Runcorn Linnets 1 Warrington Town 1

(Runcorn Linnets won 5-4 on penalties)

AN inexperienced Yellows side bowed out of the Integro League Cup at the first hurdle on Tuesday night.

Paul Carden named a side that contained just four recognised first-team players, but the Yellows youngsters battled gamely throughout against a strong Linnets side.

The visitors hit the front 10 minutes from half time when Robbie Evans crunched a free kick into the corner.

The hosts were level right on the whistle when former Town striker Connor McCarthy was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Peter Marretti.

Louis Corrigan converted it and thus became the first player to breach the Town defence in 754 minutes of football in all competitions.

The game eventually went to penalties, with Warrington keeper Joe Williams saving a Runcorn spot kick to give his side a 2-1 advantage.

However, Josh Amis saw his effort saved as the shoot-out went to sudden death before Jacob Shield saw his penalty come back off the bar to send Linnets through.

Despite the defeat, Carden was in upbeat mood and was happy with the way his young side competed against the side who sit second in the Evo-Stik West Division.

“We’re obviously disappointed to lose, but in terms of what we got out of the game, I am more than pleased,” he said.

“It was good to get first-team players much-needed game time, players like Jack Dunn, Robbie Evans and Russell Benjamin.

“We’re still trying to work out Josh Amis’ fitness but I thought he put a shift in. Unfortunately, Luke George felt his hamstring again so that was a blow.

“Seeing the level that some of the young lads were at, they have obviously improved from last season.

“They are quickly narrowing the gap to what we’re looking for coming through.

“It was pleasing to see they could compete with a set of players at Runcorn Linnets who are strong in their own league.

“They didn’t have a single player out there who hadn’t featured in the first team this season.

“It’s credit to the lads for not losing the game over 90 minutes.”

Warrington Town: Williams, Banks (Summers), Shield, George (Duggan), Marretti, Benjamin, Arnaslan, Evans (Mulholland), Amis, Sherrif, Dunn. Subs not used: A Carden, McMillan.