylands at the top of the table.
Saturday’s encounter brings together the Division’s two form teams with Runcorn being unbeaten in their last seven games, a run bettered only by Rylands who are unbeaten in their last nine – the last seven all being victories.
While Rylands were beating Ramsbottom last Saturday Runcorn Linnets beat, already relegated, Market Drayton Town 4-1 at home. After a goalless first half Oladapo Olarewaju gave Runcorn the lead in the 50th minute before the NPL West’s top scorer Ryan Brooke netted his second hat-trick of the season in front of a crowd of 706 spectators.
The two team’s respective league records going into the game are:
P W D L GF GA GD PTS POS
Rylands 32 24 5 5 89 35 54 77 1
Runcorn 33 20 6 7 67 36 31 66 5Away from home, Runcorn’s league record this season is:
P W D L
16 10 1 5While Rylands home record is:
P W D L
17 14 1 2
As their first season in the Northern Premier League reaches its conclusion Warrington Rylands have three league games to play after Saturday:
Saturday 9th April away v Workington
Monday 18th April away v 1874 Northwich
Saturday 23rd April home v Bootle
All games to kick off at 3pm.
