WHEN 1874 Northwich meet Runcorn Linnets, drama is rarely absent.

However Ian Street’s side, after five previous attempts, have yet to savour a success.

Both teams can be considered outsiders to be promoted to the Northern Premier League this season, although neither can be considered out of contention.

That should add something to tomorrow’s latest instalment of a burgeoning rivalry.

Here’s how their other meetings have played out:

 

Runcorn Linnets 1-1 1874 Northwich

September 13, 2016

Linnets played for more than an hour against 10 men following 1874 midfielder Neil Chappell’s first-half dismissal, but had to come from behind to earn a share of the spoils.

It was enough to send Northwich to the top of the table.

They took the lead shortly after the interval when Tom Bailey diverted substitute Stuart Wellstead’s driven cross into the net from close range.

By then the visitors were a man down after Chappell’s tackle on Chris Lawton was judged by referee Alan Bennett to have used excessive force.

Linnets levelled when replacement Steve Foster, who spent a brief spell with 1874 last season, blasted in a free kick that fell into his path.

 

Runcorn Linnets 2-1 1874 Northwich

April 23, 2016

Michael White’s second-half penalty secured maximum points for Runcorn, who had trailed at the interval.

As a result, the defender scored a decisive goal in both meetings between the teams.

1874’s Danny Thomas had been sent off as punishment for a foul on Freddie Potter that led to referee Matthew Parry awarding the spot kick.

The contest had started promisingly for the visitors when Neil Chappell fired them in front after Matthew Beadle had cushioned the ball into his path.

Antony Hickey restored parity for Linnets on 67 minutes, reacting quickly to despatch a loose ball past goalkeeper Greg Hall.

 

1874 Northwich 0-1 Runcorn Linnets

September 15, 2015

An early goal, when Michael White was left unmarked to head in from a set piece, settled arguably the most subdued encounter between the rivals.

The visitors created better chances after taking the lead, most notably when Francis Smith prompted Northwich goalkeeper Tom Hunt to save smartly.

Freddie Potter blazed high when he was well-placed too.

He went closest to scoring in the second period as well, only for his attempt to graze the crossbar.

But Linnets did not need the comfort of a second goal to secure maximum points.

 

Northwich Guardian:

Mike Brandon, right, and Michael White both keep their eye on the ball during 1874 Northwich's home date with Runcorn Linnets last season

 

Runcorn Linnets 3-2 1874 Northwich

February 28 2015

By some distance the most boisterous of the neighbours’ meetings to date.

It had everything; five goals, including a late winner by Freddie Potter, three dismissals and a penalty at both ends of the field.

Kevin Towey had put Runcorn in front, only for Mike Brandon to punish an error by Linnets’ goalkeeper Richie Mottram to level.

Ian Street’s side took the lead early in the second period when Stuart Wellstead supplied an assist for Brandon, only for Michael White to make it 2-2 from the penalty spot.

The game’s flashpoint followed with five minutes left, when Adam Wade’s tackle on Matthew Ward sparked a melee involving players from both teams.

Referee Joe Hull dismissed Ward for his part in the original collision, then showed red cards to Neil Chappell and Runcorn substitute Matthew Atherton as punishment for their reaction.

Linnets made their extra man count, conjuring a winner for Potter with time running out.

 

Northwich Guardian:

Referee Joe Hull shows a red card to Matthew Ward during a tempestous encounter at Millbank Linnets Stadium. Picture: M Darlington Photography

 

1874 Northwich 0-0 Runcorn Linnets

September 23, 2014

No goals, but a spectacle that promised much for a new rivalry between the clubs.

Goalkeepers Matthew Conkie and Richie Mottram made sure there was a stalemate, with the latter’s stunning save to stop Paul Connor’s penalty an obvious highlight.

He was brilliant too when diverting Mike Brandon’s header in the second half, while Conkie staked his own claim for man of the match when he stretched fully to deny Chris Lomax.

A total of eight bookings – four on each side – is a demonstration of how competitive an at-times tetchy encounter truly was.

Street was happy afterwards.

“A part of me thinks we did enough to nick it,” he said.

Northwich Guardian:

A first meeting between 1874 Norhtwich and Runcorn Linnets in September 2014 was not short on talking points. Picture: M Darlington Photography