Runcorn Linnets secured a dramatic late victory over Stocksbridge Park Steels in their FA Trophy encounter on Saturday. The match, played at Runcorn’s home ground, featured a tightly contested first half, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but failing to convert.

In the opening period, Connor Smythe narrowly missed the target for Stocksbridge, while Runcorn’s Nick Rushton was denied by goalkeeper Ben Townsend after a one-on-one chance. The deadlock persisted until midway through the second half when Stocksbridge took the lead. Substitute Finlay Dyer headed the ball towards goal, with Runcorn’s goalkeeper Calvin Hare initially making a strong save. However, the rebound fell back to Dyer, who capitalized on the second chance to put Stocksbridge ahead.

Despite falling behind, Runcorn pressed forward and found an equalizer in the closing stages. A free kick was cleared from the danger area but only as far as Connor Day at the edge of the penalty box, who struck a powerful shot to level the score. The turnaround was completed moments later when Nick Rushton scored the decisive goal, ensuring a last-minute triumph for Runcorn Linnets.

The win allows Runcorn to advance further in the FA Trophy, while Stocksbridge was left to rue missed opportunities during the match.