Penalty controversy in first match

SOUTHPORT ………. 2 RUNCORN ………… 2

(half time 0-0)

Football drama of the type one associates with a boys’ popular book or newspaper, was re-enacted at Southport’s Haig Avenue, on Saturday. Goals, we are often told by the experts who have “ghosts” hovering at their elbows or almost dangling on the telephone, is what Soccer is all about (writes OBSERVER).

Phil Spencer, who had made up the Runcorn numbers thought so too. Because he protested so much against the no spot kick decision, he was booked as had been Dave Rylands and Eric Snookes at various times in the final half.

Then came the final slice of drama to put a thrilling climax on this memorable match.

Tim Rutter, who like Murphy had found problems in the heading duels with the tall Southport attackers, dashed in to take a throw-in.

The nifty feet of Howard avoided a trip this time (he had been upended several times in each half), bluffed one defender. Then a ground pass went to DAVE LYONS and there was hardly time for the re-commencement of play.

No doubt the packed Southport defence had anticipated, and quite wrongly, that Howard would attempt a chip. But they erred and Lyons took not a second to control the ball, but hit it first time.

The first goal to Runcorn was a special one. Murphy, who despite being beaten in that skirmish by O’Neill, apparently enjoyed himself in the new role. Tony had placed a free kick so well that Mike Scott was able to edge the ball to Whitbread.

A lightning swivel and Harrison who eventually rescued Southport more than once was beaten by a curling shot.Rawlinson was in the wars several times. The giant George Jones once collided with him and the Runcorn ’keeper had to go low to stop other raids and suffered in the process once from O’Neill.

Even Southport’s partisan supporters applauded Rawlinson as he walked off the field accompanied by trainer Brian Caldwell.While Whitbread and Lyons captured most of the limelight, it was certainly a team effort, and might easily have proved to be a tremendous win instead of a meritorious draw.

FA CUP First round at Haig Avenue

Saturday, November 26th

Weather: fine, but cold.

Southport: Harrison, Kisby, Snookes, O’Neill (capt), Brookes, Higham, Cooper (Ashworth), Wilson (A), Fisher, Gay, Jones.

Runcorn: Rawlinson, Rutter, Murphy, Rylands, Duff, King (capt), Wilson (P), Scott, Whitbread, Lyon, Howard. Sub: Spencer.

Attendance: 3,948 (best of the season, £2,269).

Referee: N. Midgley (Salford), linesmen: A. Dobson (Blackburn), S.W. Mason (Nelson)