Report: Runcorn Linnets 1-2 Chester FC
The Blues earned a first victory of pre-season on the road at Runcorn Linnets thanks to a positive performance at the APEC Taxis Stadium.
Calum McIntyre’s men took the lead against his former side through Oskar Rosenblatt but were pegged back shortly after thanks to a composed finish from Scott Bakkor.
Connor Woods grabbed the decisive goal in the second period to conclude another important test in preparation for 25/26.
The hosts had the better of the chances in the early portion of the contest, with forward Bakkor proving to be a handful for Tom Leak and James Jones.
The number nine’s first chance though was comfortable for goalkeeper Alex Brown.
Leak had the first chance for the away side but his glanced effort was collected in calm fashion by Passant in the Linnets goal.
Young forward Rosenblatt made the breakthrough though, with a poked effort that had enough power to thwart the hapless Passant.
An immediate response came for the hosts through Bakker as he pounced on a low cross to slide in and draw the Linnets level.
For the second fixture in a row McIntyre rotated all 10 outfield players at the interval and it had a positive effect in forward areas.
A trademark Declan Weeks cross was met on the volley by Woods in acrobatic fashion to restore our advantage just ten minutes into the second period.
Opportunities were at a premium in the main for the hosts after the break, with the best effort coming courtesy of Naim Arsan who attempted an ambitious lob which Brown was equal to as he claimed inside his six-yard box.
Connor Murphy went close during the same move with 15 minute left on the clock but Passant kept the lead at just the single goal with a fantastic close-range stop to keep out the youngster’s effort.
Offrande Zanzala looked lively in the latter stages but his headed effort after a drilled cross from Kev Roberts bounced wide of the post.
Declan Weeks tested Passant for the final time late on but his long-range effort was comfortable for the home shot-stopper.
A performance packed full of encouragement from the Seals as we secured an opening win of pre-season.
Next up is a home test against EFL League Two outfit Salford City on Saturday afternoon at the Deva Stadium.