Runcorn Linnets V Skelmersdale Utd

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The EVO-STIK League Division One West Runcorn Linnets Vs Skelmersdale United Tuesday 1st January 2019 3pm

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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

Chairman’s Report 2018 RUNCORN LINNETS FC LIMITED Chairman’s Report 2018 The 2017/18 season will always be remembered as a fantastic year for the club as we finally won the league and gained promotion from the North West Counties League. Michael and Matt have done a tremendous job, not only building the championship winning squad but they have also managed to hold the nucleus of that team together – moving forward into the new league – continuing to improve. This has taken us towards finishing the first half of the EVO-STIK League season in contention for a playoff place. I would also like to take this time to thank the coaches and back-room staff who have been vital in securing our success.

The trust board has seen some changes over the past twelve months but we would like to assure you that we will continue to work together to build the strongest possible future for Runcorn Linnets FC. Attendances are regularly the highest in our division (whether home or away) and this is slowly starting to increase – a true testament to our incredible supporters and volunteers (without who we would be nothing).

In matters off the pitch, volunteer numbers have decreased and we often struggle to find new people to step into the roles which are so desperately needed. If you have any particular skills or an interest in helping out at the club (or know anyone else who may have) please get in touch either through the ‘Contact Us’ section of the website, or speak to a board member on a match day.

Fundraising and Sponsorship are areas for development within the club. The introduction of our fantastic new bar gives us more options to bring money into the club but we still welcome ideas, events and local sponsors to boost our income. Please get in touch with your suggestions.

In an exciting move for Runcorn Linnets, we have signed up for the Northern Premier League Football Academy, which will not only be a great source of income for the club but will give local talented footballers who are leaving school, the opportunity to train and play football alongside their study for BTEC sport. We believe this is a benefit for both Runcorn Linnets and our town.

A massive Thank You to all our current sponsors - local businesses who continue to return to support us year after year. We really value your contribution to our club!

Finally, remember this is your club. We are here to make this work for the fans. Please approach any board member with issues, areas of concern, ideas or suggestions that you may have.

Yours, Mike Bignall

Stuart Wellstead SAM CARROLL, non-league reporter for the Liverpool Echo, speaks to last season’s Linnets title winner Stuart Wellstead about his unexpected comeback to the Runcorn ranks in this season’s Integro League Cup Stuart Wellstead has opened up on his recent return to Runcorn Linnets after departing the club during the summer. Wellstead departed Linnets following promotion from the HSL Premier Division last summer to become comanager of Rylands with David McNabb.

Rylands have made an exceptional start to the HSL First Division South campaign and are currently two points from the top with three games in hand. The forward, however, has answered the call from Michael Ellison in recent weeks to make a playing return to Linnets with the Evo-Stik outfit short on numbers. “I’m 33 now and the Evo-Stik league was a little bit too fast,” Wellstead said of his summer exit. “I was offered this opportunity at Rylands and I thought I’d go for it and see what happens. I didn’t expect to get offered the job at first but it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down when it was.”

Wellstead made his second appearance of the season in the recent Integro Cup quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Hyde United and admitted he will always help his beloved Linnets. “It was just a case of they were short on numbers for the first round of the cup and would I do a favour and then it happened again!” Wellstead laughed when asked about his return. I’ve got a lot of time for Michael so if he ever

called me up and asked me to help out I’d be more than willing. There’s a massive connection with the club there after winning the league last year. Anything I could do to help the club out, of course I would.

“I know Michael would always do the same for me and when we needed a goalkeeper at Rylands this season I was lucky enough to get Matty Holmes [the Linnets stopper] for the game. Anytime he needs me the favour would definitely be returned.”

Wellstead added: “Michael is always there at the end of the phone as is [Matt Cross, assistant] and [Danny Salt, first-team coach]. They all passed on good luck wishes in the summer and there are a couple of times already I’ve phoned Michael to discuss a player he might know of or a team either of us are playing against.”

Thanks to Sam for allowing us to reproduce the article which initially appeared in the Runcorn Weekly News, part of the Echo portfolio. ☆☆ Sam is always keen to hear from Linnets fans with any points of interest - email Sam.Caroll@ reachplc.com ☆☆

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Our Visitors Skelmersdale United Skelmersdale United Football Club has a very rich pedigree with an extensive list of honours since they were founded in 1882. The Club had its genesis in a team of players brought together by the teachers of the Skelmersdale Wesleyan Day School and it was called Skelmersdale Young Rovers, the headmaster at the time being Mr Ritson. When he left he was succeeded by Mr Forster of St Helens, a real football enthusiast.

Under his guidance the team became a much stronger organisation and the name was changed to Skelmersdale Wesleyans, subsequently the minister expressed his disapproval of this and the team became Skelmersdale United.

They joined the Liverpool County Combination in 1909 and won the first of their Championship titles in 1911 they competed in the League until 1955, during which time they were Champions on 10 occasions, Liverpool County FA Challenge Cup Winners on 8 occasions and George Mahan Cup Winners 5 times. For the majority of their first seventy years the club played at Sandy Lane that is now the site of an office block. Tom Tinsley who played for just four seasons (either side of the war) created a record by scoring 214 goals this despite many games missed due to Army call ups Between 1966-67 and 1970-71 included two Wembley appearances in the Amateur FA Cup in 1967 & 1971. The 1st final was against Enfield which, following a 0-0 draw at Wembley (with Alan Bermingham missing a last minute penalty); they lost 0-3 at Maine Road, Manchester, in the replay.

The 2nd Wembley date, in 1971, with Roy Rees in charge resulted in a convincing 4-1 win against Dagenham, with centre forward Ted Dicken scoring a hat trick, Andy Windsor also scoring In between the two Wembley finals, the club had regular successful cup runs in the Amateur Cup, reaching the semi-final on two other occasions.

During this period the club also won 2 Cheshire League titles and numerous other trophy’s. One of the everlasting memories of the successful Amateur Cup days was the tremendous support for the club. The phenomenal increase in crowds will probably never be repeated again, with regular crowds between 1,000 and 1,500 for league games, rising to several thousand for cup games. Indeed the record gate for the club

was 7,500 for a quarter final game in March 1967 that resulted in a 1-0 victory over Slough Town. The cup final of 1967 attracted a massive 75,000, There is no doubt that the 1967-1971 period was a golden era for Skelmersdale with many players progressing into the Football League.

Although the club joined the Northern Premier League in 1971 it was to be an unhappy time for the club, with financial problems that the club would have hanging round its neck for over two decades and performances on the pitch were less than impressive. After joining the North West Counties League in 1982 without much success and following three seasons of just avoiding relegation to the 2nd Division in the early 90’s, the inevitable happened at the end of the 1995-96 season as the club slumped to its lowest level Russ Perkins was named as Manager and the club quickly regained promotion and the start of the long road back to the clubs former glories. winning the League Challenge Trophy in May 2000, The club left their spiritual home of White Moss Park in 2002 and eventually moved to the newly named Westgate Interactive Stadium Stuart Rudd smashed the goalscoring record netting 230 goals With Paul Gallagher in charge he took the club forward and with a second place finish and promotion to the Northern Premier League in 2006. United appointed the experience manager Tommy Lawson to take the club to the new level and apart from a mid table position in 06-07 the club finished in a play-off position all but once in the next 5 seasons winning the title in record breaking style in 2012-13.They also won the Lancashire Cup in 2010. Despite challenging for the title in their first season in the NPL Premier the club lost ground and eventually finished 6th.

After a good start to the 2014-15 season, the club lead the table until after the Christmas period but United found themselves in a serious financial problems and only by the efforts of the players supporters and sponsors the club managed to see

the season through. The season however ended on a high as victories over Champions FC United and a Liverpool Senior Cup win offered the club optimism for the future..

Last season however was one of difficulty both on and off the field a the club was perilously close to the relegation zone for much of the season, not helped by some dramatic Winter weather that had the ground underwater and the large back fence totally destroyed, the club survived but worse was to follow 2016-17 was spent in the bottom 4 all season and by January Tommy Lawson the long serving manager was sacked, replaced by former Notts Forrest and Leicester defender Alan Rogers. he assembled a young inexperienced side that battled bravely but relegation was on the cards before he joined the club, the inevitable happened and the club found themselves back in the NPL (North) section. but that was not all on the news front as Landlords Chequer Properties failed to negotiate a new lease and the club have agreed a groundshare with Prescot cables from November 2017.

Manager Dave Powell replaced Alan Rogers in September 2017, United avoiding relegation, There was good news in August as United announced plans for a new stadium at The JMO, just 100 yds from their spiritual home of White Moss Road.

Squad Pen Pics

Manager - Paul McNally - His playing career spanned the Saturday and Sunday League levels with spells at Ayone (Ex Liverpool county combination league), Poulton Vics, South Liverpool and Cammell Laird with whom he moved onto coaching. As 1st team coach/assistant manager from 2012-14 alongside ex-United coach Tony Sullivan, Paul guided the team to second spot in the Evo-Stik North Division one with promotion denied by Trafford in the play-off final.

Sadly, the club folded after the following season but the restart in the form of Cammell Laird 1907 in the NWCFL with Paul securing automatic promotion at the first attempt in 2015-16 with just three defeats across the season, he departed during the following season leaving Lairds in good shape with three cup quarter finals. A move to Litherland REMYCA as assistant to Phil Stafford

saw Remy finish third in NWCFL Div 1 with playoff defeat to City of Liverpool and with Stafford moving on to Bootle, Paul took the reins with instant success as Remy finished second with 99 points and securing promotion to the Premier Division. Paul departed the club at the end of the season and aside from management, works at youth levels with positions at Educ8 Group and Liverpool FC International Academy.

Tom Molyneux - Tom joined the club in November from NPL Premier side Warrington Town. A former Everton youth captain, Tom has also had spells with Ashton Town, Welsh sides Rhyl and Caernarfon Town and spent time on dual registration at Runcorn Linnets early in his United stay.

Terry Smith- Terry joined the club in March on dual-registration with Runcorn Linnets. He joined the Linnets at the start of the 2017-18 season from Trafford FC for whom he made 28 appearances having moved from Ashton United.

He had previously had spells with Nantwich Town, Southport and Oldham Athletic.

Dave Moore - Dave joined the club in July after a superb season with North West Counties side Atherton LR with whom he captained the side last season as they secured safety in the First Division.

He swept the end of season awards claiming the Managers, Players and Fans player of the year accolades.

Alex Griffiths- Alex joined the club in July and reunites with coach Karl Bell after a two-year spell under Karl at Vauxhall Motors he joined the Motormen after a stint with AFC Liverpool Charlie Duke -Charles joined the club in August from FC St Helens. His senior career began at his hometown club St Helens Town before he secured a professional contract at Torquay United in mid-2016. Loan spels at St Helens Town, St Austell and Truro City followed before a move to Rushall Olympic. A spell at Marine earlier this year was followed by spells with Stalybridge Celtic and FC St Helens.

Danny McLoughlin - Danny joined the club in September from fellow Evo-Stik West side Mossley.

He has also had spells with Abbey Hey and Diggle FC for whom he scored 22 goals in 17 appearances.

Skelmersdale United Squad Pen Pics Continued Will Dunne - Will joined the club in July after progressing through the youth setup at Blackpool.

Sean Yeldrem - Local lad Sean joined the club in August after a spell at fellow NPL West side Trafford. He has also spent time with Ashton Town on dual registration.

James O’Hara originally from Wythenshaw Manchester and now living in Warrington, James is a left back / centre back who joins on a dual registration from Altrincham and has also represented Warrington Town.

Leon Arnasalam - Leon is a pacey winger with an eye for goal who joins from Warrington Town. Has also played for AFC Liverpool.

Ishmael Banks - Defender who joins from Warrington Town, was a product of the Robbie Fowler Youth Acadamy and gained first team experience with Winsford Utd last season Louis Keegan - Commanding centre-back who was captain of the recently disbanded Southport U21 side.

Declan Daniels - Declan joins from Clitheroe, was also a product of the Robbie Fowler Yourh Academy and also tasted first team football with Winsford Utd last season after finishing a pro contract at Ipswich Town Dimitrios Christou - from Toxteth, Liverpool.

Towering Centre Back who can also play defensive centre mid has been training with the club since August. As Dimi was last registered with Rhyl, ITC was required to complete registration and delays at both the English & Welsh FAs have hindered this. Dimi has also represented Mold (Wales), AFC Liverpool & Congleton Town Alexander Black - 19yr old right back from Chorlton Manchester joins from West Didsbury & Chorlton and has also played for Radcliffe and Stockport Town.

Paul Cliff - 28yr old left back / left wing back from Prescot, was most recently with St Helens Town and brings great experience having served Prescot Cables, Glossop North End, Rhyl & Holywell Town previously.

Liam Diggle - 21yr old target man from Liverpool joins from St Helens Town with whom he will remain on dual reg. Liam has been prolific in front of goal this season and has previously represented Burscough.

Jesse Dowling - 21yr old attacking midfielder from Liverpool joins from Southport Hesketh, Jesse has represented Southport at U18 and U21 level.

Stephen Ferrigan - 25yr old central defender / central midfielder from Orrell Park, Liverpool.

Stephen has played under Mcnally at Litherland Remyca Utd and Cammel Laird and has also played for Bootle.

Oliver Van Veen - Spanish born and currently relocating from Isle of Man, powerful centre forward who was most recently with Atlantic City (USA) and who has represented a number of clubs in Europe, most notably Beerschot Wilrijk (BEL) John Keatley - 23yr old central defender / central midfielder joins from South Liverpool and has also represented AFC Liverpool.

Joel Douglas - Forward from Liverpool. Joel has been training with the club since Paul McNallys arrival but his signing was delayed awaiting International Clearance as he was previously playing amateur football in Australia. Joel played under McNally at Litherland Remyca Utd and has also played for Burscough.

Marvin Molyneux - Defender from Kirkby. Marvin is predominately a centre back who can also operate as a full back on either side or in midfield.

Marvin joins from Ashton Town & also played under McNally at Litherland Remyca Utd as well as representing AFC Liverpool & St Helens Town

Chasetown 1 Runcorn Linnets 2 Saturday 15th December 2018 3pm The EVO-STIK League Division One West Runcorn Linnets clocked up another three points as well as the miles on their longest journey south of the season.

But there was a down side to Saturday afternoon’s success which brought the Linnets’ second campaign double - this one against a club they had beaten on home EVO-STIK League West debut in August.

In the Linnets’ previous away league match a forntight earlier, hosts Ramsbottom had finished with nine.

It wasn’t just the timing of Sherlock’s unfortunate exit which was cruelly ironic, coming as it did in “injury time”.

He had only been recalled to the starting lineup when midfielder Kris Holt pulled up in the

Freddie Potter takes the game to Chasetown.

Kurt Sherlock, having scored the goals which would preserve top spot for Michael Ellison’s side, was stretchered off near the end.

A cynical challenge on the striker, with Linnets attempting to break away, left Sherlock to undergo lengthy treatnent before being carried to the dressing room.

The challenge reduced the hosts to eight men on account of their third “straight” red card of the contest.

pre-match warm-up - forcing a late change to the XI initially named by Ellison in rain-lashed, bitterly cold deepest Staffordshire.

Linnets’ were already suffering from the rare absence of Paul Shanley through injury - the key wideman being forced to sit this one out along with fellow casualties, Michael Simpson and Holt.Zac Aley came into the left midfield with Ryan Gibson earning a starting debut on the opposite flank.

Kurt Sherlock celebrates after scoring his second goal of the afternoon from the penalty spot.

Curtis Pond punches clear for Chasetown under pressure from Kurt Sherlock.

Gibson’s participation was curtailed, however.

A nasty gash to the head, sustained late in the first half, contributed to the busiest of inclement afternoons for physio Gemma Mooney. It never rains but it pours.

There was also a place, at right back, for newlysigned Matt Russell (ex Glossop North End) while Josh Dobie got the nod in a holding midfield role.

The additional expense of an each-way charge on the M6 toll road didn’t deter Linnets fans from embarking on a first-time visit to the Scholars Ground in carloads as well as by coach.

The weather made for an unpleasant trip but Linnets started positively, dominating the first quarter - moving the ball with alacrity on a pitch, which although playable was not the easiest surface.

After being on ther front foot, however, the Linnets were rocked back on their heels.

Having given another of the title contender sides a good run for their money last time out, when losing 2-1 at Radcliffe, improving Chasetown took a giant stride to what they hoped would be a first home league win by opening the scoring against the general tide.

Managers invariably feel that goals against their teams are avoidable and this one certainly fell into that category.

brought down Sherlock and was deceived by the Runcorn player’s ultimately matchwinning penalty.

Possession was needlessly lost by Runcorn in midfield and the ball played in behind their defence on the home side’s left - from where Tom Hill’s 35th-minute shot found its way in at the near post.

Report Dave Bettley Pictures E23 Photos (James Eastup)

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: Bobby Evans, Ronnie McCarthy. Not used: Jack Hinnigan, Danny O’Brien, Kris Holt.

Linnets, however, had a quick and perfect antidote to Chasetown’s suddenly increased confidence. Aley crossed from the left and while Freddie Potter’s connection wasn’t strong enough to carry the ball over the goal line, Sherlock bundled it home from close range.

Chasetown were left to fight on with 10 from the 58th minute, when Jazz Luckie was sent off.

It was the most contentious of Chasetown’s three dismissals - in fact the only one about which they could conceivably complain. Often such a challenge would have led to a yellow card but the referee may well have felt there had been an element of jumping into the challenge.

There was no doubt as to the severity of the crunching tackle which saw Will Whieldon take an early bath in the 80th minute. Aaron Morris was lucky not to be seriously hurt after being caught on the edge of the Runcorn penalty area.

Initial fears of a broken foot for Kurt Sherlock were thankfully to be dispelled too but Matty Hardiman quite simply had to walk for his desperate lunge. Once enjoying numerical supremacy, Runcorn had again put Chasetown under the cosh with home ‘keeper Curtis Pond denying them. But, in the 72nd minute, Pond

New Linnets signing Matt Russell quickly gets to grips with the task

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The A to Z of Runcorn Linnets H is for...

This is the final offering in a three-part mini feature (within the main A-Z series) chronicling the players with surname starting with H to have worn the yellow and green of Runcorn Linnets in competitive football. There are 31 of them in all.

HOLT (Kris) Debut: 24/11/2016. Appearances: 82* (inc 15 as sub). Goals: 19* A key performer in the Linnets engine room, Kris is enjoying his return to EVO-STIK League football after leaving it behind during the 2017-18 season to pledge his allegiance to Runcorn Linnets. He’d spent the first half of the campaign playing at Step Four with Atherton Collieries as part of a dual registration but ultimately the lure of the Linnets proved too much and Kris returned to The Millbank to be part of our title dream. It was from Colls that Kris had joined Linnets, his debut in September 2016 ironically coming as a sub against the Alder Street club he had left three weeks or so earlier. A two-year stint at Atherton had seen Kris play a lead part in Colls’ emergence as a Hallmark Security League force to be reckoned with.

He helped them to promotion to the Premier Division of the North West Counties at the end of 2014-15 and subsequently League Challenge Cup final success. Kris had been one of Michael Clegg’s first signings when the Colls manager took over in summer 2014 and went on to make 95 appearances, scoring 14 goals, in his first spell. The move had involved Kris teaming up with Clegg for a third time, having also played for him at Pennington and then Atherton LR, for whom he netted 15 times in 2013-14.

After the first game of our 2017-18 campaign at Abbey Hey, Kris left Linnets to rejoin Colls in the EVO-STIK League Division One North, although we retained his Hallmark Security League registration. With the Linnets in the grip of severe selectiion problems, he answered an SOS to play in our first round Buildbase FA Vase replay against Team Northumbria, scoring the opening goal in a 3-2 win at the Millbank Linnets Stadium. In the next round, Kris played the final pass for Mark Houghton to score a dramatic lastgasp winner in a replay at Sunderland RCA and he subsequently rejoined the club on a permanent basis.

HOUGH (Chris) Debut: 05/02/2013. Appearances: One (as sub). Goals: None.

A big, no-nonsense central defender, Chris graduated from youth football at the Linnets.

But his only senior appearance was in a Cheshire Senior Cup second round victory at Alsager, where he came off the bench in the

88th minute to replace Michael Burke.

HOUGHTON (Mark) Debut 15/12/2012. Appearances: 212* (inc 39 as sub). Goals: 76.* A superb servant to the club, who recently entered his seventh year as a Linnets player, Mark has yet to feature for us this season after groin surgery in the summer. Mark with typical unselfishness played through the niggling injury in 2017-18 to make another important contribution at Runcorn Linnets.

He played 40 times, scoring 11 goals, to end the title-winning season on 212 Linnets career outings - at the time, the joint second highest number of appearances for Runcorn (an accolade shared with his now manager Michael Ellison). Only Kyle Hamid with 226* (having now overtaken “Houghto”) and record appearances holder Matt Atherton (313) have played more times for the club.

Mark began his playing career at the top of the non-league ladder with Southport in the Conference, scoring a number of times

against sides who are now in the Football League. He joined Skelmersdale United in 2010 and later moved to Chorley under the guidance of Garry Flitcroft where he won the Northern Premier League First Division North title before returning to Skem. The fast-moving striker joined Runcorn Linnets in December 2012 and scored in the club’s League Challenge Cup final victory over Formby in May 2013. Mark has had a major influence with his consistency, knack of popping up with important goals and versatility. He can play in the wide positions, behind the front men or as the main striker a role he successfully resumed in the previous two seasons when he also earned the vice captaincy.

The A to Z of Runcorn Linnets HOWARD (Simon) Debut 08/08/2009. Appearances: 28 (inc three sub). Goals: One. Midfield player Simon joined us for the start of the 2009-10 season – our last as tenants of Witton Albion – and went straight into the team for its opening day fixture, a 0-2 home defeat by Flixton. His first (and only) Linnets goal followed three weeks later in an FA Vase first round qualifying tie against Staveley MW, also at Wincham Park. What was described by our match reporter as a “beautifully struck dipping shot” handed Linnets a firsttime lead but we needed extra time to see off the crossPennine visitors 4-3.

HOWARTH (Mike) Debut: 10/08/2009. Appearances: Three (two as sub). Goals: One. Striker Mike made his debut for Linnets as a scoring substitute in a 5-3 victory at Vodkat League title favourites New Mills. The game at Church Lane was most memorable, however, for another frontman, Paul Crewe achieving the rare feat of hitting four goals in the match.

HOWSON (Stuart) Debut 08/09/2009. Appearances: One. Goals: None Midfielder Stuart’s only outing for Runcorn was in a 3-0 Vodkat League Premier Division defeat to Bootle at what was then the TDP Solicitors Stadium.

HUMPHREYS (River) Debut: 25/10/2014. Appearances: 50 (inc one as sub). Goals: Two. Central defender River began his second spell at Runcorn Linnets in October 2017 but was released early the following month without making any further appearances for the club.

He had first joined us in July 2014, having spent the previous two years in North West Counties League football with AFC Liverpool.

River started his career at Wrexham’s centre of excellence and had a brief spell in the League of Wales before joining Warrington Town in the Northern Premier League in 2010. Moving on to AFC Liverpool in 2013, he racked up more than 100 appearances for the Reds, making himself a key figure in the team and leading by example as he was awarded the captain’s armband. After

making the switch to Runcorn, River became a firm favourite with fans at the Millbank Linnets Stadium on account of his strong performances in the Linnets rearguard. His passion and wholehearted performances earned River the Supporters Club’s Player of the Year award in 2015-16 season. River left in the summer of 2016 with hope of a career in professional football after winning the Fiat Professional Tradesman Trials - a national competition which earned the plasterer a shot in the full-time ranks at a League club.

A spell at Rochdale AFC did not work out for River, however, and he was reunited with the Linnets after stints at Bangor City, Widnes and Radcliffe Borough.

HUNT (Tom).

Debut: 20/08/2016. Appearances: 32. Goals: None.

Tom made his Linnets debut in the rearranged Runcorn derby at Pavilions on Saturday, August 20th 2016 - his first outing

coming in highly-unusual circumstances. He was the third different goalkeeper to start for the Linnets in the opening three matches of the 2016-17 campaign, following the appearances of Jack Cookson and Danny Lever in the first two games against West Didsbury & Chorlton and Winsford United, respectively. His other appearance against Town, on Boxing Day of the same year, was memorable for a different reason as he was sent off and replaced between the sticks by veteran centre half Chris Lawton, now one of our first team coaches! Born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire (an old stamping ground of the original Linnets in Conference days), Tom was signed from Droylsden after a spell at Sheffield FC. He had previously played North West Counties League football for 1874 Northwich and AFC Blackpool. He was in goal for 1874 when Runcorn won 1-0 at Barton Stadium early in the 2015-16 season.

Tom was a regular until February 2017, when losing his place to one of our present keepers Matt Holmes.

HUNTER (Adam) Debut: 23/01/2010. Appearances: Two. Goals: None.

Local lad Adam is among the few to have worn the yellow and green as a Runcorn FC Halton and Linnets player. The midfielder featured in the old club’s final season of 200506 and joined Runcorn Linnets from Elements Cefn Druids. * All stats up to and including 15th December 2018.

Words by Dave Bettley Pictures collated by Mark Buckley

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Christmas Cheers!

THE festive season arrived early for lovers of real ale when The Millbank Linnets Stadium hosted Runcorn Christmas Beer Fest.

A collaboration between Runcorn Linnets and Kirsty Walker from the local beer blog Lady Sinks the Booze (pictured with our club chairman Mike Bignall), the event was a scaled-down version of the festival we staged in the summer.

A selection of craft beers, lagers, ciders and stouts to suit all tastes were on offer along with other favourite tipples, including speciality gins and the ever-popular Prosecco.

All the offerings went down a treat but the toast of the Friday night event was Runcornbased Blueball Brewery’s Dead Town, which was voted beer of the festival.

Supporters attending our first team home game against Glossop North End were also also able to enjoy the boozy bill of fare with the temporary pumps installed by 4T’s Brewery of Warrington still up and running alongside our own newly-upgraded clubhouse bar.

Our gratitude is extended to our barrel sponsors Apec Taxis, Grangeside, Steve Robbins, Hedley Edwards and Derek Greenwood whose generous support enabled the evening to run successfully.

Thanks also go to Brian and Barbara Hayes for running the kitchen which likewise did good trade.

Plans are now being put into place for the next Runcorn Beer Fest. This is coming to The Millbank Linnets Stadium in May. Watch this space!

Runcorn Linnets Ladies 0 Stockport County Ladies Development 1 Football can be a cruel game as it certainly was on Sunday for Runcorn Linnets Ladies.

They were denied at least a share of the spoils against the Cheshire Women’s League Premier Division leaders by a wicked deflection. Runcorn certainly didn’t deserve to lose; Stockport didn’t deserved to win either.

The game had been switched from The Millbank Linnets Stadium to an artificial surface at Stockport Sports Village, Linnets Ladies relinquishing home advantage in this particular fixture for a second successive season.

Runcorn exerted early pressure, forcing a couple of corners in the opening few minutes. Linnets’ Megan Pickering was called into action, making the first save of the day low to her right in the eighth minute.

Chelsea Gillies shot wide then good work by Lile Ashley got her in behind the Stockport defence but there were no yellow shirts in the box to get a touch on the striker’s low cross.

Becky Barker turned in the area on 20 minutes to hit a pile driver that cannoned off the bar and away to safety. The hosts were looking anything but table toppers now as their bench clamoured for calm within a shaky-looking side. On the stroke of halftime, Ashley broke free from her marker but put a shot narrowly wide.

With Barker having had to leave the action early, the Linnets were dealt another blow as Lile Ashley was replaced at the interval, having sustained an injury in the final seconds of the first half.

Stockport for the first time had Runcorn pegged back early in the second half, forcing

two corners with a free kick in between. But Gillies nearly caught out the Stockport on 55 minutes when the ball bounced up wickedly in front of their ’keeper, who was forced to palm the ball over her crossbar.

Then, on 66 minutes, Marcia JonesSacharewicz was denied by an amazing save, which kept scores level. The decisive goal on 83 minutes saw the effort at goal spoon up off a Linnets challenge, going high over Megan Pickering and into the net.

With Stockport pleading with the referee to blow the final whistle, Runcorn forced a corner from which there were claims from the Linnets players of a dangerous challenge. But nothing was given.

Runcorn Linnets Ladies: Pickering, Johnston, Collins, Finnegan, Evans, Wieland, Gillies, Kennedy, Rogers (Isherwood 45), Barker, (Rossiter-Gurrell 45), Ashley (JonesSacharewicz 45).

Runcorn Linnets Ladies’ game at Wythenshawe Amateurs Development Sunday, December 16th was postponed.

Manager John Pickering and team now take a Christmas and New Year break, resuming on Sunday, January 6th when they go to Crosfield FC Women in the Cheshire Women’s League Challenge Cup qualifying round two.

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RUNCORN LINNETS FC DYLAN FORTH (GK) MATT HOLMES (GK) TOM SCOTT (GK) LOUIS CORRIGAN DECLAN GALLAGHER AARON MORRIS DANNY OBRIEN ZAC ALEY PETER WYLIE MATT RUSSELL 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 DAVE WEBB JOSH DOBIE CALLUM LUCY RYAN GIBSON

SKELMERSDALE UNITED FC PROBABLE TEAM 1 TERRY SMITH 2 LOUIS KEEGAN 3 ALEX GRIFFITHS 4 STEPHEN FERRIGAN 5 JOHN KEATLEY 6 TOM MOLYNEUX 7 SEAN YELDREM 8 MARVIN MOLYNEUX 9 JOEL DOUGLAS 10 DAVE MOORE 11 DANNY MCLOUGHLIN SUBS 12 WILL DUNNE 14 ISHMAEL BANKS 15 OLIVER VAN VEEN 16 LEON AMASALAM 17 LIAM BODEN

MANAGER PAUL MCNALLY

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 - Carl Rooney Assistants - Billy Vaughan & Dominic Wallis