Runcorn Linnets' Bowland Brewery Player of the Month for August is winger Paul Shanley.

The Man of the Match votes on  the unofficial Linnets updates Twitter after the five league and cup games during the month went to a handful of different players.

However, Shanley was the only player shortlisted in each of these matches - a sign of his customary consistency.

One of the leading lights of the Linnets' side over the past two seasons, Shanley topped the poll on the fimal game of the month at Skelmersdale United with 43% of votes cast.

With the Linnets frontline stretched to breaking point, he was pitched into a central striking role.

A standout performance saw him head the Linnets' second before earning the penalty, which secured a 3-1 Bank Holiday win at Volair Park.

Each of 61 clubs in the EVO-STIK are acclaiming their star performers in the first month of the season as part of a new awards sponsorship deal with league partners Bowland Brewery based in Clitheroe, Lancashire.

As well as the monthly player awards, the traditional brewers are also backing new divisional Manager of the Month accolades  under a two-year deal.

Runcorn Linnets have signed Josh Dobie from Southport with the centre half making his debut as a late substitute in today's 2-1 EVO-STIK League Division One West victory over Trafford.

20-year-old Josh arrives on dual registration from his Vanarama National League North club, who signed the player earlier in the month from Skelmersdale United.

Josh made his Sandgrounders first team debut as a late sub at Alfreton Town on August Bank Holiday Monday.

The Ormskirk-born defender had rejoined Skem in November 2017, after a two-month stint at Runcorn Town.

Josh was initially recruited by our now EVO-STIK League rivals in March of last year.

He had earlier been released from Liverpool FC's Academy at the age of 18, having been on the Reds' books since joining their Kirkby Academy as a five year old.

Josh progressed through the agegroups, eventually graduating from the U16s, for whom he had featured in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup in 2013, to the U18s.

On leaving Liverpool in July 2016, Josh had trials at Leeds United.

We welcome Josh to the club.

An earlier change in what was a second successive home league win for the Linnets saw the first on-field appearance of midfield player Liam Collings. Another LFC Academy graduate, he joined from Fleetwood Town last week and was a non-playing sub in victory at Skelmersdale on Bank Holiday Monday.

Runcorn beat Trafford in the EVO-STIK First Division West at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 2-1. Danny O'Brien scored for the Linnets with a fantastic free-kick from just outside the area in the 43rd minute. Danny O'Brien increased the Linnets' lead in the 75th minute with another well-taken free-kick from just outside the area. Trafford closed the gap in the 79th minute. 90+ mins:Danny O sent off for second yellow.

Match Report

Runcorn beat Skelmersdale United in the EVO-STIK First Division West at Volair Park (Ground sharing with Prescot Cables) with a score of 1-3. Kris Holt put the Linnets ahead in the 45th minute following a firm strike from close range. Paul Shanley increased the Linnets' lead in the 52nd minute with a great header from the edge of the 6 yard box that took a deflection. Skelmersdale United closed the gap in the 72nd minute. 90+ mins:Penalty awarded to Shanley. Louis Corrigan increased the Linnets' lead in added time of the second half from a cracking penalty.

Match Report

The club has signed another young player from English Football League club ranks.

We welcome to The Millbank Linnets Stadium Liam Collings, an 18 year old defensive midfield player.

He joins from League One club Fleetwood Town, where he was part of the Under 18s side.

Liam had previously been a member of the Academy set-up at Liverpool  FC.

Already in Michael Ellison's squad is 18-year-old front man Niall Watson - on loan from Accrington Stanley, also of League One.