Runcorn Linnets v Stalybridge Celtic CSC R1

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Cheshire Senior Cup First Round Runcorn Linnets Vs Stalybridge Celtic Tuesday 8thJanuary 2019 7.45pm Match Sponsored by The Quizlings

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Club Information

Stadium Millbank Linnets Stadium Stockham Lane Runcorn Cheshire WA7 6GJ

Telephone (Clubline) 08454860705 (Fax) 07050801734

Runcorn Linnets FC is a Registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (Company Number IP29719R) . The club is a “Trust” - an Industrial and Provident Society, and is registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). The Trust was originally set up as “The Linnets Independent Supporters Trust”, or “LIST” for short, and was a Supporters Trust in aid of Runcorn AFC, known as Runcorn FC Halton at the time. In April 2006, when the fans decided to take the destiny of Runcorn FC into their own hands and set up Runcorn Linnets FC as a reformed Runcorn AFC, the nature of the Trust changed to one capable of running a football club.

Becoming a Trust member gives you the ability to take part in the democratic running of the club. You will be able vote members on and off the board, participate in the decision making process, etc, and this is done on a purely one person, one vote basis. Regardless of the financial commitments that may have been made to the club by any individual, their vote is only as powerful as any other regular Trust member. If you would like to join the Trust, then you can download an application form at our website.

If you prefer, you can pay your membership fee using Paypal, using the payment page, or alternatively have a chat with any of the club officials on matchday.

Chairman: Mike Bignall Vice Chairman: Jon Urquhart Secretary: Tracy Measor Treasurer: Phil Wainwright Trust Board Members: Elected: Mike Bignall Josh Christian Hedley Edwards Daz Law Tracy Measor Steve Pritchard Jon Urquhart Reg Woods Co-Opted: James Sidwell Phil Wainwright Social Media & Club Photographer: James Eastup Programme Editor: Ellis Clarke

Pitch Maintenance: Jeff Jago James Charlton Andy Clifton Caleb Goodwin Jim Roberts Chris White Trust Secretary: David Bettley

Manager: Michael Ellison Asst Manager: Matt Cross First Team Coaches: Danny Salt & Chris Lawton Goalkeeping Coach: Jonathon Moorhouse Head Sport Rehabilitator: Gemma Mooney

Honorary President: Alan Jones Honorary Life Vice Presidents: Mark Buckley (2018) Derek Greenwood (2017) Lynn Johnston (2017) Robert Johnston (2017) Steven Pritchard (2010) Stuart White (2010)

www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk www.RuncornLinnetsJFC.co.uk RUNCORN REVIEW © 2018-19 RUNCORN LINNETS FC Written by Ellis Clarke and Dave Bettley Photographs James Eastup Unless otherwise indicated

Runcorn Linnets’ player of the month for December, sponsored by Bowland Brewery, is our Captain Fantastic, Kyle Hamid.

Kyle, or Mucker as he is almost universally known, earned his place in Linnets folklore when he was one of the few players who stood by the club in the chaotic summer of 2017 that led to Michael Ellison taking up the reins as our manager.

Kyle’s dedication was rewarded in glorious fashion when he, as captain, led his team mates to the Hallmark Security League Premier Division title last season, after so many near misses. Those near misses have driven Mucker to become the player and leader that he is today.

As this season has developed and player movements have prompted change, Kyle has been subject to a repositioning by Ello into a more dictating, holding midfield role.

This has shown a different side to Mucker’s game - operating deeper and, therefore, transforming him from the goalscoring midfielder that we have always known. Kyle has adapted to his new role seamlessly and is playing an influential part week in, week out.

He turned in a sparkling performance on an unfamiliar surface as Runcorn won through against higher-ranked opponents Hyde United in the Integro League cup, Mucker’s style of play suiting the quick and slick passing style that artificial pitches seem to bring out of teams.

In the home fixture against Glossop North End, Mucker’s Man of the Match performance played a critical role in the Linnets snatching a point in the final seconds after being 0-2 down with only seven minutes remaining. It was his sliderule pass that set up Ryan Gibson’s late equaliser.

In the bludgeoning affair at Chasetown, Kyle showed an equally impressive side to his current game. In years gone by, we have been far too guilty of getting ourselves involved unnecessarily when other teams lose their heads, often earning ourselves red cards following incidents that weren’t of our making.

That indiscipline has gone for the side now, and it’s driven by the captain.

In December, we were involved in games where the opponents had two and even three men sent off, while we kept our cool and went on to win both of those games with eleven men on the pitch.

The month was seen out with Kyle guiding his team through the Christmas period with two crucial victories, one of these being against local rivals Widnes - a team we had failed to earn a single point against previously.

And just like at the start of 2018, Mucker led his team into the New Year sitting top of the league table!

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Our Visitors Stalybridge Celtic Stalybridge Celtic’s history has been the subject of many debates for the greater part of the century. Although an outfit calling itself ‘Celtic’ appears in the archives for 1906, this side seemingly only played friendlies on a ground at North-End. This seed of a club was probably the basis for the club we know today, which was formed in 1909 by Herber Rhodes, a local business man and philanthropist.

Mr Rhodes spent a chunk of his fortune on developing Bower Fold. He also played for the team and designed the strip (basing it on the colours used by his racehorses).

Celtic played for two seasons in the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League, before turning professional and joining the Lancashire Combination become second division champion’s at the first attempt. Due to some local bureaucracy, Celtic’s ambition to join the Football League meant that they had to join the Southern League, and travel by train to every away match. Fortunately, finishing runners up (to Stoke) meant promotion.

There followed a short pause most people know as the First World War. In the aftermath (1920-21 to be exact) Celtic rejoined the Central League. At the end of the 1921 season, Celtic became one of the founder members of the Third Division (North).

Our first game in the third division was against Chesterfield, a home game that we won 6-0. However, winning this league was to prove too difficult, finishing 7th and 11th in the first two years. Lacking the support of local people, the funds were not available to press for a third campaign, forcing Celtic to voluntarily resign from the football league.

Celtic rejoined the Cheshire County League (replacing the reserve squad) and stayed

there for sixty years until the formation of the Bass NW Counties League.

Peter Wragg took the helm and steered Celtic to Championship victory in 1980, eventually winning the Bass NW Championship in 1984 and 1987, and runners up in the NPL First division. During this time of league progress, there was a lot of work at Bower Fold, culminating in the ground gaining League grading.

Phil Wilson took over the reigns in 1989 when relegation threatened, eventually finishing second in the NPL. He followed this escaping act with promotion into the Conference in 1992. Our first season was a success, finishing 12th, but it was followed by disaster and relegation loomed again. Peter Wragg returned and saved the sinking ship by winning 9 of the last 12 games. Peter Wragg resigned at the start of the 1996/97 season, replaced by Brian Kettle, but it was not enough, and Celtic were relegated in 1998 back to the NPL after finishing bottom.

It was troubling times for the club, and there was a succession of managers including Stirling and Keelan before Phil Wilson came back. Phil Wilson was to prove an inspirational manager. Firstly in 1999 he brought us the League Cup, then, in 2001, we won the Cheshire Senior Cup (something we’d not won for nearly 50 years).

Demolishing a strong Stockport County team 5-1 at Ewen Fields. In the same season, we went on to beat Blyth Spartans in the President’s Cup, before going on to win the league title after an impressive victory against closest rivals Emley at their ground.

The title was won away at local side Droylsden thanks to an injury time Stuart Locke penalty. We finished up with over 100 points and scored nearly 100 goals. The foray into the Conference was short lived though.

Phil Wilson joined Southport, taking several of the squad with him, and the assistant coach. With scant time before the start of the new season, Paul Futcher took over the reigns. With a series of disastrous runs, Celtic replaced Paul with Dave Miller. He almost, but not quite, kept us in the Conference before sensationally sacking nearly the entire team.

Miller won the President’s Cup at the first attempt, and we finished 4th in the NPL. During this time, a new stand was built, upping the seated capacity to over 1200.

With the formation of the Conference North in 2004/05, Celtic had to finish 2003/04 in 13th or higher - we only just did it. A sensational win at champions Hucknall Town saw us finish 13th. Our first season in the Conference North was almost our last, and with half the season gone, Miller was sacked and replaced by John Reed. John pulled off the great escape, clawing back an 18 point deficit to finish a place above the relegation zone, following it up by missing out on the play offs on the last day of the 2005/06 season. A poor couple of seasons saw John Reed replaced with Steve Burr, who took Celtic to the play off final at his first attempt in the 2007/08 season, losing by one goal to Barrow. Steve Burr’s second season saw him come within a whisker of the play offs, and after a storming start to his third season in charge, he left to join Kidderminster in the Conference National, and was replaced first

by Benny Phillips and then by Jim Harvey.

With the finances at Celtic unable to allow them to compete with the top finances sides in the division, Celtic took the brave option of going full time with a youth set up to allow

them to compete in a different way. After a good first season, finishing 6th just outside the play offs, Harvey’s second full season was less successful, finishing midtable.

A bad start to season13/14 saw Harvey replaced by former player Keith Briggs.

Keith continued the full time experiement, but resigned in December 2015 with Celtic looking doomed to relegation. Liam Watson came in and oversaw a turn around in Celtic’s form that saw them safe on the last day of the season with a thrilling 4-4 draw with Gainsborough Trinity.

Celtic have made numerous appearances in the FA cup beyond the qualifying stages, starting in 1922, when we forced a replay from West Brom, at West Brom. Since then, there have been 12 other appearances. We have even been to the second round twice: 1993, when Carlisle beat us 3-1 at Brunton Park, and again in 1999, when Chester got the rub of the referee and beat us 2-1 at home.

Our best FA Trophy performance was in 2001, when we lost to Stevenage Borough.

Recent Club Honours 2008 Conf North Play Off finalists 2003 President’s Cup Winners 2001 Unibond Champions President’s Cup Winners Cheshire Senior Cup Winners 1999 Unibond League Cup Winners 1992 HFS Loan Champions HFS Loan Challenge Cup Winners 1989 Lancashire Floodlit Cup Winners

We’ve Met Before....

Tuesday, March 3rd 2013 Stalybridge Celtic v Runcorn Linnets FC : 2-1 Our only previous Cheshire Senior Cup meeting was getting on for six years ago, when as a North West Counties League Premier Division side we were narrowly beaten by a Stalybridge team playing at Step 2.

A Bridge Too Far Runcorn’s 11-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to a gallant end at Bower Fold when Stalybridge edged them out of the Cheshire Senior Cup by the smallest of margins. The Conference North outfit ultimately had just a little bit too much quality, but for large parts of the game Runcorn more than matched their Blue Square North opponents. For all the good football on show, the tie was decided by three set pieces.

From Saturday’s starting eleven, Ellison, McDowell and Simpson replaced Cross, Madin and Duffy. To give readers an idea of the opposition, the Stalybridge ‘keeper Alex Cairns is currently on loan from Championship Leeds.

On a silky smooth pitch, it was apparent from the early stages that both sides intended to knock the ball about.

Referee Simpson handled the affair for the large part pretty well, but was forced into a big decision in the first 5 minutes. When Ross McDowell collected Adam Wade’s through ball, it appeared that Stalybridge centre half Joel Bembo-Leta prevented the returning forward going clean through by the use of a hand. Bembo-Leta was the last man and the action looked deliberate, you know the rest.

The referee allowed play to continue though and it was a big let off for the home side.

Jack Laird seemed intent on shooting whenever he got the chance and he drew the game’s first save of the night out of Adam Judge on 10 minutes. Runcorn also looked dangerous going forward, particularly through Matty Atherton on the right. Athers’ mishit cross from a great Adam Wade through ball looked for a second as though it may drop in, but Cairns back pedalled quickly to collect it.

Jack Laird and Martin Crowder saw free kicks at either end comfortably saved, before Stalybridge took the lead. A disputed free kick on the right got a flick off Martin Crowder, leaving Corey Gregory to nod in at the back post.

Adam Judge had to be alert to palm away another Jack Laird shot from distance, but Runcorn got back into the game quickly and within 10 minutes had levelled. Superb movement in the area and a pinpoint corner from Crowder left Matty Atherton unmarked to head down into the danger area. Tommo managed to get the ball out of his feet quickly, before smashing home through a crowded penalty area. The slight deflection on the shot was the least Runcorn deserved after the nature of the opening goal. The roar that filled a largely empty Bower Fold following the goal left nobody in any doubt as to who made up the majority of the crowd.

Matty Atherton gave the travelling fans more to cheer about when he first flicked the ball over Mitchell Austin’s head to send him the wrong way and then repeated the trick on Callum Warburton. Perhaps that was still in Austin’s mind when he hacked Atherton down from behind a few moments later. It was a challenge for which he was extremely lucky not to pick up a caution.

Runcorn continued to threaten from corners, but couldn’t quite force a second before the break when Michael Burke won a header at the back post. 1-1 at the break was a fair reflection of a close first half.

Playing down the slope, Stalybridge controlled the majority of the second half, retaining the ball and forcing Runcorn to surrender it in a way that perhaps demonstrated the gulf between the teams. The possession didn’t immediately turn into chances for the home side though, as Runcorn retained their shape well and worked hard off the ball. Runcorn did enjoy an early spell of pressure with Martin Crowder’s dangerous free kick coming closest to putting them in front.

A last ditch Mark Lees’ header ensured that it didn’t and soon after, the home side’s first clear chance of the half saw them retake the lead. Mitchell Austin lost his marker from a right wing corner and had the simple task of volleying in from close range at the near post.

Runcorn’s response wasn’t as immediate this time around, despite the introduction of Gavin Salmon with 20 minutes remaining.

Mitchell Austin should have extended the lead on 71 minutes, but inexplicably missed the target with a free header from 6 yards.

Runcorn’s best chance for an equaliser came with about 10 minutes remaining. Good interplay around the area ended with Gavin Salmon getting on to a cute flick over the top of the back four. Salmon got a slight touch past the advancing Cairns, but the ball then got a flick off a defender and rolled agonisingly across goal.

For a split second it looked like Mark Houghton was favourite to get to it first and knock the loose ball in. Despite desperate shouts for a penalty, the truth is that Houghton, Stalybridge’s Mark Lees and the ball all arrived together at the same time.

Unfortunately for Linnets fans, Lees is of a sturdier build than Houghton and despite Mark’s best efforts, the big centre half managed to block a certain goal. Houghton was unlucky to come off worst for the collision and was replaced by Matty Cross for the last 10 minutes.

Those 10 minutes could have seen the lead extended on a number of occasions, which would have been harsh on Runcorn. Heroic blocks from both Tommo and Burkey were required to deny Stalybridge, before Adam Judge got in on the act and thwarted Corey Gregory by smothering well at his feet.

Runcorn’s final chance arrived when Kyle Hamid sent a great ball into Marty Atherton, but he was unable to take the ball in his stride to get past Joel Bembo-Leta.

A fortuitous clearance from Alex Cairns produced one last chance for Stalybridge, but Jack Laird’s first-time half volley rattled the bar and flew clear.

The last time we had all experienced this was back on the 15th December at Colne. Runcorn turned in a really good performance and particularly in the first half, it was difficult to tell that there were three divisions between the teams, with many in yellow and green proving a handful for their opposite numbers.

Runcorn Linnets: Judge, Simpson, Crowder, Burke, Tomlinson (C), Ellison, Wade, Hamid, McDowell (Salmon, 68), Houghton (Cross, 82), Atherton. Subs not used: Kennedy Stalybridge Celtic: Cairns, Bleau, Warburton, Lees (C), J Bembo-Leta, Hayward (Lindsay, 56), Buckley, F Bembo-Leta (Pepper, 51), Laird, Gregory, Austin. Subs not used: Wilkinson, O’Connor, Parkhouse.

Attendance: 126

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Runcorn Linnets 0 Droylsden 4 Saturday 22nd December 2018 3pm The EVO-STIK League Division One West Match Sponsored by George & Paul Coward in Memory of Ros Droylsden became the first EVO-STIK League West Division club to complete a home and away double over Runcorn Linnets with a thumping 0-4 victory at the Millbank Linnets Stadium on Saturday, making their tally against us eight goals scored in two games. The Greater Manchester club also take the accolade of ending Runcorn’s unbeaten home league record this season.

A first half hat-trick from Liam Caddick put the match out of the Linnets’ reach, but the highly-impressive and imposing striker Sefton Gonzales was the outstanding performer for the Bloods.

There had been a great deal of surprise to see both Ryan Gibson and Kurt Sherlock in the Linnets’ starting eleven, both players having ended up in hospital after last week’s bludgeoning affair at Chasetown. It’s also a likely indicator of the difficulty that Michael Ellison is facing at the moment with a squad struggling badly with injuries.

Runcorn never got off the ground in this game and found themselves 0-2 down after only 10 minutes. Ello will be asking some questions of his defence as the opening two goals could not have been simpler for Caddick, who twice found himself unmarked at the far post with time to control the ball and score from close range. Droylsden were in full control of the opening half hour and scored their third goal with 31 minutes played. A ball into the box was aimed towards Gonzales and his downward header fell perfectly into the path of Caddick, who hit a first-time volley through a crowd of bodies and into the bottom corner to stun most of the almost 400-strong crowd.

The Linnets did finally find some rhythm towards the end of the first half, with the most likely threat coming from the pace of Ryan Gibson. Kyle Hamid almost got a goal back just

before half-time after being set up by Gibson but his shot from outside the box was deflected inches wide of the top corner.

The second half was better for Runcorn, who came out on the front foot - trying desperately to get themselves back into the game. But no matter what was thrown at Droylsden, a combination of resolute defending by the away side and some Christmas bad luck for the Linnets kept the hosts at bay.

Louis Corrigan almost gave his team a lifeline on 49 minutes when a swirling free kick drew an acrobatic save out of Bloods goalkeeper Chris Thompson, despite him looking beaten by the flight of the ball. The rebound was headed wide with the goal gaping.

Freddie Potter did manage to get the ball into the Droylsden net with a very good finish but an offside flag reeulting from a tight call added further frustration to proceedings. A sixminute spell midway through the second half threatened to make the scoreline embarrassing for Runcorn, but Dylan Forth pulled off three outstanding saves when left totally exposed by his defence to keep his side in with the faintest of shouts.

Liam Caddick (remember him from the first half ), will have been particularly disappointed as he should have scored a rare fourth goal when a quick passing move carved the Linnets defence wide open. This left Caddick with a clear run at goal from 18 yards out, but Dylan’s block was excellent.

In the 65th minute, a crazy goalmouth scramble ensued on the Droylsden goal line. A combination of save, crossbar, goal line block one and goal line block two (before a sliced clearance) rammed home the feeling that this just wasn’t going to be our day.

With four minutes remaining, and Runcorn resigned to the rare taste of a home defeat, Droylsden scored a fourth, and what a goal it was.

Domaine Rouse picked up the ball with his back to goal outside the Linnets penalty area, and on the turn fired in a strike that flew over the stranded Dylan Forth and nestled snugly into the top corner to seal a very impressive performance from Droylsden. Many Runcorn fans were scratching their heads as to how the team we were watching tear us open find themselves towards the bottom end of the league table.

We’ve said it several times already this season, and most recently after the previous home game,, against Glossop North End, but league table positions mean very little about the quality of any side on any given day at this level.

We have witnessed first hand how anyone can and will turn you over if you’re not at your very best week, in week out.

We now have a couple of Christmas fixtures to look forward to, and both have had changes for fans to be aware of. Firstly our Boxing Day ‘El Clasitoll’ derby against Widnes has had its venue changed from the Select Security Stadium in Widnes to The Offside Trust Stadium, the home of familiar opponents, Barnton FC. And on New Year’s Day, we were due to host Skelmersdale United at the Millbank Linnets Stadium. However, this fixture has been brought forward to Saturday, December 29th (ko 3pm).

That just leaves me to wish all of our players, coaching/management staff, Board members, volunteers and supporters both near and far, a very Happy Christmas. See you all on Boxing Day! Runcorn Linnets: Dylan Forth, Louis Corrigan, Aaron Morris, Peter Wylie, Matt Russell, Josh Dobie, Kurt Sherlock, Kyle Hamid (capt), Freddie Potter, Ryan Gibson. Zac Aley. Subs: Paul Shanley, Kris Holt. Not used: Danny O’Brien, Ronnie McCarthy, Michael Simpson.

Attendance: 389.

Report Ste Bignall

Second EVO-STIK Club of the Month award for Linnets Our good start to the season has been further rewarded with our second Club of the Month award in the EVO-STIK League.

Here’s what the league has said about our latest accolade which will see us presented before an upcoming game with an engraved permanent memento and a 1ltr bottle of spirit.

“It’s turning into quite a season in the EVOSTIK Northern Premier League for Runcorn Linnets.

“Newly-promoted to the West Division, Linnets currently sit top of the table and have been crowned Club of the Month for December - the second time they’ve won the award this season.

“They won four league games in December, as well as coming from two goals down to draw against Glossop North End, as well as progressing in the Integro League Cup - beating Premier Division opposition on penalties for the second successive round.”

The A to Z of Runcorn Linnets No one with surname beginning with I has played a recognised fixture for Runcorn Linnets so we move directly on to the next letter…

J is for…

11 different ‘Js’ have played competitively for the Linnets – six of them Joneses and one such player making a major contribution to last season’s title success.

JACOBS (Kyle) Debut: 22/08/2009. Appearances: Seven.

Goals: None.

A powerful full back, Kyle was in his early 20s when he signed for the Linnets for what proved a short stay. He went on to play 140 games for FC United of Manchester. A former professional at Oldham Athletic, he has also been at Macclesfield Town, Stockport County, Chorley, Ashton United before signing for Ramsbottom United in September 2018.

He was of the two Rammy players sent off against us in December.

JAMES (Alexander) Debut: 07/08/2010. Appearances: One. Goals: None.

Alex made just the one appearance for us but it was in a significant fixture – a 2-2 draw against Colne, our league debut at The Millbank Linnets Stadium. Phil Priestley returned in goal for the subsequent midweek fixture at Bootle where the points were again shared, this time 1-1.

JEWELL (Paul) Debut: 29/10/2016. Appearances: Three (inc one as sub). Goals: None Paul arrived from Cammell Laird 1907 but never established himself as a regular in the team. He had arrived with a utility man reputation and true to form, Paul’s limited

game time with us saw him operate in midfield, at right back and in central defence!

Now back with Lairds, he had started out in senior club football at Southport, in their Under 18s, and has also served Burscough.

JOHNSON (Phil) Debut: 17/08/2010. Appearances: Six (five as sub). Goals: None.

Among the last of Steve Wilkes signings, full back Phil’s introduction to Linnets fans came as a 47th minute sub in an eventful, roller coaster FA Cup extra preliminary round replay at Maine Road which we eventually shaded 4-3 after storming into a 3-0 midweek lead. Wilkes’ reign as manager lasted just one more game and Phil’s run of appearances off the bench continued in the 3-2 victory over Formby with club president Alan Jones (formerly youth and reserves team manager for our predecessor Linnets) taking charge of team affairs for what would be our first ever competitive victory here at The Millbank. Paul McNally’s prompt appointment meant that Phil served three managers in his short stint with the Linnets.

JONES (Adam) Debut: 12/08/2017. Appearances: 34 (inc 12 as sub). Goals: Two Adam Jones a young Warrington-based utility player, who was snapped up by Linnets boss Michael Ellison after impressing in the 2017-18 pre-season. He had been dual registered with Hyde United and Abbey Hey in the previous campaign. Adam had been on Liverpool’s books until his mid-teens and then on scholarship forms at Bury prior to a spell at Macclesfield Town. On joining Hyde as an 18-year-old central midfielder, he was converted to a right full back. Good technique, awareness and energy saw see him go from strength to strength with Linnete in a variety of positions. His two

goals for us included a long-range screamer at Maine Road during the Linnets’ title campaign of 2017-18. Adam opted to stay in The Hallmark Security League, signing for Padiham in summer 2018.

JONES (Darren) Debut: 25/08/2007. Appearances: Two. Goals: None.

A former Chester City defender, Darren was with us fleetingly at the start of our first season of top flight North West Counties League football. His debut came at right full back in a Saturday game at Trafford. His only subsequent appearance was in the home match against Formby three days later. A player of the same name, also ex Chester had signed for Runcorn FC Halton in their final (2005-06} season so while we are not 100% certain, there is every likelihood that the player recruited by the former club’s then manager. Steve Carragher was the same man he subsequently signed for Runcorn Linnets.

JONES (Kasie) Debut 16/09/2017. Appearances: Four (inc two as sub). Goals: None.

Local lad Kasie was at 16 years old promoted from our youth team in 2017-18 after some standout early-season performances and an extended run of training with the senior squad. He had arrived at his hometown club in the summer of 2017 from Crewe Alexandra as the Linnets’ newly-formed Youth side geared up for entry into the West Cheshire League. The teenager was a prominent member of the Linnets Youth team, which was selected en bloc to represent Runcorn & District FA in the Cheshire FA’s Inter District Youth tournament. After making four senior appearances, two of them off the bench, in early 2017-18, Kasie returned to the first team picture in the build-up to the 201819 campaign, signing an EVO-STIK League form two days before the start of our warmup programme. He hasn’t featured for the Linnets this season but made two earlyseason appearance for Warrington-based outfit, Rylands in the Hallmark Security League, both as a sub.

The A to Z of Runcorn Linnets

JONES (Matty) Debut: 11/092010.

Appearances: 38 (inc one as sub). Goals: Five.

The defender had three spells with Runcorn Linnets, having re-signed firstly in July 2012, and then for new manager Michael Ellison in August 2017, as a cover signing (who, as it transpired, did not add to his existing Yellow and Green appearance tally).

Originally joining the Linnets in September 2010 from Ashton Town, Matty had left for Bamber Bridge in February ‘2011. Strong and competitive in defence or midfield. he also played for Formby.

JONES (Michael) Debut: 01/09/2012. Appearances: Three (including one as sub). Goals: None Another of those players who exited almost as soon as he had arrived, Glossop North End his chosen destination. Michael had come off the bench in a 2-0 FA Vase first qualifying round victory at Ashton Athletic to make his bow in our colours. His first full Linnets outing was at centre half in a 2-1 home victory over Stockport Sports.

What proved to be false hopes were still burning brightly for the ambitious (but now defunct) Stockport club under the management of Peter Withe, Aston Villa’s match winner in their 1982 European Cup final defeat of Bayern Munich.

JONES (Steve) Debut: 13/02/2016. Appearances: Seven (inc two as sub). Goals: One. Signed from AFC Liverpool at the same time as striker Ryan Cox, attacker/midfielder Steve had enjoyed three spells with AFC - these being interrupted by stints in the Welsh Premier League. He arrived at the Millbank Linnets Stadium with a prolific record – 140 appearances for AFC bringing him 80 goals, many no doubt from his lethal left foot. Steve had originally joined AFC from West Cheshire League club Newton for 2010-11 and hit their first ever FA Cup goal in his first start, also netting in his next six appearances.

JUDGE (Adam) Debut 26/12/2012. Appearances: 23. Goals: None.

An experienced shot stopper who won the Northern Premier League with Chester in 2011.

‘Keeper Adam was picked up by Leigh Genesis in 2010 and on joining Chester, had established himself as Neil Young’s first choice. As Chester progressed up the leagues. Adam was released and joined Warrington Town for a short spell at the start of the 2012/2013 season before arriving at the Millbank Linnets Stadium. He received the North West Counties Goalkeeper Of The Month award for January 2013, following a number of impressive displays.

Words by Dave Bettley Pictures collated by Mark Buckley

Runcorn AFC in the Cheshire Senior Cup A tough act to follow Despite having the honour of hosting last season’s final, the Linnets are yet to make any great impact on the Cheshire Senior Cup. The strength of a competition featuring teams from the county’s EFL clubs as well as prominent non-league outfits, has limited our progress year on year.

That’s not to say, however, that the Linnets don’t have a very strong pedigree in the competition thanks to our predecessor club Runcorn AFC having won the tournament 12 times.

The original Linnets first lifted the trophy in 1925 and did it again in 1936.

However, the glory years began in the 1960s and 1970s with three and two triumphs, respectively in these decades and other final appearances in both.

1930s Cup Heroes 1985 - Runcorn 2 Altrincham 0 1986 - Runcorn 3 Northwich Victoria 1 1987 - Runcorn 3 Altrincham 1 1988 - Runcorn 2 Macclesfield Town 1 1989 - Runcorn 3 Macclesfield Town 1 Runners-up 1963, 1976, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1994, 1998.

The successes were the launchpad for the Linnets dominating the Senior Cup in the mid to late 1980s with a remarkable run of final victories in five successive seasons.

This selection of photographs and other memorabilia is a reminder of these proud exploits which some of our fans will have either witnessed or heard about!

Runcorn AFC in the Senior Cup Winners: 1925 - Runcorn 1 Crewe Alexandra 0 (replay) 1936 - Runcorn 2 Macclesfield Town 1 1962 - Runcorn 2 Hyde United 1 1965 - Runcorn 3 Tranmere Rovers 2 1968 - Runcorn 1 Crewe Alexandra 0 (aggregate over two legs) 1974 - Runcorn 1 Macclesfield Town 0 1975 - Runcorn 3 Altrincham 2

1st Success in 1925

1962 Victory Celebrations

1980s Holders

CSC Medals Won by Tim Rutter, Linnets Legend of the 70s & 80s

Runcorn Linnets FC in the Cheshire Senior Cup 2006-07 Prelim round - Alsager Town 3 Runcorn Linnets 2 2007-08 First round - Warrington Town 1 Runcorn Linnets 2 Quarter-final - Runcorn Linnets 1 Altrincham 3 2008-09 First round - Winsford United 1 Runcorn Linnets 3 Quarter-final - Runcorn Linnets 2 Woodley Sports 3 2009-10 First round - Runcorn Linnets 4 Congleton Town 0.

Quarter-final - Witton Albion 0 Runcorn Linnets 1.

Semi-final - Northwich Vic 7, Runcorn Linnets 1.

2010-11 First round - Winsford United 1 Runcorn Linnets 2.

Quarter-final - Runcorn Linnets 3 Altrincham 4.

2011-12 First round - Runcorn Linnets 0 Warrington Town 1.

2012-13 Second round - Runcorn Linnets 3 Alsager Town 1 Q-final - Stalybridge Celtic 2 Runcorn Linnets 1.

2013-14 Prelim round - Alsager Town 2 Runcorn Linnets 3.

First round - Hyde FC 1 Runcorn Linnets 0 (played at The Millbank Linnets Stadium).

2014-15 Third round - Runcorn Linnets 0 Runcorn Town 2.

2015-16 First round - Runcorn Linnets 1 Northwich Vic 5.

2016-17 First round - Runcorn Linnets 1 Nantwich Town 2.

2017-18 Prelim rd - Congleton Town 0 Runcorn Linnets 1.

First round - Runcorn Linnets 0 Crewe Alexandra 2.

2018-19 Prelim rd - Runcorn Linnets 6 Vauxhall Motors 1.

First round - Runcorn Linnets ? Stalybridge Celtic ?

Civic Reception at the Town Hall after 1970s Success

Final at Crewe in the 1970s

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Fixtures - EVO-STIK West Division Unless Stated

Grangeside 1967

2017

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