Runcorn Linnets V Glossop North End Programme 08/12/18

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The EVO-STIK League Division One West Runcorn Linnets Vs Glossop North End Saturday 8th December 2018 3pm Match Sponsor In Memory of Dave Bignall

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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* Commercial & Community: Paul Eastup • Hedley Edwards • John Pickering • Mike Bignall • James Sidwell * Josh Christian Junior Representatives: Ciaran Clotworthy • Stu Graham • Fundraising: Alan Brown Tracy Measor • Wendy Brown Paul Tandy Media Officer: Steven Pritchard•

Social Media & Club Photographer: James Eastup

Honorary President: Alan Jones

Programme Editor: Ellis Clarke

Honorary Life Vice Presidents: Stuart White (2010) Derek Greenwood (2017) Lynn Johnston (2017) Robert Johnston (2017) Steven Pritchard (2010)

Operational: Reg Woods • Pitch Maintenance: Jeff Jago James Charlton* Andy Clifton Caleb Goodwin Jim Roberts Chris White

• Elected Member of the Trust Board * Co-Opted Member of the Trust Board

Trust Secretary: David Bettley Manager: Michael Ellison Asst Manager: Matt Cross Coaches: Danny Salt & Chris Lawton

www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk www.RuncornLinnetsJFC.co.uk RUNCORN REVIEW © 2018-19 RUNCORN LINNETS FC Written by Ellis Clarke and Dave Bettley Photographs © 2017-18 James Eastup Unless otherwise indicated

Michael Ellison Interviewed by Dave Bettley A very hard-fought win against a resurgent Ramsbottom side took us back to the top of the EVO-STIK West table last Saturday. All things considered, was that our best away performance of the league season so far?

ME: I think under the circumstances it has to be - given the fact that a couple of the lads played with injuries and many of them have only just got themselves back from injury and have had hardly any minutes plus the absence of our skipper as well. It makes it a fantastic win against a very good Rammy side.

It was an eventful game with Rammy twice equalising from a free-kick and then a penalty which were both contentious but also receiving two red cards. How did you view all those decisions?

MB: Both decisions (against us) were poor but particularly the one for the penalty. Aaron clearly won the ball and after the game, the ref admitted he got it wrong; I think he deserves credit for that.

We also twice took the lead from set pieces at which Louis showed his quality - firstly with a really well-taken penalty under pressure, seeing as he hadn’t taken one for a while and had missed his last such kick, and then with a sublime free-kick for Peter Wylie to head in, almost immediately after we had been pegged back?

ME: It was a great penalty; I have to say unsaveable and the delivery from the free kick was as good as it gets and again undefendable. He’s a real danger from set plays, Louis - he’s as good as I’ve seen.

The second goal was also special with it being Peter’s first for the club. He came into the side when our title-winning Player of the Season Jimmy Moore moved on and has fitted in seamlessly?

ME: He’s been fantastic for us since he came In and I’ve yet to see him have a poor game. He’s also helped Aaron massively - together they have become a formidable partnership. I’ve tried to sign Peter every season since I got the job. It’s easy to see why and I’m just glad we finally got him this season.

It was also fitting that Freddie Potter, who much to everyone’s relief escaped serious injury in the tackle which led to the first Ramsbottom dismissal, should score the winner with a wellplaced header. The cross from Zac Aley was fantastic too?

ME: A great goal all round; great ball and a fantastic header. He worked his socks off all afternoon Fred and led the line. I’m delighted he got a goal to top off a fantastic performance.

Fans have been saying that tactically you got everything right with our five in the middle giving the home side very little room for manoeuvre. I imagine you’d want to reciprocate by praising the fans for again travelling in good numbers and for the part they played in the victory?

ME: I thought they were absolutely brilliant. They never stopped singing all day and when they are in that kind of mood, it really does give the players a boost. The fans certainly played their part in what was a huge win for us. THANKS. We have of course played three games since the last interview, starting with the 1-1 draw against Newcastle Town. The good thing was we maintained our unbeaten home run in the league, but it was a game in which we struggled initially to get going and that cost us points in the end?

ME: Yes, we didn’t start the game well it looked like we had a real hangover from what was a really tough game away to Leek. Having said that, we still should have been out of sight. We created enough clear cut chances to win tgree games and ultimately that cost us.

We had found ourselves behind to a corner set-pieces always being the biggest danger from Newcastle - and couldn’t quite turn the game around, despite our best efforts in the second half?

ME: Once we got the equaliser in the second half, it was like the Alamo and wave after wave of attacks. On another day, we win the game comfortably but you have to give Newcastle credit. They put their bodies on the line and defended really well.

It was, in fact, a tale of set-pieces with Freddie missing a penalty (although it was a decent save) and then another special free-kick from Louis, which ultimately earned us a point. But we didn’t get the rub of the green with two or three other penalty claims?

ME: t was an absolute stone wall penalty on Connor and as clear a hand ball as you’re likely to see. But some days you just don’t get the decisions you deserve. That’s football.

Transfer activity between the last two league games began with Niall Watson being recalled

by Accrington (he has, of course, since signed for Colne). Was the departure a mutual decision between the player, ourselves and his parent club?

ME: Ultimately, it was Niall’s decision. I wanted him to stay but Niall felt he needed more game time.

He’s a great lad and we wish him well with his new challenge at Colne.

We also completed some incomimg business striker Ryan Gibson joining us from Helsby and going onto the bench last Saturday. What can you tell us about the signing?

ME: Ryan has recently got back into playing football locally he’s a good lad with pace to burn and an eye for goal. We got him over the line Saturday morning - we only have one striker at the club at the minute so that’s something we know we need to improve but are finding it very difficult to do so.

There has been a lot of speculation over the future of Connor McCarthy due to the interest from Warrington Town. What is the latest?

ME: Connor has left us to go to Warrington. We’re sorry to see him go but understand his reasons with the lure of Prem football. He’s been a breath of fresh air on and off the pitch and it’s been a pleasure to work with him over these last couple of months. We wish him all the best with his new challenge at Warrington, who I have to say have conducted themselves superbly and went about things in the right way Staying with the McCarthy brothers, Ronnie has turned in some big performances in the past couple of weeks and none bigger than against Rammy with our captain suspended. One really brave block to keep out a goalmouth shot in the first half didn’t go unnoticed?

ME: He’s a great player Ronnie. He’s been really unfortunate this season with injuries, which makes the Rammy performance huge. To play the way he did in a game like that when he’s nowhere near match fit is testament to the lad.

On Tuesday, we again diverted briefly from league action with a trip to Premier Division outfit Hyde United In the Integro League Cup. What did you feel about the result and performance?

ME: Another really tough away game, following the Rammy game. I thought we played really well on the night against a very strong Hyde side.

It was a close game but I feel we’ve just done enough to deserve the result and I’m delighted to be in the hat for the next round.

The quest for points resumes this afternoon as does the rivalry with our visitors Glossop North End, who we welcome back to The Millbank after a two-season absence. Best of luck today, Ello!

ME: Cheers mate. Yes, we’re expecting a really tough game. We will have to perform like we have in he previous two games to get a result and it’s really good to be back at The Millbank.

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Our Visitors Glossop North End

Glossop North End has an interesting and varied history since its formation back in 1886.

1886 – Club Founded Glossop North End were founded in 1886, when they played friendly amateur matches. They played at a variety of grounds, including Pyegrove, Silk Street, Water Lane and Cemetery Road before settling at North Road.

1890 – Cheshire League The club joined the North Cheshire League in 1890 1894 – Turned Professional Moved to The Combination in 1894 and became a professional club. In their first season, 1894–95, in the Combination they were runners-up.

1896 – Midland League The club moved to the Midland League in the 1896–97 season, finishing as runners-up.

1898 – Second Division The club was elected to the Second Division of the Football League. Finished as runners-up and gained promotion to the First Division.

1899 – First Division Club name changed to Glossop before spending their one and only season in the top flight of English football. Finished in last place and were relegated back to the Second Division, having won only four matches, all at home, against Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn and Aston Villa.

1904 – Manager Archie Goodall For the 1904-05 season, Glossop were managed by former international player Archie Goodall.

1908 – FA Cup Quarter-Final They then spent the next fifteen seasons in the Second Division, during which time they reached the Quarter-Finals of the FA Cup in 1908–09 where they lost to 1–0 to Bristol City in a replay on 10 March 1909. The club’s chairman and benefactor at the time was Sir Samuel Hill-Wood, who was later to become chairman of Arsenal. However, the club struggled for several seasons in the Second Division.

1913 – Record Attendance The 1913–14 season saw a club record attendance of 10,736 for an FA Cup Second Round match against Preston North End on 31 January 1914.

However, the following season they finished bottom of the League and they failed to be reelected.

1914 – Football League Closed Down The League was suspended for four seasons during World War I and resumed in 1919.

1919 – Post World War I Glossop were re-formed toward the end of the war

by Oswald Partington. Glossop then joined the Lancashire Combination, playing just one season, 1919–20. Northern Nomads ground-shared with Glossop for several years during this time. The club then dropped out of the Lancashire Combination and into the Manchester League.

1939 – World War II Stops Football League The League was suspended once more in 1939 with the outbreak of World War II. The League resumed in 1944.

1955 – Move to Surrey Street During 1955, the club moved from its original home of North Road to their currently ground Surrey Street.

1957 – Lancashire Combination League In 1957 Glossop re-joined the Lancashire Combination, finishing in eighth in 1957–58. They spent nine seasons in the League before dropping back down once more to the Manchester League after the 1965–66 season.

1978 – Joined Cheshire League They joined the Cheshire County League as founder members of Division Two in the 1978–79 season, finishing in 17th. In 1980–81 they were Division Two runners-up, only losing out on the title on goal difference, but still winning promotion to Division One. 1982 – North West Counties League Is Formed The club became founder members of the North West Counties Football League in 1982 when the Cheshire County League merged with the Lancashire Combination. In 1986, the club marked their centenary with a match with sister club Arsenal. They joined Division One, however they struggled in the League for the next six seasons and after finishing bottom in 1987–88 were relegated to Division Two. 1990 – Dark Days The 1990–91 season saw the club reach the Fourth Round of the FA Vase where they lost to Cammell Laird 2–1 in a replay. They also won the North West Counties Football League Division Two Cup, beating Cheadle Town 2–1 in the Final. However, the club almost folded in 1990–91 when their then Chairman sold the ground to the local council and left the club with large debts.

1991 – Glossop North End The present Board of Directors took over in January 1991. After a sixth-place finish in 1991–92 they were promoted back to Division One over higherplaced clubs and after the season the directors reverted the club’s name back to Glossop North End. In their first season under the club’s original name, 1992–93 they finished 16th in Division One. In the 1992–93 season, they reached the SemiFinals of the North West Counties League Cup, before losing to Nantwich Town 5–2 over twolegs. They reached the Semi-Finals of the League’s Floodlit Cup in 1994–95 losing to Penrith 3–1 over two-legs. In the 1996–97 season they beat Trafford in the Final of the Manchester Premier Cup at Old Trafford, before winning the competition again the following season, this time beating Radcliffe Borough in the Final at Maine Road. They also reached the Semi-Finals of the North West Counties League Cup losing to Vauxhall Motors 4–1 over two-legs. The 1999–2000 season saw the club reach the Fourth Round of the FA Vase where they lost to Chippenham Town 1–0.

2001 – The Chris Nicholson Years In the 2000–01 season they won the Derbyshire County Football Association Senior Challenge Cup beating Glapwell in a two-legged Final, drawing 3–3 away and 2–2 at home before winning 4–2 on penalties. In the League the club struggled to avoid relegation from Division One throughout much of the early 2000s, before finishing ninth in 2006–07, the highest position attained by manager Chris Nicholson in his six seasons at the club. The highlight of the season was a four match FA Cup run. In the Extra-Preliminary Round, they beat North Shields 2–0, then after a 2–1 home win over Seaham Red Star they were drawn against local rivals New Mills in the First Qualifying Round, a match which Glossop led 1–0 at half time, only for the Millers to equalise with ten minutes to go.

Glossop then quickly regained the lead, before adding a third to win 3–1 in front of a season highest crowd of 430.

2007 – Steve Young Appointed as Manager Nicholson had announced in March 2007 that he was to step down at the end of the season following confirmation of his emigration to Perth, Australia. As a result, the vacancy was advertised, and his assistant Steve Young was eventually appointed manager for 2007–08. In 2007–08 North End made excellent strides on the pitch, finishing in seventh, which might have been fifth but for a last game defeat at the hands of Champions Trafford.

It took a while for the team to gel, which led to early Cup exits at Malvern Town in the FA Cup and Coventry Sphinx in the FA Vase. However, they hit their stride in early November, including a run of wins that propelled them up the League. Darren Hamilton who scored 22 goals during the season, and who had been at the club for ten years, won the Supporters Player of the Year award.

2008 – The FA Vase Year In the 2008–09 season they reached the Final of the FA Vase where they lost 2–0 to Northern League First Division side Whitley Bay at Wembley Stadium, on May 10, 2009. Due to this achievement, Arsenal, with whom they retain connections due to Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood’s grandfather Sir Samuel Hill-Wood having owned and bankrolled Glossop during their run in the Football League, invited them to their state-of-the-art London Colney training ground during their stay in London, to prepare for the FA Vase Final.

Glossop North End Club History continued 2011 – 125 Years Young In April 2011 Glossop parted company with their Manager Steve Young and while Assistant Terry Hincks took charge as caretaker until the end of the season the search started for a long-term successor.

May 24, 2011 saw Paul Colgan appointed as the new Manager. He brought with him Assistant Paul Williams and First team coach Darren Green. In 2011-2012, the 125th year of Glossop North End, the team adopted a ‘retro’ first team kit. Black and White halves, worn by the team when they played in the English First Division back in 1899-1900, was worn as the first team kit all season.

2011 – New Clubhouse In the summer of 2011 the club upgraded more of the facilities at Surrey Street. With the help of many supporter volunteers this was not only done to improve the game day enjoyment of both fans and players but to achieve the ground grading needed for potential promotion to the EVO-STIK League.

The new Clubhouse, dressing rooms, pie hut and hospitality room were completed in a relatively short amount of time being ready for the first preseason game of 2011-12. Glossop can now boast some of the best facilities and playing surface at their level and the League above them 2012 saw Paul Colgan leave the club after a year and a half in charge. After a disappointing run of results, he was replaced by his former assistant managers Paul Williams and Garry Brown.

2013 – Chris Willcock Appointed After joint managers Paul Williams and Garry Brown left the club at the end of the 2012-13 season, Chris Willcock was appointed as First Team manager.

The other members of Willcock’s team were Lee Donafee, Steve Murphy, and Mike Langhorn. The last member of the team was Surrey Street legend and housewives favourite – Dave Young. During the season Glossop succeeded in producing an unbeaten run in the league of 22 games without a loss, with only 5 draws along the way. This run ran from 5th November 2013 until they were finally beaten by Bootle on 8th April 2014. Glossop finished the season in a club best third position.

At the end of the 2013–14 season Glossop were approved a grant from the Football Foundation to replace the aged pitch perimeter fence with a new sports rail with mesh panel infill.

2014 Glossop North End reached the Final of the Derbyshire FA Senior Cup 2013-14, only to suffer defeat 2-0 against Ilkeston FC. 2014-15 – EVO-STIK Bound What a season 2015-16 was. Glossop North End, after 32 years in the North West Counties League finally achieved promotion to the EVO-STIK League.

Not content with a league title, Glossop North End also won the NWCL League Cup. They reached the Semi-Final of the Derbyshire Cup, but were beaten by Matlock Town. And of course, who can forget, the FA Vase. Glossop reached the Final of the FA Vase in 2015, only to lose 2-1 against North Shields in extra time beating teams along the way including St Austell, Shaw Lane AFC, Dunston UTS, Worksop Town, 1874 Northwich, Ryhope Colliery Welfare and West Didsbury & Chorlton.

2015-16 – Hello Step 4 In their first season the EVO-STIK Northern First Division they reached the Play-offs but were beaten

by Northwich Victoria.

2016-17 Finished 8th in the league after stuttering end to the season. Manager Chris Willcock resigned shortly after the end of the season and the Board replaced him with Paul Phillips and Steve Halford.

2017-18 Glossop started well under the new management duo. Starting with almost a new squad they maintained a solid Play-off position through until mid-season. Unfortunately, with the team suffering multiple injuries, including ‘keeper/manager Philips, the management had to play almost sixty players throughout the year. As a result, the team’s position started to slip into mid-table. On 12th March the management pair left the club to join local rivals Buxton FC, leaving the club manager-less for the remaining half dozen games. The Board acted quickly to appoint Mark Canning, former GNE player and latterly goalkeeper coach under Halford/ Philips, as caretaker manager until the end of the season. Mark was assisted by Andy Bishop, of Bury FC fame, in the role of Joint Manager/Player. The team finished a respectable 11th when the final table was drawn up.

Today’s Match Sponsor Today’s match is sponsored by Gail Bignall in memory of her husband Dave, and Gail will be joined by the whole and largely familiar Bignall family for the day at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.

Since his untimely passing on the 10th of December 2012 Gail has sponsored the nearest home game to his anniversary each year, although last year things didnt quite go to plan as the game against 1874 Northwich was postponed just 15 minutes before kick off due to a heavy snow flurry!

Dave Bignall had Runcorn AFC and latterly Linnets flowing through his veins. Born in Runcorn in 1950 he was introduced to the Canal Street side before the end of the 50’s by his Dad Jack, who’s Uncle was the teams first ever “Trainer” back in 1911. I couldn’t tell you what a Trainers role involved, but assume the modern equivalent would be a coach.

He was a home and away regular supporter as the club grew with the development of the non-league pyramid, witnessing Runcorn move from the Cheshire League, into the Northern Premier League and eventually the Alliance Premier League (now National League, but lets be honest everyone really knows it as the Conference!). A regular of the legendary travel club days Dave traversed many a mile with the likes of Derek Greenwood and Wilf Bettley among many others.

His role at former brewing giant Bass, a big commercial supporter of the club at the time, created the opportunity for Dave to take up a position on the board of the club, a dream come true for him. Initially his position was as assistant secretary to George Worrall, taking a couple of seasons to learn the position inside out, before taking on the club secretary in the late 1980’s when George stood aside.

Dave was Secretary and took the lead role on two of Runcorn’s biggest ever transfer deals, Mark Carter’s £40,000 move to Barnet and Ian Woan’s £80,000 switch to Nottingham Forest, the clubs record transfer fee. Ian Woan was all set to sign for Harry Redknapp’s AFC Bournemouth with a deal agreed for £50,00 between the clubs, but with Woanie’s Dad unable to swap his shift in work to drive him down to the South coast the transfer didn’t go through on the day as planned and Brian Clough, having only heard of Ian Woan when the news of his transfer to Bournemouth was on Teletext that night, swooped in and offered 80k in a single phone call. Thats how things were done back then, no messing about! Dave then had the job of informing Harry Redknapp that he had been gazumped and Woan was going to Forest.

When Spike finally took the decision to turn professional, having refused countless offers over the years due to his fish stall at Stanley Market, it was Barnet who put in the offer that the club couldn’t refuse. And just to make sure there were no hitches, Dave drove Spike to Hilton Park M6 services near Birmingham to meet Barry Fry and sign the forms, and bring the 40k cheque back to Runcorn with him!

Along this journey Dave also introduced all three of his sons to the club, Mike, Andy and Ste. It didn’t stick so well with Andy, but the club became as big a part of Mike and Ste’s lives as it was Dave’s. So much so that Mike is now our Chairman!

When the club was reborn as Runcorn Linnets Dave was initially cautious. Like many, the pain of losing the club that had been an enormous part of his entire life was deep, and he wondered if he could fall in love with Runcorn again. Having watched from the wings in the early days he eventually went along with his youngest son Ste (or Linnets Updates as many of you will know him!) who had been involved in Runcorn Linnets since the very first meeting took place to decide if we should have a go or not. Dave enjoyed his first game, meeting up with so many friends from the past, and once he had decided to come to another game that was it, he was once again hooked by the heart strings, particularly taken with the new model of fan ownership, something he took extremely seriously.

Keeping up his tradition of getting the family involved, Dave brought his first born grandson Sam (now part of our LSU and on the staff of Ron Corn) along when he was just 3 years old, and Sam has never really left! In fact Sam was a regular attendee at Linnets games with his Grandad Dave or Uncle Ste several years before his dad Mike became a regular once again.

The club lost one of its many truly passionate supporters when Dave passed away. Even in final days as illness took hold he refused to miss any games, undoubtedly feeling that he would have been letting the club down if he didn’t make the trip to Squires Gate or Winsford on a freezing cold December Tuesday.

His legacy will stay with the club for generations, with his eldest son now in the position of Club Chairman, his youngest son actively involved in with the club and looking to take on a more senior role in the future, his eldest grandson attending pretty much every game home and away, singing his lungs out, dressing up as a big piece of sweetcorn and keeping goal for one of our junior sides, and his youngest grandson Jack becoming the clubs youngest ever trust member when he was signed up by Ste less than 6 hours after entering the world!

Dave’s other grand kids are Amy, Phoebe, Ben and Annie, who at the minute have taken the arguably sensible decision to keep their sanity in tact by having a more fleeting involvement with the club. But tha’ts something that Mike and Ste will be working hard to change!

Gail’s final present to Dave was to insist that he spend the rest of eternity at the Millbank Linnets Stadium by having his ashes buried in the top goal at the clubhouse end, so that he wont ever miss another match. And can perhaps help with the odd bobble or two when required!

Dave Bignall 2nd July 1950 - 10th December 2012

Ramsbottom Utd 2 Runcorn Linnets 3 Saturday 1st November 2018 3pm The EVO-STIK League Division One West Runcorn Linnets made the trip to Lancashire on Saturday afternoon to take on and complete the difficult-looking task of overcoming Ramsbottom United away. Ramsbottom’s Riverside Ground has been a place of nightmares for the Linnets over the years - going back to when The Rams were our colleagues in the North West Counties League Premier Division. Our five previous visits had yielded just one victory and four defeats, with a mammoth 18 goals being conceded along the way.

Early in the season, Ramsbottom brought in as manager Chris Wilcock, boss of the highly-successful Glossop North End side of 2015. This move has brought about a significant upturn in form with The Rams being unbeaten in 14 games going into the encounter with Runcorn. The well-covered and tightly-appointed ground along with rain and an occasional hoot from passing steam engines on the East Lancs railway, made for a tremendous atmosphere for what would end up an enthralling encounter between two very strong sides. Dylan Forth returned in goal for the Linnets with Kyle Hamid missing out through suspension and being replaced by Bobby Evans. Striker Connor McCarthy was unavailable for selection, prompting a change in shape with midfielder Zac Aley coming in.

The pitch was wet but not sodden and supported the fast-flowing footballing style of both sides.

It wasn’t long before a slick move gave the Linnets a chance to open the scoring on five minutes. The ball was worked into the Rammy penalty area from the left and when Paul Shanley turned away from goal just inside the penalty area, a nearby defender mistimed his tackle and tripped Shanley.

Louis Corrigan resumed command of penalties once again to curl his spot kick into the top corner, totally unsavable even if the ‘keeper had gone the right way.

Runcorn had a couple of half chances following the opening goal but as the game settled down, it was Ramsbottom who started asking the bigger questions.

A fast attack up the right wing allowed space for a shot that Forth turned away superbly, but luck was not to be on Dylan’s side. The ball, although cleared, was

immediately played forward again to just outside the penalty area where a perfectly-timed Linnets challenge was very harshly pulled up for a free-kick by the referee. You almost knew that we were about to get stung, and Thomas Kennedy pulled off a sublime equaliser from the free kick - his left-footed effort curling and dipping into the top corner, giving Forth no chance.

The hosts would have wanted to take control, following their equaliser, but within two minutes they found themselves behind again. With 26 minutes on the clock. Shanley again beat his man near the left edge of the Rammy penalty area but was cynically brought down. Corrigan swung in a dream of a free kick that was begging to be knocked into the net.

Peter Wylie made no mistake with his header from a few yards out.

Runcorn had the better of the remaining first-half minutes as they looked to extend their advantage.

On 39 minutes, a great footballing move set Kris Holt in on goal. His fierce strike was destined for the bottom corner but kept out by a remarkable sliding block from a Rams defender. On the stroke of halftime, Mike Simpson won a corner for the Linnets but with the set piece ready to be taken, the referee blew up for half time, not allowing Louis Corrigan to take the corner kick.

Ramsbottom made a double substitution at half-time (one of the players replaced being former Linnet, Tony “Kaka” Donaldson) and they came out with renewed vigour. Rammy had a great chance to

equalise in the 46th minute when, with a clear sight of goal, they sliced an effort wide at the far post. In the 53rd minute, the dynamic of the game changed as Ramsbottom were reduced to 10 men.

Freddie Potter and Kyle Jacobs went in for a 50/50 challenge with Jacobs going in over the top of the ball. The referee was close by and drew his red card immediately. Despite falling behind in terms of numbers on the pitch, Rammy soon drew the scores level after another questionable decision.

Another strong Linnets tackle was made in the area a penalty being awarded, despite the ball appearing to be won and momentum in the aftermath bringing down former West Didsbury & Chorlton player Nic Evangelinos. Nialle Rodney converted the 59thminute penalty.

The equaliser galvanised Ramsbottom once again and they should soon have taken the lead. With the Linnets slightly rattled, Rammy worked an opening for a clear sight at goal 10 yards. The resulting shot drew an immense save from Dylan Forth, but the rebound fell perfectly for Jamie Rainford, who thankfully cleared the crossbar with his attempt at the gaping goal.

With 15 minutes remaining and 10-man Ramsbottom well in the game, the hosts shot themselves in the foot in a perplexing moment of madness. Breaking up a Linnets attack, Kieran Lugsden drove forward with the ball and was dragged to the ground by Linnets midfielder Evans - the sort of challenge that coaches would expect their players to make in very particular circumstances and one that invariably earns the offender a deserved yellow card. All of the aforementioned took place, but Lugsden then inexplicably appeared to aim a punch at Evans, who was on the ground among a tangle of legs. The referee had no hesitation in brandishing his red card to a Rammy player for the second time, leaving it 9 v 11 with a score of 2-2 and 75 minutes played. This gave the Linnets a golden opportunity to go for the win, and on 80 minutes Freddie Potter scored the goal which would settle the outcome. With seemingly oceans of space to move the ball around, and The Rams deciding not to go for an all-out rearguard action, Zac Aley had space on the left wing to deliver a gem of a cross. Potter anchored his feet, picked his spot and headed the ball across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner to spark an eruption of joy among the large travelling contingent of Runcorn supporters.

With nothing to lose, depleted Ramsbottom gave their all to try to rescue an unlikely point.

The Linnets didn’t manage the closing 10 minutes particularly well, often caught in two minds whether to play down the clock or attack in numbers for another goal. This led to some passes going astray in dangerous positions and several set pieces being conceded. Thankfully, the Runcorn rearguard were in top form and dealt with any threat that Rammy made.

This was a very fine away victory for Michael Ellison’s side. For long spells, there had been very little to seperate the teams, with Ramsbottom looking as good as any side we faced so far this season. But Ello’s men relish the big games against the top sides and often save their best for these occasions. The win, coupled with results elsewhere, saw the Linnets return to the summit of the EVO-STIK League Division One Wet table. I never get bored of writing that! We now have the pleasant distraction of the Integro Cup 3rd round tie away at Hyde United on Tuesday night, kick off in Tameside being at 7.45pm, before returning to league action against visiting Glossop this Saturday, ko 3pm.

Runcorn Linnets: Dylan Forth, Louis Corrigan, Aaron Morris, Peter Wylie, Michael Simpson, Ronnie McCarthy, Robert Evans, Kristian Holt, Freddie Potter, Paul Shanley (capt), Zac Aley. Subs: Kurt Sherlock, Danny O’Brien. Not used: Jack Hinnigan, Josh Dobie, Ryan Gibson.

Attendance: 274.

Report Ste Bignall Pictures E23 Photos (James Eastup)

partnership with fellow centre back Pete Wylie this season.

Pivotal in helping the Linnets secure a clean sheet against a strong Leek Town side at the start of the month, Aaron then came away from the defeat at Market Drayton as one of the few stand out performers in an out of sorts Linnets team showing.

Having now fully found his feet at this higher level of football Aaron has been turning in some of his best ever form in a Runcorn shirt recently, and a faultless month earns him the November award. Aaron has been a mainstay of Michael Ellison’s defence ever since Ello took charge back in the summer of 2016, he has become a better player since making the step up the Evo-Stik level with the Linnets and has formed an impressive

When Newcastle Town visited the Millbank Linnets stadium Aaron was once again a stand out performer, particularly in the first half where the Linnets were not fully on song. His efforts in this game didn’t go unnoticed as they earned him the man of the match award in the Linnets Updates twitter poll that follows every game.

Congratulations Aaron on this deserved award!

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Aaron Morris is the Bowland Brewery sponsored Runcorn Linnets player of the month for November.

In the eye catching Integro Cup victory away at Leek Town not only were Aarons defensive abilities on show but also his knack for scoring the odd goal, getting his name on the scoresheet with a clinical headed finish that any centre forward would have been proud of!

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The A to Z of Runcorn Linnets HALFACRE (Ben): Debut: 08/08/2015. Appearances: 10 (all as sub).

Goals: None.

Ben joined Runcorn Linnets at the start of the 2015/2016 season having won the North West Counties Football League with Glossop North End in the previous season. The tall front man had consistently been the top scorer at clubs throughout a career, having represented Congleton Town, Glossop North End and Stockport Sports. His stay at The Millbank was comparatively unsuccessful although ironically, he came up with both Stockport Town goals as we were beaten 2-1 at the Sports Village in last season’s Macron (League Challenge) Cup. HALPIN (John) Debut: 03/112007.

Appearances: 10.

Goals: Two. The tall central defender, signed from Winsford in October 2007, had also played for Warrington Town.

A couple of goals on his Runcorn debut helped the Linnets to a 4-0 win over Castleton Gabriels in the Vodkat League Challenge Cup. But John’s brief stay was hampered by injuries.

HAMID (Kyle) Debut: 27/11/2012. Appearances: 221 (inc 23 sub).

Goals: 71.

When becoming at the end of the 2017-18 season, the first Runcorn Linnets captain to lift a title winners’ trophy, Kyle only enhanced his reputation as one of the outstanding players to don the Yellow & Green in our still relatively short history. A big favourite of Linnets fans, Kyle was rated one of the top midfield players - in fact, among the best in any position - in The Hallmark Security League and now he is leading our first tilt at the The EVO-STIK League. He had been among the few players to stay with Linnets amid the turmoil, which followed Joey Dunn’s departure as boss in the 2016 season. Incoming manager Michael Ellison rebuilt the squad around Kyle. Skilful and competitive with an eye for goal from set-pieces and open play, Kyle was the natural choice when Ello came to selecting his own successor as skipper. After missing the first three games of the 2016-17 season, Kyle had a galvanising effect on a new-look side on his return and scored a hat-trick at Canmell Laird 1907. This three-goal haul included the 1,000th goal scored

by Runcorn Linnets. Kyle joined us in December

2012 after 18 months at Warrington Town. He had starred in the League of Wales and in the Northern Premier League for Marine, Skelmersdale United and Warrington Town. His previous clubs also include Runcorn Town, who he joined in 2010.

Kyle is one of only five players to have chalked up a double century of Linnets appearances. The final game of 2017-18, which ended with him lifting The Hallmark Security League Premier Division championship trophy, was his 201st outing. He has this season settled into a deeper role in his natural midfield territory and is showing what a versatile performer he is.

HAMMOND (Lee).

Debut: 16/10/2010. Appearances: Five. Goals: None Lee, a defender, joined the Linnets after serving Capenhurst Villa, Poulton Vics, and Colwyn Bay. The left full back’s debut came in a 2-0 win at Atherton LR. HAMPSON (Matthew) Debut: 06/02/2010. Appearances: Five (three as sub). Goals: None.

Matthew joined the Linnets from Ashton Athletic in January 2010, having been on professional forms for Wigan Athletic. The front man’s debut came at Silsden - a misty Cougar Park being the setting. The team turned in a similarly gutsy performance on a heavy pitch to deservedly take home three points as 2-1 winners. Another Matt making a first-time appearance in the squad that day was named on the bench and had to wait three more days to make his Linnets bow. His surname? Atherton – wonder what became of him!

HAND (Danny) Debut: 03/08/2013. Appearances: 21 (inc three as sub). Goals: None.

Danny had two spells in Runcorn Linnets’ defence, having represented the club at the start of the 2013/2014 season.

The enterprising right back had already played for St Helens Town and AFC Liverpool and made a positive

impact during his first stint at the Millbank Linnets Stadium before taking time away from football due to injury. He rejoined Joey Dunn’s side in July 2015 for pre-season training and re-signed for the Linnets.

HARDWICK (Robert) Debut: 02/04/2011. Appearances: 27 (inc 14 sub).

Goals: Three.

The younger and the first of the brothers to play for Linnets, Rob joined at the end of March 2011, having worn the colours of Warrington Town and Bootle. The midfielder opened his Linnets goal account on the 12th of the following month with one to remember, opening the scoring after a driving run through the centre. His debut had come as a substitute in a 3-1 win at Flixton, highlighted by a Paul Prescott hat-trick.

HARDWICK (Tom) Debut 19/12/20015. Appearances: 31 (inc six as sub). Goals: None.

Tom returned to The Millbank in January 2017, having originally joined in December 2015 before moving on to Colwyn Bay the following summer.

The left-sided central defender left the club after six appearances in our 2017-18 title campaign.

He had started out in senior football at Southport and had a couple of spells at both Skelmersdale United, with whom he won promotion to EVOSTIK League Premier Division in 2013, and Warrington Town, where he was captain.

Tom’s first spell at Warrington was under the management of Joey Dunn, who introduced him to the Linnets line-up. The defender’s second stint at Cantilever Park saw him play in the team that shocked Exeter City with a 1-0 FA Cup first-round victory in November 2014 ‘live’ on BBC TV.

HARGREAVES (Anthony) Debut: 15/03/2008. Appearances: Two. Goals: None.

Able to play in centre midfield or as a central striker, Anthony signed in mid-March 2008 from Flixton, having also played for FC United of Manchester.

HAYDER (Troy) Appearances: Six (inc five as sub). Goals: None.

Atherton Collieries was the club from which striker Troy made the switch to the Linnets in September 2009 although he had served a variety of North West nonleague clubs while also operating in the Welsh League for a spell. He will perhaps best be remembered by Linnets fans for an

incident which he wouldn’t necessarily be able to recall himself - suffering a concussion after colliding with his then Linnets team-mate Chris Blundell in a match at Daisy Hill and ending up being checked over at hospital.

HEWITT (Andrew) Debut: 27/09/2011. Appearances: One. Goals: None.

The former Middlewich goalkeeper’s only Linnets outing came in a 1-0 defeat home defeat to Warrington in a Cheshire Senior Cup preliminary round tie.

HENSON (Caldon) Debut: 28/07/18. Appearances: One. Goals: None.

Caldon unusually appeared for us as a trialist in a competitive fixture – our 2018-19 pre-season match, against Widnes in the Hallmark Security League’s Reusch Champions Cup.

Words by Dave Bettley Pictures collated by Mark Buckley

Runcorn Linnets Ladies 9 Sale Utd 0 4th November 2018 Runcorn Linnets Ladies passed their half century of league goals for the season in yet another comprehensive home victory. Eight games in, the Linnets’ Cheshire Women’s League Division One goal difference stands at plus 49 (56 for, seven against).

They lie fourth, three and two points respectively behind the high-flying Development teams of Stockport County and Altrincham and one point adrift of third-placed West Kirby, who have played only seven.Sale Ladies proved more dogged and resilient than other opponents of late and played some attractive football themselves in an entertaining contest. Sale tested Megan Pickering early on, but the home ‘keeper gathered comfortably before Marcia Jones-Sacharewicz played in Becky Barker for the opener on three minutes. That became 2-0 minutes later, when Jones-Sacharewicz glanced in a Lucy Wieland corner at the near post. On 12 minutes, Chelsea Gillies was the provider as Barker added her second for a 3-0 lead.

Sale showed determination, defending resolutely until Jones-Sacharewicz made it 4-0 with a turn and shot four minutes from the break.

Manager John Pickering introduced new signing Milly Critchley, along with Lile Ashley, on 56 minutes. Within seconds, Tempany Carlson had got in front of a defender to turn in a Wieland cross, making it 5-0.

On 64 minutes, Beth Graham took the field for her first appearance since re-signing for the Linnets, playing at the right back with Gabby Evans switching to the left.

Sale should have pulled a goal back after 67 minutes but a visiting striker dragged her shot wide, when it looked easier to score.

Ashley made it 6-0 with a rasping shot from the edge of the box in the 68th minute with the hardrunning Critchley feeding Gillies for the seventh goal moments later. Substitute Ellie Isherwood smashed a shot against the visitors’ bar before Ashley scored her second (and the Linnets’ eighth) on 77 minutes.

It took a brilliant save by Megan Pickering to keep out the visitors as the game drifted into the final 10 minutes. Barker, having returned to the pitch, capped a fine individual and team performance with a tremendous solo goal to chalk up her hattrick on 83 minutes. There was still time for Ashley to strike the woodwork at a last-gasp corner.

Manager Pickering will want to ensure all feet stay firmly on the grond. The most pleasing aspects now are the amount of chances the midfield are providing for the forwards and the defensive efforts, which have yielded five shccessibe home clean sheets.

Runcorn Linnets Ladies: Pickering, RossiterGurrell, (Graham 64) Finnegan, Edwards, Evans, Wieland,(Isherwood 72) Kennedy,(Barker 72) Gillies, Carlson, (Rogers 72) Barker,(Critchley 56, Jones-Sacharewicz 90) Jones-Sacharewicz.(Ashley 56).

Marcia Jones-Sacharewicz in action

West Kirby Ladies 1 Linnets Ladies 1 2nd December 2018 The big Cheshire Women’s League clash of the day saw Premier Division honours between unbeaten second-placed West Kirby and Runcorn Linnets Ladies, lying third, end even. In all honesty, the game didn’t live up to its billing with both sides leaving their shooting boots at home.

Early West Kirby pressure saw Tish Collins clear the danger. There was not much between the sides as both teams tried to find each other out.

A wayward shot at the Linnets goal preceded a Becky Barker effort that cleared the bar at the other end.

Megan Pickering had to be alert in the 23rd minute, saving a half chance before racing out of her box to sweep up a ball over the Linnets back line. Runcorn were forced into a change on 33 minutes, Ellie Johnston replacing the injured Mary Rossiter-Gurrell at left back.

Both sides forced a succession of corners before the Linnets opened the scoring five minutes before the break. Millie Critchley crossed into the danger zone from the left and as goalkeeper, defender and Becky Barker converged, the Linnets player got the decisive touch.

The second half started with both sides putting balls tantalisingly in behind the opposing defence. West Kirby had another shot on goal, once again well off target.

With Lile Ashley having replaced Marcia Jones-Sacharewicz on 53 minutes, taking up the striker’s role, Chelsea Gillies nearly doubled the Linnets lead. She hit her shot just wide of a post on 62 minutes before West Kirby forced a couple of corners - scrambling an equaliser from the second. The Linnets players were

adamant in the dressing room afterwards that the corner bringing the goal should not have been awarded - insisting the ball hadn’t crossed the goalline and a throw-in should instead have been awarded.

On 79 minutes, Runcorn brought on Ellie Isherwood for Gabby Evans to go three at the back.

If either side was going to find a winner now, the chances were it would be the Linnets.

A nervous West Kirby were content to run the clock down but the Linnets wasted three chances in the final throes.

Runcorn Linnets Ladies: Pickering, RossiterGurrell,(Johnston 33). Evans (Isherwood 79), Collins, Finnegan, Wieland, Gillies, Kennedy, Critchley, Barker, Jones-Sacharewicz.(Ashley 53).

Subs (not used): Rogers, Graham.

Lile Ashley bearing down on goal

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Notice of AGM Runcorn Linnets FC Limited

Club AGM rearranged for Thursday, December 20th The club met with various operational delays in being able to prepare all documentation for the 2018 Annual General Meeting of Runcorn AFC Limited so the meeting has been rearranged for Thursday, December 20th.

The meeting will take place in the clubhouse at the Millbank Linnets Stadium at 7.30pm.

Having already been contacted about the rearranged date, members should by now have also received a further mailing as AGM information was sent either electronically or by post earlier this week.

If any member hasn’t received this, please see Trust secretary Dave Bettley or email trust@ runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk Non members can attend the AGM but will not be able to take any part in the meeting.

New look for clubhouse bar Our recently-installed clubhouse bar is continuing to take shape and this afternoon, you will see a big transformation in iits appearance. The frontage has a striking new look, which is based on a photograph taken earlier this year when the Mersey Gateway was lit in yellow and green. (Thanks to our volunteer handymen, technical wizards and of course the club photographer, who made it possible for us to record the historic moment in such a novel way). The bridge was illuminated to celebrate 100 years of town team football in Runcorn, going back to the birth of the original Linnets in 1918. This coincided with the modern-day Linnets sealing the Hallmark Security League Premier Division title. New lines have in recent weeks been added to the draught beers, lager and cider initially in offer. The range now include our famous Linnets Ale, while Guinness fans are catered for with a surger unit to tranform the canned drink.

We hope those who like a tipple before or after matches - or even both! - will enjoy the selection of drinks that we now have on offer at very competitive prices!

Home Fixtures EVO-STIK First Division West Runcorn Linnets v Droylesden Sponsored by George & Paul Coward in Memory of Ros Saturday 22nd December 3:00pm EVO-STIK First Division West Runcorn Linnets v Skelmersdale Utd Tuesday 1st January 3:00pm Cheshire Senior Cup Runcorn Linnets v Stalybridge Celtic Sponsor - TBC Week Commencing 7th January EVO-STIK First Division West Runcorn Linnets v Prescot Cables Saturday 19th January 3:00pm Matches Played at the Millbank Linnets Stadium, Murdishaw Ave, Runcorn, WA7 6GJ. Admission - Adults £8.00, Concessions £5.00, Accompanied Children are Free of Charge

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RUNCORN LINNETS FC DYLAN FORTH (GK) MATT HOLMES (GK) LOUIS CORRIGAN DECLAN GALLAGHER AARON MORRIS DANNY OBRIEN ZAC ALEY PETER WYLIE KYLE HAMID (C) KRISTIAN HOLT KASIE JONES RONNIE MCCARTHY BOBBY EVANS FREDDIE POTTER PAUL SHANLEY MICHAEL SIMPSON LIAM MORRIS JACK HINNIGAN MARK HOUGHTON KURT SHERLOCK ADAM GILCHRIST JOSH DOBIE CALLUM LUCY RYAN GIBSON

GLOSSOP NORTH END FC RUSS SAUNDERS MATTHEW RUSSELL OLIVER THORNLEY JASON HILL DARREN THORNTON KEENAN QUANSAH KANE HICKMAN ADAM LATHAM DOMINIC MARIE PETER BOYLE JACK TUOHY IAN BENNETT JAMES GEORGEAKLIS JOSH STACHINI JAMIE MCLELLAN MASON DAVIES

JOINT MANAGERS: LLOYD MORRISON & PETER BAND HEAD PHYSIO: GEORGE BRYSON PHYSIO: ELLA THOMPSON

MANAGER: MICHAEL ELLISON ASSISTANT: MATT CROSS COACHES: DANNY SALT & CHRIS LAWTON HEAD SPORTS REHABILITATOR: GEMMA MOONEY MASSAGE THERAPIST: ELLEN JOHNSTON KIT MANAGER: JON URQUHART

Referee - Stuart Morland Assistants - Jack Cliff & Joshua Smith