RUNCORN Linnets gained some measure of revenge for an FA Cup replay defeat at Wythenshawe Town earlier in the season by this time holding the Manchester hosts to a draw, writes Dave Bettley.

In so doing, Antony Kay's side continued their climb of the Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division table by rising another place to seventh.

The point stretched Linnets' unbeaten run to four games, making it 10 from the last 12 but this game won't stay in the memory for very long.

It was scrappy, uneventful and short on quality with neither side causing the opposition any great difficulties as they effectively cancelled each other out.

For Runcorn, however, the result was a significant improvement on their previous visit to Ericstan Park, when they were rolled over 3-1.

It also matched their goalless stalemate at Town's close neighbours Wythenshawe on the opening day.

There was a double boost and a setback on the injury front.

Midfielder Lewis Doyle and skipper James Short at left back made returns from injury as substitutes but Taylor Bowen limped out of the contest with a knee injury.

It will cause concern given Linnets' current striking options and Bowen's recent impact. Manager Kay will be hoping it is nothing serious.

It was an untimely blow as Adam Moseley had already been taken off. Runcorn, therefore, saw out the game without an outright attacker.

The ever-adaptable Eden Gumbs vacated his current right full back berth to take over as the central striker.

Both sides were hampered by a spoiling wind and a surface, which made controlled football difficult.

Neither goalkeeper had to make a save, their biggest tasks being to defend set-pieces.

Linnets' on-loan Manchester United youngster Tom Myles was again quick in his decision making and commanded his area well.

Runcorn came closest to breaking the deadlock early in the second half with firstly, Adam Moseley firing in a shot from the right to which Wythenshawe's experienced custodian Greg Hall looked to get a touch. But the referee's call was a goal kick.

Soon after, Moseley crossed from a similar area to offer a chance for Doyle, who arrived late to get a foot on the ball but couldn't aim it on target.

Jamie Rainford, Runcorn's assistant player manager for the last two seasons, came on for Wythenshawe with time almost up.

But with defences holding sway - Town's featuring former Linnets Player of the Year winner Aaron Morris - it always seemed that a mistake or moment of inspiration would be required to settle the issue.

There were no such eventualities as spoils were shared.

Runcorn Linnets: Tom Myles, Eden Gumbs, Tyler Hill, Karl Clair (Lewis Doyle, 46 mins), Peter Wylie, Harvey Washington, Jaden Jones, Jacques Welsh, Adam Moseley (Will Saxon, 59 mins), Taylor Bowen (James Short, 78 mins), Luke Wall. Subs (not used): Jorge Dwyer, Jack Grundy.

Attendance: 318.