Runcorn Linnets have added experienced central defender, Kevin McGrath to the ranks.

The 30-year-old has appeared in the club's last two friendly wins at Middlewich and St Helens.

He signs from Ramsbottom United, who he joined in February this year. Kev has represented a number of higher division clubs, including Mossley and Radcliffe Borough.

At Hallmark Security League level, he has also served Maine Road (as captain) and 1874 Northwich.

Welcome to the club, Kev!

Runcorn beat St Helens Town in the Pre-season warm-up at Volair Park (Home of Prescot Cables) with a score of 1-3. St Helens Town went ahead in the 8th minute. Kyle Hamid equalised with a volley from inside the 6 yard box in the 34th minute. Brian Matthews drilled in from 10 yards out. Bootiful strike by B Matthews to make it 1-3.

RUNCORN Linnets Football Club will next Sunday (July 31st) host a groundbreaking football match in support of North West ex-servicemen's charities, including one run by Everton FC.

The Inaugural Veterans Charity Shield takes place after the launch earlier in the year of the Knowsley Veterans' Hub (KVH).

This project was initiated by Everton in the Community's Health and Well Being arm and is funded by the Royal British Legion.

It aims to engage - through sport, training and social activities - former members of the armed forces, who are at risk of isolation.

Linnets agreed to a request to stage the match - bringing competitive debut action for Knowsley Veterans' Hub footballers against Runcorn's Hallmark Security League rivals, AFC Liverpool, whose home ground at Marine AFC was unavailable.

As a back drop to the 3pm kick-off match at The Millbank Linnets Stadium in Murdishaw Avenue, Runcorn, WA7 6DL, there will be a wide array of fun, family-orientated activities at the Halton Arms pub, next to the ground on the Halton Sports and Recreation Club site.

These are due to include bubble football, human archery, shooting ranges, a bouncy castle and a BBQ plus 'live' music from Widnes-based band The Odds.

Tickets are available to purchase at the turnstile at just £3 for adults with children under 11s being admitted free. Profits from the day will be split between three charities supporting ex-military veterans across the region - Everton in the Community, Armed Forces Hub in Warrington and SAMS in St Helens.

Dave Curtis, EitC Knowsley Veterans' Hub manager, said: "As part of our programme, we run weekly football sessions in Prescot with around 20 veterans turning out every week.

"We were keen to set up an annual Charity Shield competition to show how far we have come over the last ten weeks and are delighted that AFC Liverpool accepted our invitation.

"It will be a challenge but the support we have from our team manager Rob Ewan and Helen at Warrington Armed Forces Hub stands us in good stead.

"The camaraderie within the team is second to none; these sessions are about more than just football. They bring together like-minded people and work to reduce social isolation and improve physical fitness. I'm really looking forward to the game on Sunday 31 July and the money raised will help keep these sessions going every week."

Derek Greenwood, chairman of Runcorn Linnets said: "We were delighted to be able to donate the use of our ground and facilities free of charge for this fixture in support of a very worthy cause.

"We are aware that there a lot of former military personnel suffering from the debilitating effects of things like combat stress and loneliness and were pleased to play our part in helping this inaugural Veterans Charity Shield fixture to go ahead."

AFC Liverpool chairman, Chris Stirrup said: "We are really looking forward to the game. What the team at Everton in the Community is doing with its Knowsley Veterans' Hub project is fantastic and helps all veterans regardless of who they support."

Runcorn Linnets manager Michael Ellison is delighted to announce that Mark Houghton has been appointed vice captain for the 2016 -17 season. Mark joined the Linnets in December 2012, and has made 130 Appearances, scoring 42 goals. Mark will be looking forward to working with skipper Kyle Hamid as well as incoming manager Ellison and his newly-appointed Assistant Matt Cross.

The club is pleased to confirm that fan's favourite Freddie Potter has re-signed for Runcorn Linnets today. Welcome back Freddie!