A rude awakening greeted new signing Andy Johnson as he prepared for his home debut against Runcorn Supporters FC in this pre-season friendly match. Johnson had obviously got carried away with the facilities Brymbo FC had to offer a fortnight earlier and was expecting the Art College in Blacon to provide the same such luxuries. Upon finding out no such facilities existed Johnson had to make do with his car as a makeshift changing room, which provided slightly more room inside than the Bulls Head changing rooms in Frodsham, and how many other changing facilities around the league can boast reclining seats and air conditioning as part of the standard package?

The game started with the Referee not having a whistle or any red and yellow cards, much to the relief of Scott "Scrapper" Ditchfield who was sent off two weeks earlier in deepest Wales for fighting. The Game itself was to be played in the mid- morning sun of Blacon, and that seemed to affect both sides as there was a low tempo pace to the opening. Both sides looked to pass the ball about on what was an excellent surface, and it wasn't long before striker Andy Johnson brought a couple of great saves out of the Runcorn keeper. Johnson continued to cause numerous problems for the Runcorn defence with again only the keeper being able to stop him from opening the scoring for the ISA.

Runcorn themselves were getting forward and keeper James Green had to move swiftly off his line a number of times to keep the Runcorn forwards out. Even after the ISA had taken a 1-0 lead with a goal from Tommy Hollinger, Runcorn still came forward and their reward was an equalising goal as a very close game indeed looked on the cards. After several wasted chances by both sides ISA then regained the lead. The new found "Hardman" reputation of Ditchfield had obviously reached Runcorn as nobody from the visiting side wanted to tackle him as he surged forward and then finished off in style with a long range shot that flew into the top corner.

Again Runcorn dug in and produced yet another equaliser as keeper Green was beaten for the second time to make the scoreline 2-2. Early in the second half and the ISA were back in the lead. A low cross from the right was met at the far post by new boy Rob Reay, who put the ball home from 6 yards. Reay was delighted to have scored his first goal for his new side, however no nonsense Caretaker Manager Paul Brighton seemed less than impressed with his left back being so far up the field. He substituted the very impressive left back, and brought himself on for the last half hour.

The ISA continued to create chances with Lee Miller, Andy Johnson and Neil Howell missing opportunities to extend the lead even further. Runcorn Supporters then showed that "never give in" spirit they had brought with them, when a hopeful chip from way out was misjudged by James Green in the ISA goal as it sailed over him to bring Runcorn level yet again at 3-3. Some excellent work from the solid Dave Melson and Steve Painter at the back kept Runcorn at bay as they hunted for a winner, while the ISA still had chances to win the game themselves. An excellent curling chip from Lee Miller went agonisingly close, as only the bottom inch of the crossbar kept the ball out. Neil Howell also went close with a fine strike that struck the bottom of the post.

With time running out and both teams tiring, the ISA were gifted a winning goal as a mix up between a Runcorn defender and goalkeeper left Neil Howell with an open goal and a winner which even Paul Brighton himself would have scored. 4-3 to the ISA was the final score in a closely fought game. Both teams created an enjoyable spectacle for the few fans that were at the game and surely ISA manager Paul Brazier will be worried about his job after the result and performance that Caretaker Gaffer Brighton got out of his players today.

Section D Super Scout