Greatest day: Craig Elliott (right) admitted that Shaw Lane Aquaforce’s 4-1 win over Runcorn Linnets in the FA Vase was his club’s greatest victory
Shaw Lane Aquaforce pulled off the greatest win of their short history by knocking unbeatable North West Counties Premier Division leaders Runcorn Linnets out of the FA Vase.
Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott admitted that the magnificent 4-1 victory in the first round tie was one to savour.
Even the bookies had written the Ducks off. Runcorn, who have yet to lose in 20 league games, have only lost in the FA Cup and League Cup this season.
Some bookmakers had them down for 25/1 for lifting the Vase trophy at Wembley in May and they were 6/5 to beat Aquaforce yesterday.
Shaw Lane, one of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League’s best hopes for becoming the NCEL’s first Vase finalist since 2002, had other ideas.
The Premier Division high-flyers couldn’t have got off to a better start. Jimmy Eyles had already caused the Runcorn defence a few problems when he crossed for Lee Morris to head home at the back-post.
Lee Morris heads Shaw Lane in front
Shaw Lane players congratulate Lee Morris
Jimmy Eyles, ‘scorer of the third goal, is hauled to the ground
Michael Atherton heads Runcorn Linnets level in their 4-1 defeat at Shaw Lane
Job done: Shaw Lane celebrate Jimmy Eyles’ decisive third goal
Runcorn did not show the qualities that has led them to the top of the NWC during the first half as Aquaforce were mostly on top.
They did have a brief period of pressure which accumulated in Matthew Atherton smashing the crossbar with a fine volley.
But Shaw Lane had chances to score a couple more with Morris and then Andrew Fox going close.
Runcorn came out for the second half like the team that has taken opposition sides apart this season by scoring the equaliser inside 60 seconds.
Aquaforce dropped too deep for a free kick from the left-wing and Atherton was able to head home from close range.
The home side were on the ropes for a few minutes. Christopher Lomax broke through and goalkeeper Jamie Bailey denied him with a fine save.
Elliott’s men won back the initiative. Morris brought out a stop from Richard Mottam before Shane Kelsey’s brilliant curling effort from the edge of the box found the bottom corner to put Shaw Lane back in front.
Elliott was jumping for joy at this point.
Aquaforce held on quite comfortably. Runcorn became frustrated and their large following were baying for referee Timothy Walker’s blood after already-booked Anton Foster was given a last warning instead of a red card for a late challenge.
Even though a Runcorn goal would have forced extra-time, the visitors were more concerned with haranguing the referee.
They were put out of their misery with three minutes remaining. Eyles made the break and passed to substitute Joe Thornton.
Thornton got past his marker and sent a low cross across the six-yard box and Eyles was on hand to seal the superb win.
The score-line was made even worse deep into injury-time as a Kelsey free kick was nodded past a stranded Mottram by Runcorn defender River Humphreys.
The heavy win did not reflect the game, but all what matters is Shaw Lane’s name in today’s draw for the second round.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott:
“I think it is the best result they have (in their history), it has got to be – when you consider how big a club Runcorn are and that they haven’t been beat in the league.
“They were also one of the favourites to win the Vase.
“It puts a big statement out there and sometimes these players get questioned about how much they are on it.
“I was over the moon with them. They worked so hard to get that result and in the end it was totally deserved.
“I knew how they would come out for the second half. They have some great players and for the first ten minutes they were all over us.
“Deservebly they got an equaliser and it took a little while to get going again. Slowly we clawed ourselves back into the game and I was confident on the counter attack that we would get chances and we did.
“It’s a win to savour.”
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Bailey, Stohrer, O’Brien, Foster (J Thornton 74), Holt, Denton (captain), Fox, Thornhill, Eyles (R Haigh 88), Morris (Darley 91), Kelsey. Subs unused: Danville, M Thornton.
Runcorn Linnets: Mottram, Duffy (Thompson 84), Crowder, Humphreys, White, Ellison (captain), Wade, Hamid, Towey, Atherton, Lomax (Burke 88). Sub unused: Adamson.
Referee: Timothy Walker
Ref Rating: 10/10
Attendance: 257
Man of the match: Matt Thornhill (Shaw Lane Aquaforce)
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