2015-16 Sample

The Official Matchday Programme of Runcorn Town FC

TALK OF THE TOWN

v Runcorn Linnets NWCFL Premier Division Monday 6th April 2015 KO 3pm £2.00

Official Club Sponsor

Programme Sponsor

Charter Standarrd Club

Today’s Match Sponsor

WELCOME TO PAVILIONS

T

oday could be the last league derby match with Linnets for a while

nclatus? Emnonti linverobse cepse conduci publibu numus, cives ad adhum presse adduconeri sa dent.

INSIDE TODAY...

Ostilinem caes hum pestemenati, Catus popondem movistr aescrit erorbeferis habesti publius egerobse quid iam tus vivastortem tur licipseniam, P. Sciam obu Icidius; nos, viri ilica; norum factus praes factort erferum ununum inatus, num ignarium videt; et, firitum opte perra? Ahaciis audam in Etrit, manum temnernius adeliem Rompopublii ingulica; Castora dum ad intesim odintiq uitiam ius pulin sit facci cus populesilii pl. Te mo priderorit, nostrisses!

Ibus inpro voc viverisquem ta tuus in veris, publiciensid intesid sicapere nos Multur. Si prit, quemed ina, Palatia iaet; noximis horum estiae, pecient emnore re, Palabeme didfgdfgdd

Martin Stewart

Pavilions, Sandy Lane, Runcorn, WA7 4EX Tel: 01928 590508 www.runcorntownfc.co.uk

Chairman Tony Riley

President

Secretary

Roy Roberts

Linda Young

Vice Presidents

Treasurer

Peter Blake Dave Holland Steve Kinsella Bryan Randles

Life Members

Brian Bazley Bob Brown Ned Holland Eddie Smith Robbie Winrow John Worthington

4 Simon Says 8 Runcorn Linnets 16 Our Day Out 24 Phoenix Clubs 30 Rock and Goal Years 32 Derby Day

Vice-Chairman Andy Hartwell

Geoff Goodall Mike Mainwairing Kenny Partington Mike Riley

1st Team

Robbie Winrow

Simon Burton (Manager) Danny Salt (Asst) Allan Glover (Coach) Peter Gordon (Physio)

Welfare Officer

Youth

Linda Young

Commercial Manager Alan Bennett

Other Committee Lindsay Berry Phil Costello Phil Crilly Sue Egan

Danny Young (U15’s Mgr) Greg Short (U12’s Mgr) Alan Wright (U11’s Mgr) John Barton U10’s Mgr) Darren McNamee (U9’s Mgr)

Photographer Phil Costello

Programme Editor Martin Stewart

SIMON SAYS A

fter an indifferent start to the season, where results have been almost as changeable as the players we have signed up in the squad, it is good to see that we are now starting to settle into some sort of rhythm, with recent, comforable wins and clean sheets too.

Our place at the top of this morning’s NWCFL Premier Division table shows that we are a quality side, and as well as that we’ve also got trophies still to hunt for on three fronts this season.

The first of those, and possibly the most important to us is the FA Vase and I was delighted to see us paired with Whitley Bay in the 2nd Round draw the other week. The tie is still some way away, but as this is our last home game before then I thought I would speak about my ambitions for this competition now.

On paper, away to Whitley Bay looks about as tough a draw as you can get, but to me that isn’t the case. Whitley Bay have been struggling in their league this season and all but one or two of the squad that got them three FA Vase wins in a row have now left the club. Of course we will still start that tie as underdogs, but I believe that for us this might be a bonus, as the pressure and expectation will be off us and it will allow us to settle more into the kind of football we know we can play quicker. We struggled at this stage last season and were lucky to get past Formby at home, so having a tie at the opposite end of the scale might have the opposite effect on us?

I am also delighted to get the chance to take the lads on what I consider to be a good away trip up to the North East. Unfortunately this season’s FA Cup run didn’t yield any ties that we could use to create a team bonding session so this trip will be our first opportunity of the season to get together as a group over a longer period than just training or matchday.

If nothing else, any side that has ambitions of winning this tournament has to be willing to take on and beat the bigger sides at some stage in the competition, so you could say getting it out of the way early will set us up well. One thing is for certain, that if we do beat Whitley Bay, it will definately send out the message to the rest of the runners, that Runcorn Town are serious about this tournament.

Today we are back in League action after an excellent performance on Monday night against Congleton.

We struggled to get going in the first half and I did start to think it could be another case of de

4

ja vu after the defeat at their place. But if our second half performance at Booth Street was bad, our 2nd half performance in this match was completely the opposite and we fully deserved the 3-0 scoreline.

I’m looking forward to today’s match with Winsford and hoping to have one or two important players back available for us. But if not, I am not unduly worried, as the lads showed over the last three or four games just how strong a squad we now have.

Enjoy the match and lets hope by 4.45pm we have another valueable three points in the bag.

Simon

NWCFL NEWS R

•

uncorn Linnets - are holding a Corporate Team Golf Competition at Runcorn Golf Club on Friday, July 31st 2015.

The 18-hole Stableford event will welcome teams of four with tee times from 11am-2pm, and entry is open to all at £200 per team, including coffee and light lunch on arrival and a two-course dinner.

First prize for the winning team is golfing equipment from the Runcorn professional with prizes also for the runners-up and third-placed team.

Linnets vice-chairman Hedley Edwards, a past captain of Runcorn Golf Club, said: “We are hoping that local businesses will support this venture but we would obviously like to see members of Runcorn and other local golf clubs and societies taking part.

“We would also welcome golfers among our own supporter base who would like to chip in to this very important fundraiser for the football club.

“Runcorn is an attractive and challenging 18-hole course and we are sure that all golfers will enjoy playing it.”

For competition entry forms, to enquire about sponsoring a hole or for any further information, please email hedleyedwards@yahoo.co.uk.Ibus dentis mincil et omnimi, quatiusapici cusaperit porioreped quibusae disquis es aut ut doloribus, sit et eum venestist, architi orempos dolorat usdantures et vendesed qui tes cus moluptaturit esci beaquatem autem quist assitatiore, occae num num quatur, ipsant ut aribus.

C

•

ammell Laird 1907 - will host a charity football match on Saturday 9th May to raise funds for Wirral Hospice and Wirral Media Centre.

Tranmere Rovers’ legendary player and manager, Ray Matthias, will take charge of one of the sides against Wirral Radio’s own Adam Siddorn’s All Star XI.

Former Tranmere players Gareth Roberts, Andy Robinson, Alan Mahon, Simon Haworth, Kenny Irons, Jason Price, Gary Jones Alex Hay and Chris Malkin will appear with former Liverpool favourite Dave Thompson, Leicester City’s Ade Akinbiyi and Swansea’s Lee Trundle.

The match kicks-Off at 5.30pm and is £5 for Adults and £2 for Children with all proceeds going to the charities.

1

•

874 Northwich - The Green have announced that they will adopt the Neuro Muscular Centre (NMC) as a charity partner for 2015/16 season.

The NMC is based in Winsford and was founded in 1990. It is dedicated to supporting people with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular condition from all over Mid-Cheshire and beyond.

1874 Northwich will be one of 25 sports club in the area to be linked to charity in the 25th anniversary year.

W

•

insford United - the Blues are hosting a football tournament for local primary schools on Saturday 16th May at the Barton Stadium, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The tournament will be run by the Vale Royal School Sport partnership, with up to 25 teams taking part on the day. The games start at 10 am running through to 3.30 pm, and the club house will be open all day.

Admission prices are £2 for adults, £1 concessions, and 50p for children under 7 years old.

W

•

est Didsbury & Chorlton – Callum Jones became the second West player this season to reach the milestone of 100 appearances for the club, following in the footsteps of Anthony Potts who achieved the feat before Christmas.

Callum, who has been at the club since 2010, was presented with a memento for the milestone by Chairman Glyn Meacher before the game against Alsager Town

7

IN TOWN TODAY...

R

uncorn Linnets Football Club was born on 28 April 2006, when the fans of AFC Runcorn, dismayed at the club’s predicament, met at their spiritual home at the Quayside in Canal Street and voted to establish a new club which would continue the proud tradition of non-League football in the town since 1918.

A group of fans formed an interim committee to set the wheels in motion. A Supporters Trust already existed and this was the vehicle through which the new club would be run. At this early stage, the club existed in name only, and the choice of the name Runcorn Linnets was symbolic in representing where the fans had come from and keeping those ties with our past, whilst at the same time recognising that a new club needed to be built to re-establish confidence in the local community.

To start a new club from scratch with only 4 months to the start of the season was a mammoth task, and the committee drew up business and action plans to attempt to achieve their objectives. Negotiations with the FA, Cheshire FA, North West Counties Football League, Supporters Direct and Witton Albion FC were opened and from whom we received a vast amount of advice and support. Witton offered us a ground share for the season, as no venue was available in Runcorn which we were delighted to accept.

A Roll of Honour was established on our website in recognition of the support offered us by fans and friends in those early days. We were aided by our local council and MPs in our bid for a place in the league. The members of the committee worked tirelessly to achieve our objective and we were delighted when we were elected by member clubs at the AGM. 2006/07 - Former manager and player for Runcorn FC Halton, Steve Carragher, joined us as manager and we enjoyed our first season immensely, visiting new grounds and mak-

ing new friends along the way. To achieve promotion in our first season was a just reward for the effort put in by so many. We finished second to Winsford on goal difference.

2007/08 - We entered the FA Vase for the first time, but lost in the First round to Salford City. In the Cheshire Senior Cup, we beat Unibond side Warrington Town on their own ground and narrowly lost to Altrincham. Averaging around 180 spectators at home and often up to 100 following us away. Our desire to relocate back to Runcorn was always an part of our plans and we named our scheme R2R “Return to Runcorn”. At the beginning of 2008, the club decided to part with its management team by mutual consent and we appointed Steve Wilkes as our new manager, with goalkeeper Robbie Holcroft as his assistant. Steve used the second half of the season to look at players old and new. Overall this season will be seen as one of consolidation in a higher league, with a better standard of football.

2008/09 - We entered the FA Cup for the first time winning a home tie against Rossington Main 3-2 in our first match. Unfortunately, we then bowed out up against Curzon Ashton. In the FA Vase, we had a good run to the Third Round, where we eventually lost 4-1 to holders, AFC Fylde. Good wins at Alsager and at home to AFC Fylde in the Vodkat Cup put us into the semi-finals against Silsden. A defeat in the home leg was overturned at Cougar Park, which saw us reach the final, which we lost 2-0 to New Mills.

2009/10 - The Linnets again finished in mid-table with little success in the cups. But our main target throughout this time was to get the club back into the town and in June 2009 had the news we had been waiting for, receiving the support of Halton Borough Council. Just before Christmas we were given a grant of over £93000 from the FSIF. Our original plans had been to play at the Riverside College, but now, with the help of the council and the FSIF, we were able to look at developing a site at the Halton Sports complex. Building work started at the beginning of February and was completed over the summer. The club also announced a new club sponsor, Millbank, a UK market leading

RUNCORN LINNETS resource management solution provider, who operate from headquarters in Runcorn. The new ground would be known as The Millbank Linnets Stadium.

The opening ceremony took place on July 17th 2010 when Witton Albion were our visitors, and attracted a crowd of over 1000.

2010/11 - Our first season back in Runcorn. We parted company with the management team of Steve Wilkes and Ian McGarry towards the end of August and former Linnet Paul McNally was appointed as the new manager. Paul brought with him former Atherton LR manager, Dave Hughes, as his assistant and Chris Fitzsimmons as coach. A rebuilding process took place during the season and we finished the season strongly. The most encouraging feature was the tremendous support received from our fans.

Average attendance at the MLS was 106% up on the previous year and almost 50% higher than the next best supported team. During the summer new drainage on the pitch and a new irrigation system were installed.

2011/12 - The club achieved its highest finish to date in the NWCFL when we came fifth. A great start to the season in the league was interspersed with cup success, but this brought a large number of replays and no league games were played during September. The highlight of the cup runs was the 4-0 defeat of Evostick North opponents Mossley after a

0-0 draw at Seal Park. We finally exited the FA Vase up in the North East at Hebburn. Perhaps the most memorable game came at Stone with an 8-5 victory and 3 hat tricks . During the season 7 player and manager awards came our way. Once again The Linnets were the best supported team in the league by some margin.

2012/13 - After a disastrous start to the campaign manager, Paul McNally was replaced by Joey Dunn, with Stu Humphreys as his assistant. They brought the club its first trophy when we defeated Formby in the final of the league challenge cup in front of over 500 fans at Curzon Ashton. In the league, the change of manager brought instant success with a 3 month undefeated run from the start of the New Year we eventually finished sixth.

2013/14 - Last season, the club enjoyed its most successful season to date. Early form was excellent and brought a run in the FA Cup that saw us defeat Evostik sides Ossett Albion and Cammell Laird. In the Third Qualifying round we finally lost 2-0 away at Conference North side North Ferriby. As the season reached its climax, the chase for the title narrowed to 3 teams and eventually, despite an impressive haul of 95 points, we just fell short finishing as runners-up to Norton Utd and 12 points clear of Glossop NE in third place.

MEET THE LINNETS...

J

• oey Dunn (Manager) Joey took over the reins in January 2013. A player at Warrington Town, Runcorn FC, Witton Albion, Altrincham, Formby, Atherton LR & Marine before making the move into management with Runcorn FC reserves. He was later assistant to Liam Watson at Southport before the pair moved to Burscough, winning the NPL title in 2007. Dunn’s first management role came at Warrington Town in 2008, then had a brief spell as assistant at Stockport Sports before arriving at Linnets. In 2013/14 he won the NWCFL manager of the month award.

S

•

tuart Humphreys (Assistant Manager) A defender with Barrow and Atherton LR amongst others. In 2003 he became reserve team manager of Leigh and in 2006 was promoted to first team boss. He teamed up with Joey at Warrington Town in 2008.

After a brief spell with Paul Moore at AFC Liverpool, he again linked up with Dunn as assistant at Linnets.

J

• ames Standing (Coach) A former player with Leigh RMI, his career was cut short by injury.

He moved into coaching with the Railwaymen and became part of the backroom staff in 2007 under Garry Flitcroft. In 2008 he joined Warrington Town as first team coach alongside Joey & Stuart. In 2010 he became the club’s first ever full time employee when he was appointed Community Development Officer overseeing the delivery of football coaching to clubs and schools in Warrington.

He joined Linnets in April 2013.

D

•

avid Ness (Coach) A former central defender who has recently retired, David was a product of the youth & reserve team at Runcorn FC and also played for Burscough, Vauxhall Motors, Warrington Town & Runcorn Town.

He is currently studying for his coaching badges and works with Everton FC’s youth academy. His first steps in NWCFL coaching was with Ashton Athletic as assistant to Jimmy McBride in the latter stages of the 2012/13

J

• ohn Ritchie (Goalkeeper) John joined the Linnets in January 2015 from Vauxhall Motors. He is an experienced goalkeeper who previously played for Congleton Town

R

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ichie Mottram (Goalkeeper) Runcorn born Mottram is in his third spell with his hometown club going into this season. He has previously represented Leigh RMI & played over 200 games in the NPL for Clitheroe, Warrington Town and Prescot Cables. A highly valued player by the fans at the MLS, he often takes part in community & charity events on behalf of the club and is a great role model for junior goalkeepers.

M

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ichael Burke (Defender) A central defender who began his career at Wigan Athletic.

He dropped into the non-league game in 2010 with Skelmersdale United and then made the move to the MLS to form a partnership with captain Mike Tomlinson. Last season, Michael won the NWCFL player of the month award and

was also named the club’s Player Of The Year as he racked up 54 appearances out of a possible 55.

M

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artin Crowder (Defender) Martin began his career in the Everton youth team before moving into the NPL with Burscough in 2006. He had a spell in Wales with Colwyn Bay but left the seagulls in 2008 to join Bamber Bridge. Warrington Town was his next stop before settling at Skelmersdale United. Paul McNally brought him to the MLS in 2012 where he had an impressive debut against Bootle.

M

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ichael Duffy (Defender) An energetic player who represented Skelmersdale United in the NPL before moving on to a 2 year spell with Warrington Town.

He joined Linnets in January 2013 and his strong running and quick pace has seen him score a number of stunning strikes. Duffy was named home player of the year by visiting MLS teams 2012/13.

M

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ichael White (Defender) Michael is a no nonsense defender who signed for Linnets in August 2014, having spent 4 years with Formby FC. He made his name as captain at Skelmersdale United and from there went on to play for Bamber Bridge before settling with the Squirrels whom he captained against Linnets in the League Challenge Cup Final.

In his final season with Formby he scored a number of vital goals, as well as being their penalty taker.

R

•

iver Humphreys (Defender) A central defender, River joined the Linnets 2014 from AFC

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...CONTINUED Liverpool. He started his career at Wrexham’s centre of excellence and had a brief spell in the League Of Wales before joining Warrington Town in 2010. He joined AFC Liverpool in 2013 and made over 100 appearances, often as captain

K

•

yle Armstrong (Midfield/ Defender) A former Preston North End youth team player, Kyle signed for Linnets in 2014 from Northwich Victoria. He left PNE in 2005 and had brief spells with York City, Southport and Burscough before eventually settling at Colwyn Bay. After 2 seasons with the Seagulls, he spent 3 years with Skelmersdale United, winning the NPL First Division North in 2012 before moving back to Wales with Airbus.

M

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ichael Ellison (Midfield) A committed player with a wealth of experience. He joined Winsford United in 2010 and moved to Linnets in 2011. Ellison is a great example to youngsters and has been instrumental in helping the club through recent successes. He is a popular figure and was awarded the Player’s Player & Supporters Player Of The Year in 2012/2013

M

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atty Cross (Defender/ Midfield) A popular figure at the MLS having scored a superb overhead kick in one of his opening games. Matt started his career at a young age playing for Barnsley and Hereford United before moving over to Bangor City in the Welsh League. He gained NPL experience with Trafford, Bamber Bridge, Salford City & Warrington Town and most recently Witton

Albion. He joined Linnets in December 2012 and won the club’s goal of the season award for that overhead kick.

K

•

yle Hamid (Midfield) A skilful central midfielder who joined the club in 2012 having played under Joey Dunn at Warrington Town. He has played in the League Of Wales as well as the NPL for Marine and Skelmersdale United, and Runcorn Town in the NWCFL

F

•

rancis Smith (Midfield) Signed in 2014, Smith started his career at Liverpool and left Anfield in 2006 to join Southport.

He had a brief loan spell at Leigh RMI before signing for Warrington Town. From there he went to Cliheroe and remained an NPL player before settling at Formby.

Another man who played against Linnets in the League Challenge Cup Final, he also had a trial spell at Stockport County 2014 upon the sad demise of Formby FC.

A

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dam Wade (Midfield) Adam re-joined Linnets in 2012 for a second spell. The good footwork shown by Wade has made him a regular in Joey Dunn’s side. Earlier in his career he played with Warrington Town, Bamber Bridge and Skelmersdale United.

M

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atthew Atherton (Forward) Winger Atherton started his career at West Lancashire League side Euxton Villa and joined Connah’s Quay Nomads in 2007. He went to Clitheroe via Linnets in 2010 and later represented Bamber Bridge. He re-

turned to the MLS in 2012 .

M

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ark Houghton (Forward) began his career at Southport, he joined Skelmersdale United in 2010 and later moved to Chorley then back to Skem. A pacy striker, he joined Linnets in 2012.

C

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hris Lomax (Forward) A young player formerly of Atherton LR. Chris has tremendous pace and scored an impressive 5 goals in 5 games at the start of his first season. He has also played for St Helens Town.

K

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evin Towey (Forward) An experienced player with over 300 games behind him for a varity of clubs. He re-joined Linnets for a second spell in 2013 after a brief time in management at Barnton.

L

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ee Thompson (Forward) joined Linnets in July 2013 from Bootle. A former Leigh RMI, Cammell Laird & Burscough player.

K

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urt Sherlock (Forward) Kurt is a hard working striker who played for Formby since 2011. He made his name scoring goals and creating assists and won the player of the month award in January 2014. He started 2014/15 at Bootle, scoring 4 goals in his first 4 games before joining Linnets in 2014.

F

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reddie Potter (Forward) Potter joined Linnets in December 2014 from Cammell Laird 1907. In 2006, he was on the books of Chester FC and in 2008 he represented Marine before

V Head to Head Competition

TOWN

Draw

Linnets

F

A

2 1

1 0

4 0

7 2

11 0

NWCFL Premier Divsion Cheshire Senior Cup Season So Far (cup games in brackets) P

W

D

L

F

A

P

W

D

L

F

A

33

10

5

18

63

69

35

27

7

1

85

32

Last 5 Opponents

Bacup & Ross Colne Atherton Collieries 1874 Northwich Squires Gate

A H H A A

L L L L L

Score

Opponents

Score

3-4 1-3 0-1 0-3 0-2

1874 Northwich AFC Liverpool Squires Gate Barnoldswick T Squires Gate

H A A A H

W D D W W

One to Watch

Paul Shanley

Matt Atherton

Age - 23

Age - 27

Previous Clubs -

Previous Clubs - Euxton Villa,

Atherton Collieries

Connahs Quay Nomads

Appearences - 51

Appearences - 34 (40)

(67)

Goals - 3 (4)

Goals - 29 (35)

3-2 0-0 1-1 5-1 2-0

OUR DAY OUT T

he coach journey going up was filled with nervous excitement. I boarded the coach with the committee and Stuart Plant at Pavilions, with the usual stop in Widnes and Warrington to pick up the remainder of the players and management before the journey started. Half way up there was a quick “comfort break� for around 15 minutes, a chance for me to stretch my rather large legs and purchase a newspaper and sustenance for the remainder of the journey.

off time got closer, the excitement was building, after hearing the news that Barrow has rested a number of first team players for the tie. As the kick off time was approaching, I headed out the shade of the clubhouse into the ground with barely a cloud in the sky and the sun blazing from above.

Once we arrived at Holker Street I had a feeling of heightened apprehensiveness, which was completely opposite the night before the game. I was preparing myself for a beating the given that Barrow were not only leading the Conference North, but also unbeaten at their home ground.

During the interval, I purchased a cold drink and a burger and skimmed through the programme and discussed the first half performance with the other Runcorn Town supporters.

After paying for the match ticket and a team sheet I entered the ground, visited the Barrow FC club shop for a look round and purchased a programme. Then, I took my seat with some of the Runcorn Town regulars in the recently decorated clubhouse. As the kick

16

During the first half I was counting down the minutes in multiples of 5 until the half time whistle, which came with the score being 0-0, I thought that we played well, not only were we having good moments attacking but also, we were solid in defence.

In the second half I ventured round to the other side of the ground and stood behind the goal opposite the clubhouse. The second half began like the first. I felt that it would take something special for the winning goal to arrive. The moment came around the 70 minute; Andrew Potter won possession deep in the Barrow half, beat two defenders and blasted the

TOPPLING THE BARROW ball past the Barrow goalkeeper and into the top corner. Barrow brought on their remaining substitutes in the hope to get something from the match and they started to press and create chances in a desperate plea to get something out of the match.

The countdown that began during the first half was replaced with a sharp intake of breath every time Barrow was attacking. Barrow’s best chance to get an equaliser came in stoppage time resulting in a point blank fingertip save from Runcorn Town goalkeeper Stuart Plant.

The nervousness that was felt during the match was replaced with shock, that we, a small team from Weston in the North West Counties League were able to defy the odds and beat the leaders of the Conference North Barrow AFC 1-0 on their own turf was can only be described as one of those footballing fairy tales that you never think would happen to your club.

After congratulating a couple of the players I went in the clubhouse to celebrate and relax the nerves with my friend Jack Daniel. Once the players were showered and changed they entered the clubhouse with a

respectful applause from the Barrow supporters and several pizzas from Dominoes. After we spent some time chatting with Barrow supporters and committee it was time to head back to the coach and start the journey back. Again we were applauded as we left the clubhouse.

Before we left Barrow, members of the committee managed to find an off licence to get the beers in for everyone to celebrate. As we got closer to home the noise level was reaching higher as the beer was consumed. Ste Latham in particular was worse for wear. Once we got to Widnes, Si Burton advised that Ste Latham should go to his house as he was in no fit state to head home, I heard that Ste managed to get second wind and went out to Stockton Heath later on!

Once I returned home, I felt tired and energised at the same time. As I lay down in my bed and closed my eyes I could see Andrew Potter’s goal repeating several times and at different speeds. This was the biggest win in our history and I can happily say that I was there.

Kevin Holland

Saturday 27th September 2014 FA Cup - 2nd Qualifying Rd Barrow 0 - Runcorn Town 1 (Andrew Potter, 70) 17

DANNY DALTON

Town 2 Runcorn Linnets 1 Monday 1st April 2013

2014/15 SEASON STATS Date

V

KO

Comp

Res

H

15:00

NWCFL

4 - 1 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

POTTER

Dalton

Spearitt

Mon 05/08/13 Maine Road

A

19:45

NWCFL

1 - 2 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Potter

Dalton

Spearitt

Sat 10/08/13

A

15:00

NWCFL

1 - 4 Wills

Dalton

Kinsey

Burton

Dooling

Spearitt

Mon 12/08/13 Ashton Athletic

H

19:45

NWCFL

2 - 1 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Burton

Dalton

Spearitt

Sat 17/08/13

Winterton Rangers

H

15:00

FACEP

7 - 2 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Burton

Dalton

Dooling

Tue 20/08/13

Squires Gate

A

19:45

NWCFL

1 - 0 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Burton

Dalton

Dooling

Sat 24/08/13

Stockport Sports

H

15:00

NWCFL

3 - 0 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Potter

Dalton

Toone

Tue 27/08/13

Congleton Town

A

19:45

NWCFL

2 - 4 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Potter

DALTON

Toone

Sat 31/08/13

Glossop North End

H

15:00

FACP

0 - 1 Wills

Toone

Kinsey

Burton

Grant

Spearitt

Sat 07/09/13

Barnoldswick Town

H

15:00

NWCFL

4 - 1 Wills

Toone

Kinsey

Burton

Dalton

Spearitt

Mon 09/09/13 Bootle

H

19:45

NWCFL

4 - 1 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Burton

Dalton

Spearitt

Wed 18/09/13 AFC Liverpool

A

19:45

NWCFL

4 - 0 Wills

Lester

KINSEY

Derbyshire

Dalton

Spearitt

Sat 28/09/13

West Didsbury & Chorlton

H

15:00

NWCFL

0 - 1 Plant

Lester

Kinsey

Derbyshire

Dalton

Spearitt

Sat 05/10/13

Abbey Hey

A

15:00

NWCFL

3 - 1 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

TOONE

Dalton

Spearitt

Mon 07/10/13 Maine Road

H

19:45

NWCFL

4 - 1 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

TOONE

Dalton

Spearitt

Sat 12/10/13

Wigan Robin Park

H

15:00

NWCFL

1 - 1 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Toone

Dalton

Spearitt

Sat 19/10/13

Barnoldswick Town

A

15:00

NWCFL

2 - 0 Wills

Lester

J.Smith

Keddie

Toone

Spearitt

Mon 21/10/13 Squires Gate

H

19:45

NWCFL

2 - 0 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Keddie

Toone

Spearitt

Sat 26/10/13

A

15:00

LC2

5 - 1 Wills

Lester

Kinsey

Derbyshire

Salt

SPEARITT

Mon 28/10/13 Congleton Town

H

19:45

NWCFL

Sat 02/11/13

Winsford United

H

15:00

NWCFL

Tue 05/11/13

Glossop North End

A

19:45

NWCFL

Sat 09/11/13

Stockport Sports

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 16/11/13

Whitley Bay

A

15:00

FAV2

Tue 19/11/13

Ashton Athletic

A

19:45

NWCFL

Sat 23/11/13

West Didsbury & Chorlton

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 30/11/13

AFC Blackpool

H

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 07/12/13

Wigan Robin Park

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 14/12/13

Alsager Town

H

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 21/12/13

Colne

A

15:00

NWCFL

Thu 26/12/13

Runcorn Linnets

H

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 04/01/14

St Helens Town

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 11/01/14

AFC Liverpool

H

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 18/01/14

Alsager Town

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 25/01/14

St Helens Town

H

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 01/02/14

AFC Blackpool

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 08/02/14

Silsden

H

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 15/02/14

Abbey Hey

H

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 22/02/14

AFC Darwen

H

15:00

LC3

Sat 01/03/14

Glossop North End

H

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 08/03/14

Bootle

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 22/03/14

Silsden

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 29/03/14

Winsford United

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 05/04/14

Bacup & Rossendale Borough

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 12/04/14

Norton United

H

15:00

NWCFL

Mon 21/04/14 Runcorn Linnets

A

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 26/04/14

H

15:00

NWCFL

Sat 03/08/13

Opponents Bacup & Rossendale Borough Norton United

Irlam

Colne

1

2

KEY:

3

5

CAPS = Gpalscorer, Substitutes Players in Colour = Booked

20

4

= Sent Off

6

7

8

9

10

11

13

14

15

16

17

Shanley

Keddie

CAREY

Durcan

GRANT (2)

Anderson

J.Smith

Salt

Stewart

Burton

Shanley

Keddie

CAREY

Durcan

Grant

J.Smith

Derbyshire

Costello

Fallon

Burton

Grant

Keddie

CAREY

Derbyshire

J.Smith

Wellstead

Anderson

Blease

Holland

Potter

Wellstead

KEDDIE

Carey

Durcan

J.SMITH

Grant

Potter

Blease

Fallon

Gardner Durcan

SHANLEY (2)

KEDDIE

CAREY

Potter

J.SMITH

GRANT

BELLEW

Stewart

Fallon

SHANLEY

Keddie

Carey

Potter

J.Smith

Grant

Bellew

Salt

Holland

Gardner

SHANLEY

Keddie

GRANT

C.SMITH

Bellew

Carey

J.Smith

Costello

Fallon

Dundon

Carey

Keddie

GRANT

C.Smith

Bellew

J.Smith

Dundon

Costello

Blease

Gardner

Potter

Keddie

Carey

C.Smith

J.Smith

Dundon

Lester

Blease

Holland

Howard

SHANLEY

Potter

CAREY

GRANT

Dundon

DERBYSHIRE

Howard

Blease

Fallon

C.Smith

Shanley

Derbyshire

CAREY

GRANT(2)

Howard

J.SMITH

Dooling

Blease

Stewart

Potter

Shanley

KEDDIE

Carey

GRANT

HOWARD

Dundon

J.Smith

Blease

Holland

Toone

Shanley

Keddie

Carey

Grant

Howard

J.Smith

Potter

Blease

Blease

McShane

SHANLEY(2)

Burton

Potter

McShane

J.Smith

Keddie

Grant

Costello

Blease

Howard

SHANLEY

Burton

POTTER

MCSHANE

Keddie

Grant

Carey

Costello

Fallon

Howard

Shanley

Burton

Potter

McShane

KEDDIE

Howard

J.Smith

Costello

Holland

Carey

Shanley

Burton

Grant

Howard

Derbyshire

MCSHANE(2)

Kinsey

Costello

Stewart

Carey

SHANLEY

Burton

Howard

McShane

Potter

Grant

Carey

Costello

Holland

HAUGHTON

Haughton

Jason McShane CAREY

GRANT

J.Smith

MCSHANE

Shanley

Costello

Stewart

Burton

21

LEAGUE STATS Premier Division

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Runcorn Linnets

34

26

7

1

83

32

51

85

2

Glossop North End

29

25

2

2

83

16

67

77

3

1874 Northwich

31

19

7

5

64

27

37

64

4

Colne

31

20

3

8

72

37

35

63

5

Ashton Athletic

33

18

9

6

60

34

26

63

6

Bootle

34

17

6

11

66

49

17

57

7

Squires Gate

33

14

14

5

55

37

18

56 53

Wed 5th March 2015 AFC Darwen

0-1 Chadderton

Barnton

1-6 Hanley Town

Cheadle Town

3-1 Oldham Boro

Litherland REMYCA

1-4 Eccleshall

Northwich Flixton Villa

4-1 Rochdale Town

Tuesday 24th March 2015 Premier Division

8

Nelson

32

16

5

11

64

46

18

1874 Northwich

3-0 Runcorn Town

9

Congleton Town

34

15

7

12

61

50

11

AFC Blackpool

1-5 Glossop North End

10 Silsden

32

15

6

11

46

47

Ashton Athletic

3-2 Colne

11 AFC Liverpool

34

14

7

13

68

52

16

49

Bootle

3-1 Winsford United

12 Winsford United

33

12

10

11

53

52

1

46

13 Abbey Hey

West Didsbury & Chorlton 2-1

Bacup & Rossendale Borough

First Division Wigan Robin Park

2-1 Ashton Town

Monday 23rd March 2015 First Division Atherton Collieries

P-P Holker Old Boys

Saturday 21st March 2015 F.A. Carlsberg Vase - Semi Final 1st Leg AFC St Austell

52 51

35

13

4

18

51

69

-18

43

14 West Didsbury & Chorlton 34

11

3

20

49

73

-24

36

15 Runcorn Town

32

10

5

17

63

67

-4

35

16 Alsager Town

34

10

5

19

57

77

-20

35

17 Maine Road

33

9

7

17

45

66

-21

34

18 AFC Blackpool

36

5

8

23

32

76

-44

23

19 St Helens Town

36

6

4

26

40

106 -66

22

20 Barnoldswick Town & Rossendale 21 Bacup Borough 22 Stockport Sports

35

5

6

24

41

91

-50

21

33

4

5

24

30

79

-49

17

0-2 Glossop North End

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

First Division

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

The Men United Cup - Semi Finals

1

Cammell Laird 1907

31

23

5

3

94

33

61

74

Runcorn Town

0-1 Atherton Collieries

2

Atherton Collieries

26

24

1

1

107 18

89

73

Premier Division

3

Hanley Town

29

17

4

8

74

56

18

55

1874 Northwich

1-1 Squires Gate

4

Barnton

31

15

5

11

62

60

2

50

AFC Blackpool

2-1 Bootle

5

Holker Old Boys

27

14

5

8

63

38

25

47

Bacup & Rossendale Borough

6

Cheadle Town

30

13

5

12

64

55

9

44

0-2 Abbey Hey

7

AFC Darwen

27

12

7

8

75

48

27

43

Barnoldswick Town

1-1 Maine Road

8

Chadderton

27

13

4

10

49

46

3

43

Nelson

1-0 Congleton Town

9

Daisy Hill

28

12

4

12

47

54

-7

40

Silsden

1-0 AFC Liverpool

10 Atherton LR

30

11

7

12

40

53

-13

40

11 Northwich Flixton Villa

30

10

9

11

63

52

11

39

St Helens Town

1-1 Winsford United

12 Litherland REMYCA

31

10

8

13

64

66

-2

38

West Didsbury & Chorlton 0-1 Colne

13 Eccleshall

29

11

4

14

38

74

-36

37

First Division

14 Rochdale Town

30

8

9

13

60

69

-9

33

15 Widnes

31

9

5

17

58

83

-25

32

16 Irlam

29

8

7

14

45

56

-11

31

Ashton Town

3-3 Litherland REMYCA

Chadderton

1-0 Cammell Laird 1907

Holker Old Boys

0-0 Barnton

17 Ashton Town

30

7

4

19

45

63

-18

25

18 Wigan Robin Park

30

6

3

21

37

99

-62

21

Irlam

0-3 Atherton LR

19 Oldham Boro

28

4

4

20

27

89

-62

16

22

VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE This week we spoke to long time Linnets fanatic - Mark (Bucko) Buckley Why do you support Runcorn Linnets ?

I supported Runcorn FC from early childhood, and like many fans felt a disillusionment with the predicament that the club fell into. Although I attended a couple of Runcorn FC matches at Prescot, and away games, I felt I had lost my club somewhat. When Runcorn Linnets started in 2006 I went to the first league game, and was happy to see many friendly faces. In particular I remember Allan Jones welcoming me and explaining the reasoning behind Runcorn Linnets FC. I instantly felt that I had my club back, and debates as to whether the club is a continuation of Runcorn FC or not don’t really bother me, in my mind I am happy to feel that I am watching the club that I have been watching since I was a boy. I really wanted to get involved in an official capacity, and was fortunate enough to be elected onto the Trust Board that oversees the running of the club a year or two later, and somehow I’m still there!

First Game ?

Our first competitive fixture - Runcorn Linnets v Ashton Town - a 4-0 win at Wincham Park on a Friday night!

Best ever memory ?

I’d like to say winning the League Challenge Cup against Formby a couple of seasons ago, however I can’t actually remember too much about that night!!! We went to Silsden in April 2009 for the second leg of a League Challenge Cup Semi Final, having lost the first leg 2-1 at home. Two goals from Paul Crewe sent us through and it was a proud moment. I remember feeling particularly happy for our then manager Steve Wilkes, a man who I retain tremendous respect for. The team that day included Steve Cunningham and Rob Whyte - great people and happy times.

Does the team need strenghening and if so where ?

Not really, I have complete faith in Joey Dunn, he is a special manager and has a knack of keeping a relatively large but happy squad.

What were your ambitions for this season, do you think they’ve been met or exceeded ?

On a personal level I think the secret of quiet happiness is in limiting your aspirations, so if the club is financially well maintained and retains a solid footing, I sleep well at night.

We have an incredible chairman in Derek Greenwood, and a fantastic Trust Board so I have no worries there. On the pitch there are some real strong teams in the NWCFL - I expected Glossop NE, 1874 Northwich, Runcorn Town, Colne

and Ashton Athletic to be up there this season as well as ourselves. Nelson were my dark horses this season. From a footballing point of view I really wanted us to be competing for the top places. If offered the prospect of going into April having only had one league defeat, then of course I would have accepted it.

Who is the Dangerman today for Linnets ?

Kev Towey. You are fully aware of what he can do in a big game.

Which other team has impressed you this season ?

Of course Glossop North End have been outstanding, I would love to see them win The FA Vase. Their end of season fixture list is so demanding, we wait to see how they cope with baited breath.

Where did you think Linnets would finish at the start of the season ?

I hoped for and expected top four to be honest. Many of our fans were predicting that The Linnets would win the title, but I felt that was churlish, there are far too many good sides, as well as freak results to say any team will win the league.

Where will they finish now ?

In the top two hopefully!

Of the Town side who do you fear ?

I have to be honest, I’m not a ground hopper kind of fan, so I’ve only seen Town in the two games against the Linnets, both at the Millbank, and given my match day duties the games can sometimes pass you by so I’m not sure. If Chris Lawton is back with you then I feel he will be looking to have a big game.

If there could be one other player you could bring to Linnets from NWCL Sides who would it be and why ?

I would bring Tom Bailey from GNE in the hope that they score no more league goals!!!

Score Prediction today for the Derby ?

Difficult. I think Town will be as resilient and well organised as ever, and The Linnets will be looking to break that down, playing their usually flowing passing game. Too close to call, but if I had to predict a score I would go with 14-0 to The Linnets. Seriously though, despite the occasional banter I hold no animosity towards Runcorn Town, besides Runcorn Derby Day I wish them well, I have far too many good friends at the club to feel otherwise.

23

PHOENIX CLUBS T

he phenomenon of the footballing ‘Phoenix Club’ – a club which has dissolved, only to be replaced further down the football pyramid – is still a fairly rare one. In fact, a quick Google search of the term ‘Phoenix Club’ leads me to reviews for an upmarket Basildon eatery, before I come across any reference to AFC Wimbledon or F.C. Halifax Town.

The image of the rising phoenix is a poignant one – here, it serves as a reminder that every village, town and city will always need a football club, and that financial mismanagement, dwindling crowds or waking up to find your club in Milton Keynes are no barrier to seeing a side take to the field representing your community – even if they have to start in more modest surroundings, and against less illustrious opposition.

the Football League.

In 1997, the Diamonds made the step-up to league football, making Irthlingborough – with its population of barely 6,000 inhabitants – the smallest place to have hosted league football; and less populous than the capacity of R&D’s Nene Park stadium! Despite reaching the old Division Two, the heady days were not to last for the Diamonds, and Grigg sold the club for just £1 in 2005, before a slow decline ended in the Conference giving the club the boot in 2011, bringing an end to a club which, in its 19-year existence, saw more drama than many clubs experience in a century.

We look at two clubs who have had proud and unique histories at numerous levels of the game – from Rushden & Diamonds’ meteoric rise through the leagues, to Windsor & Eton F.C.’s royal fanbase.

But their collective endings have not led to the disappearance of football for their town, their fans, and sometimes even for their stadium.

AFC Rushden & Diamonds

1992 is widely regarded as the year English football changed forever. And if you lived in the small Northamptonshire town of Irthlingborough, it certainly would be for you. In April of that year, Dr. Martens owner Max Grigg bought and merged Southern league Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds, to form Rushden & Diamonds, and within four years, the Diamonds were shining in the GM Vauxhall Conference. Grigg’s club seemed a shoe-in (sorry!) for promotion to

24

The same year, AFC Rushden & Diamonds were created from the ashes of the original club. Though only allowed to enter the Northants Senior Youth League with an u-18 team initially, AFC R&D eventually got their wish of a senior side, and they took to the field for the first time in the 2012-13 season.

Currently top of the table in the 2014-15 United

BY DAVID BURIN Counties Football League – beating off competition from wonderfully named opponents like Thurnby Nirvana and Peterborough North Star – the future is bright for the side now playing at Wellingborough Town’s Dog & Duck Ground. Whilst they may not be as expensive as the R&D of the mid-1990s, the re-emergence of this exciting Northants club proves that Diamonds are indeed forever.

& Eton F.C. were consigned to memory. However, Windsor F.C. were established just a day after the dissolution of their predecessor, and the Phoenix club – still at their traditional home of Stag’s Meadow, Windsor – are currently chasing the summit in the Combined Counties Premier Division. King George V would indeed be proud.

Windsor & Eton / Windsor F.C. Windsor & Eton F.C. may have been kitted out in the red & green of Christmas, but once January 2011 rolled around, they had more concerns than the usual post-festive hangovers to deal with. ‘The Royalists’ announced they were on the verge of dissolving, and the club suffered its final defeated at the hands of a high court hearing on 2nd February 2011. But non-league football would continue to be played in this affluent corner of Berkshire, just as it had since for over a century.

Exactly 100 years before Max Grigg was bringing together two of Northants. proudest non-league sides, the same was going on in Windsor – as Windsor St. Albans merged with Windsor Phoenix. In 1893, the year that the Labour Party had their first meeting, HMS Victoria sank, and Jamie Cureton made his professional debut – Windsor & Eton joined the Southern Alliance in 1893. The Berkshire club faced little-known sides like Hotspur FC – whatever happened to them! – and throughout their early years, were renowned for their royal support, with Prince Christian, George V and George VI all involved as patrons and fans of the club, in its early years.

Having featured in a huge range of predominantly Greek-named divisions, from the Spartan League to the Athenian League, the Windsor club won the latter division in the early 1980s, leading to the most successful period in their history. Serving up top-quality football under manager Brian Caterer, the Royalists reached the Isthmian Premier, before reaching the FA Cup’s Second Round in 1983-84, bowing out to Harry Redknapp’s Bournemouth.

Dave Burin is a NorthWest Non League Football Fan.

Sadly, the club’s fortunes gradually faded, and after financial pressures became too much, Windsor

25

ACTION REPLAY

0

1

A

fter a disappointing run in the league, Town were able to take a break and concentrate on a chance to get to our first ever cup final. A semi-final fixture against an Atherton Colls side showing impressive form at the top end of the first division.

Town 1 Toone Images courtesy of Rob Clarke

2 Roberts

(Kinsey 45)

3 Lester 4 Dykes 5 Gibson 6 Spearitt 7 Irlam 8 Keddie (capt) 9 Thompson 10 Beckett

(Burton 76)

11 Davies

(Houghton 59)

Colls 1 Tabernat 2 N Battersby

(Brookes 39)

3 Swanton 4 Messer 5 Carson 6 Grimshaw 7 Hardcastle 8 Cooke 9 M Battersby 10 Cover 11 Truffas

(Boland 65)

MEN UNITED CUP - SEMI FINAL SATURDAY 21ST MARCH 2015

Timeline The first big moment of the day was when Si Burton was forced to announce a team with no recognised keeper.

Danny Toone the man entrusted with the job of keeping out league top scorer Mark Battersby.

15 - Two chances for the visitors, a Battersby header saved by Toone and a header cleared off the line

by Lester 17 - Chance for Irlam, blocked by Battersby 21 - Yellow for Gibson (foul) 23 - Yellow for Brooke (foul) 44 - A great chance for Atherton, Hardcastle missing the target from close range 46 - Spearitt fouls Hardcastle to give away a free kick on the edge of Town’s box 48 - GOAL Ben Hardcastle puts Colls ahead 60 - Another chance for Atherton as Battersby shoots narrowly wide 62 - Colls shot saved well by Toone 71- Chance for Town, Haughton’s shot brilliantly saved by Taberner 72 - From the resulting corner Taberner produces a brilliant double save to deny Spearitt then Gibson 89 - Town finish the game strongly as Colls look to hold on and the gaffer forces two more good sves from Taberner

CLUB NEWS W

•

e will be running a coach to our next away game which is at Wigan Robin Park on 17th April. The coach will leave Pavilions at 12.30pm and pick up at High Street Bus Station (12.40pm) and Widnes Town Hall (12.50pm). We should get to Wigan at 1.30pm and will return at 6.00pm. To book simply call Alan Bennett on 07456 871654 or email thefunbus@runcorntownfc.co.uk

O

•

ur Under 12’s continue to impress and had a stunning 8-0 victory at Hale last Saturday.

Mick McStick scored four of the goals, with Tom Nom and Steve Leave getting two apiece. They are just two wins away from winning the league now with 4 games to play.

Y

•

ou may notice that there are two new items on the menus on a matchday now – Crocodile Burgers and Ostrich Burgers! Inspired by his recent trip to Chester Zoo, Kenny has come up with these new additions and they are a must try! There is a limited number each matchday and cost just £2.50.

S

•

peaking of food, we are now offering a Pie Reserve service, where you can reserve your pie on a matchday! Its easy to do, simply email savemeapie@runcorntownfc.co.uk, tell us which flavour you want reserving, and pick it up on a matchday!

A

•

s the season is coming to a close, we have a number of finals taking place at Pavilions.

Please see below for a full list: Tue 21 April – U12s: Beechwood v Tricorn Thu 23 April – U13s: Runcorn Linnets v Selwyns Tue 28 April – U14s: Heath United v ASDA Runcorn Thu 30 April – U15s Hale JFC v Pavilions Pirates Sat 02 May – U16s: Heath Rangers v Hale JFC Mon 04 May – U18s: Runcorn Town v Warrington Town

PROGRAMME ADVERTISING

GROUND ADVERTISING

Your advert will appear in our programme for every 1st Team home game (minimum 21 games) and also our web site & club lounge TV

Promote your business with an advertising hoarding at our ground. On display for all games played at Pavilions including; first and youth team fixtures, National FA Sunday Cup games, cup finals for Halton & District Junior League and Runcorn FA. Your advert will also appear on our web site & club lounge TV

full page £200, 1/2 page £100, 1/4 page £50 (per season)

MATCH SPONSORSHIP Our match sponsorship packaage is great value at just £50.00 for NWCFL and Cheshire Senior Cup ties and £75 for FA Cup and FA Vase matches and includes;

Pitchside Board (10ft x 3ft)

- 1 season £250.00 per board

- 2 seasons. £450.00 per board Stand roof facia advert (10 x 3ft) Visible 24/7 from the Runcorn Expressway

- 1 season £400.00

- 2 seasons £700

•

Two complimentary tickets to the game

•

Pre-Match and half time hospitality in the boardroom

•

Complimentary programme for each guest

•

Signed Match Ball

•

Your company name on the front page of the programme

•

Your company logo on the home page of our website

•

Your matchcompany logo on our club lounge TV during the

•

Half page company profile in the matchday programme

** Black text on white PVC (pictures or colour may add to the cost price)

•

Public address announcement pre match

*** Clients should provide their own advertising copy possible

•

The chance to choose the Man of the Match on the day

Ground pvc banner (52 x 38 in)

- 1 season £85

- 2 seasons £150 * We can supply and fit your board at an additional cost of £150 per board, PVC banners £35 (first season only)

PLAYER SPONSORS YOUR NAME WILL UNDER THEJUST PICTURE OF YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER ON FOR THIS PAGE IN EVERY MATCHDAY PROGRAMME £25 PER PLAYER, PER APPEAR SEASON.

Player Name

Your Name Here

Your Name Here

Your Name Here

Player Name

Player Name

Player Name

Player Name Your Name Here

Your Name Here

Player Name

Player Name

Player Name Your Name Here

Player Name

Player Name

Player Name

Player Name Your Name Here

Your Name Here

Your Name Here

Your Name Here

Your Name Here

Your Name Here

Your Name Here

Player Name

Your Name Here

Player Name

Player Name

Simon Burton System Devices UK Ltd

Your Name Here

Your name and company logo could appear here alongside the picture of your favourite player in every matchday programme for just £25 per player, per season.

For more details of any of our sponship opportunities contact our commerical manager Alan Bennett: 07711-786480 or commercial@runcorntown.co.uk

29

ROCK N GOAL YEARS M

arch 1998 saw a local footbal match scoreline you don’t see very often....Runcorn Town 2 Runcorn Town 1. Yes, before you write in we did get that right, although technically on the day one of the two teams was under our old identity on Mond Rangers.

The date was Saturday 14th March 1998 and this was a Runcorn Senior Cup semi-final tie between Mond and a local sunday league side at the time who were called ‘Runcorn Town’.

Not much more information is available in the club archives about this match, or indeed what happened to the club who’s name we pinched when we became Runcorn Town. All we do know is that Runcorn Town definately went to the final that year.

At the other end of the league ladder our three local Premier League sides were all in action that day too; Everton beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0 at Goodison Park, whilst Liverpool fought out a 6 goals thriller with Spurs in London which saw both teams share the points.

Most significant game of the day though was at Old Trafford where league leaders Man Utd started the day nine points clear of second placed Arsenal.

Marc Overmars scored the only goal of the match 11 minutes from time and started a march that would ultimately bring the gunners their first Premier League title at the end of the season.

World Cup fever was in the air nationally, as England faced Switzerland later that month as part of their preparations for France ‘98. Glenn Hoddle picked an experimental side for the game with teen sansation Micheal Owen the name on everyone’s lips.

The Liverpool youngster was scoring goals for fun in his debut season at Anfield and had made his international debut only a month eariler. At the other end of the age spectrum, all the talk was of whether Hoddle would or wouldn’t take Paul Gascogine to France.

Away from football the big news of the

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month is the long awaited return to peace in Northern Ireland with the signing of the Good Friday agreement on March 21st.

Buckingham Palace also finally bowed to public pressure that had been growing since the death of Princess Diana 9 months earlier, agreeing to fly the Union Flag over the royal residence for the first time ever.

The world lost Airplane actor Lloyd Bridges and the famous child psychaitrist Dr. Spock (not to be confused with Mr. Spock of Star Trek Fame) Speaking of film and television, the big movie of the day was still James Cameron’s epic ‘Titanic’ which had been toping the charts since late January. Big releases of the month were Oscar winners ‘Good Will Hunting’ and ‘As Good as it Gets’ along with ‘Fallen’, ‘Gattaca’, ‘Jackie Brown’ and ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’.

On the small screen we were all watching the new smash hit comedy ‘The Royle Family’ as well as ‘Dinnerladies’ and fly on the wall documentary ‘Airline’.

Later in the year would see the debut of ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ and the nation’s first ever 24/7 sports news channel, Sky Sports News. But 1998 also saw the end of popular favourites ‘World in Action’, ‘Men Behaving Badly’ and ‘Father Ted’ due to the shock death of Dermot Morgan at the end of February.

In the charts, the number 1 single was ‘Its Like That’

by Run DMC. Also in the top ten were; Celine Dion’s Titanic theme tune ‘My Heart Will Go On’, The Spice Girls ‘Stop’ and ‘Brimful of Asha’ by Cornershop.

In the album charts Robbie Williams was riding high with ‘Life Thru a Lens’ and Madonna with ‘Ray of Light’.

DERBY DAY T

his afternoon’s clash between Runcorn Town and Runcorn Linnets is a relatively new derby on the North West non-league football scene. The first meeting came as recently as Boxing Day 2011 with Town running out 3-2 winners here at Pavilions, and today’s match is just the ninth meeting between the town’s two senior footballing teams.

Tottenham. Manchester United v Manchester City.

Three classic encounters which the supporters of all of those clubs look forward to more than any other.

Yes Liverpool v Manchester United or Manchester City v Arsenal are massive games, and some even call them derbies, but if you ask a supporter which one they’d rather win, more often than not it would be the one against their city or town rivals.

Throughout the North West there is a host of classic non-league names who have some well-known derbies stretching back decades. Think of Altrincham, Macclesfield Town, Northwich Victoria and obviously Runcorn AFC. The names are as familiar to supporters of both clubs here today as Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United, and any meeting between any of these sides would have been classed as a Cheshire Derby, with thousands of supporters watching games.

Sadly the explosion of football on the television now has meant that attendances are substantially down on what they used to be. We can now sit at home and from lunchtime on a Saturday watch three games of football, closely followed by three on the Sunday (four if you like the Spanish game!). Look at the Quarter Final of this seasons FA Cup even. All four games televised, with not one of them kicking off at the traditional time of Saturday 3.00pm.

However there is something about derby matches that make people want to get up off the couch and attend a live game. For the last three seasons, the Runcorn Derby has seen the biggest attendance at both Pavilions and the Millbank. That was until this season, with the 667 who attended on Boxing Day at the Millbank eclipsed by the 747 who attended the Linnets v 1874 Attendance in February. It is hardly surprising though, with the first games between Linnets and 1874 no doubt sparking memories amongst many of the crowd of the old Runcorn AFC v Northwich Victoria back in the day.

Derbies mean something that other games simply don’t. And games between two teams from the same town or city mean even more to supporters. Think of the top flight once again. Liverpool v Everton, Arsenal v

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Today is a much lower scale than the three games mentioned. But to supporters of both clubs it is not.

It’s the game they want to win more than any other. Yes other teams will come and go. Glossop North End are a bigger rival to Linnets this season, much like Ramsbottom United and Padiham was to Town the last couple of seasons. But I still maintain it’s the game that supporters want to win more than any other, simply because it gives them the bragging rights over friends and colleagues and also because it gives the victors great publicity and a chance to gain new supporters off the back of it.

Given Linnets’ superb season, it is likely that today’s meeting will be the last in league football for a while.

Linnets will be looking for a win that will move them ever nearer to the NWCFL Premier Division title. We will try to stop them. If it is the last meeting for a while, enjoy it, savour it, brag about it (if you’re the winners at 5.00pm), and enjoy your football until we meet down the road.

Martin Fallon

NEXT TIME OUT O

ur next away game is a Premier Division encounter at Squires Gate on Saturday 4th April.

Gate have had an impressive season so far, currently lying in 7th place in the Premier Division. When we met at Pavilions earlier in the season we were given a comprehensive thrashing 7-2 in November with Chris Lawton annd Ross Davies getting two late goals to make the scoreline slightly more respectable.

Prices Entrance £5 Programme £1.50 Hot Drinks £1 Hot Snacks starting at £1.50

Pre-match Hospitality Squires Gate have a modern built clubhouse that is warm and friendly offering a full bar service and hot snacks. They also have possibly the cleanest toilets we have seen at any football club in thbe land.

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Getting There School Road Blackpool FY4 5DS

Parking There is a large tarmaced Car Park right in front of the turnstile which is free to use.

Making a Day of it

Based in Blackpool, Squires Gate is one of the most eagerly anticipated away fixtures for all clubs in the league. Being lucky enough to play them on Easter Saturday leads to plenty of opportunities to stay the weekend and take in the delights of the Promenade, Tower, Pleasure Beach and everything else this seaside town has to offer. For those just wanting to get there early and have a pre-match drink and maybe a bite to eat, there is an excellent pub-restaurant around the corner called ‘Shovels’

Today’s Fixtures

F.A. Carlsberg Vase - Semi Final 2nd Leg Glossop North End v AFC St Austell The Reusch First Division Cup - Semi Finals AFC Darwen Atherton Collieries Premier Division Ashton Athletic Bacup & Rossendale Borough Congleton Town Runcorn Linnets Silsden Winsford United

v v

Ashton Town Litherland REMYCA

v v v v v v

AFC Liverpool Bootle Alsager Town Squires Gate West Didsbury & Chorlton Barnoldswick Town

v v v v v v

Hanley Town Barnton Daisy Hill Oldham Boro Atherton LR Rochdale Town

First Division Chadderton Cheadle Town Eccleshall Irlam Northwich Flixton Villa Wigan Robin Park

Runcorn Town GK - Nathan Butler Lee Roberts Christopher Lester Thomas Spearitt Luke Gibson Scott Beckett Paul Shanley © Gareth Grant Christopher Thompson Samuel Houghton Ross Davies Kristian Bell Mark Keddie Curtis Cummings Jack Irlam Darren Kinsey Sean Breen Manager: Simon Burton Assistant: Tom Spearitt Physio: Lucy Orme

Runcorn Linnets Richie Motramm 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Next Match at Pavilions NWCFL Premier Division v Glossop North End Monday 13th April, 3pm

Manager: Joey Dunn Assistant: Stewart Humphries Physio:

Todays Officials Referee: P Wise Assistant1: I T Watson Assistant 2: S King