CHRISTMAS cheer fell flat as Runcorn Linnets lost 2-1 at Winsford United in Vodkat League’s Division One on Boxing Day.

This was despite Linnets taking a first-half lead in the Cheshire derby at Barton Stadium, thanks to Carl Osman’s first goal in the yellow and green.

Winger Osman struck nine minutes from the interval with a close-range header from Michael Young’s cross from the left of the area.

However, play had been largely even before the break and Winsford levelled within five minutes of falling behind.

Les Miranda provided the approach work by running at Runcorn on the left and, as a stretched Linnets defence struggled to deal with his cross, it fell for Phil Mason to drive hard and low past Robbie Holcroft.

The visitors bossed the first 20 minutes after the restart without genuinely threatening a goal.

A quick and direct Winsford team had looked dangerous on the odd counterattack and as the half progressed their raids became more frequent.

In the 78th minute, veteran Miranda turned away from former Winsford centre-back John Halpin, otherwise a tower of strength in the visiting defence, on the Runcorn right.

Holcroft appeared wrongfooted as Miranda chanced his luck with a shot and the keeper, who may have been anticipating a cross, allowed the ball to slither under his body and in for what proved the winner.