There was inevitably an emotional atmosphere but the mood was defiant if a little sombre as Runcorn Linnets held their first-team Awards Night, only hours after finishing the campaign with a third successive runners-up spot in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

Feelings were still raw after the disappointment of again missing out on promotion, despite totalling 98 points - Step 5 of the National Game System being the only level at which just the champions go up.

But manager Joey Dunn admitted he had been overcome by, and would never forget, the poignancy of the reception afforded to management and players on leaving the field at Padiham - the outpouring of emotion on and off the pitch proving once again how much the club means to everyone involved.

The Linnets will respond with typical spirit and determination. In the words of the manager: "We go again."

Despite the deflating events that had unfolded in the afternoon - a 4-0 win at The Arbories Memorial Ground not enough to lift the title as Colne's late 1-0 victory at 1874 Northwich secured the honours - there was no shortage of appreciation for the efforts of the playing, managerial and backroom staff at the annual presentation evening.

Centre stage went, deservedly and fittingly, to club captain and midfield anchor man, Michael Ellison, who announced his retirement from playing 'Ello' is, has been and always will be a hugely popular figure at the club and his efforts, exploits and cheerful personality will forever be remembered – thanks to him leading the club to its first winners trophy, the League Challenge Cup and his two long-awaited and much-cherished goals from well in excess of 200 appearances that are now legendary.

While the Linnets scored more league wins than any of their rivals this season, the principal playing awards went to central defenders, who have been pivotal to the division's best defensive record.

Michael White retained the Players' Player of the Year award while River Humphreys was clearly overjoyed to lift the Jimmy Lightfoot Trophy as the Supporters Club Player of the Year, following the customary poll of fans.

The other main Supporters Club award, for lifetime achievement at the Linnets, went to Trust secretary, Dave Bettley and was presented by the club chairman, Derek Greenwood.

Full list of winners:

Individual club awards

• President's Award (Leading goalscorer): Freddie Potter.
• Wilf Bettley Trophy (Goal of the Season): Kurt Sherlock, v Abbey Hey (A), NWCL Prem, Sept 8, 2015.
• Phil Tyler Trophy (Young Linnets PoY): Kyle Hamid.
• Ray Shingler Trophy (Home Player of the Year): Kurt Sherlock.
• Bill Philcock Shield (Travel Club Away PoY): Freddie Potter.
• George Worrall Trophy (Players' Player): Michael White.
• Vice-President's Award (Outstanding achievement): Michael Ellison

Supporters Club awards

• Jimmy Lightfoot Trophy (Supporters Player of the Year): River Humphreys.
• Noel Bell Trophy (Lifetime achievement): Dave Bettley.

Player landmark awards

• 100 appearances: Mark Houghton
• 100 appearances: Kyle Hamid
• 100 appearances: Adam Wade
• 200 appearances: Michael Ellison
• 250 appearances: Matthew Atherton (first player to achieve this with Runcorn Linnets)
• 5 goals in a game (equalling club record): Kurt Sherlock v Glasshoughton Walfare (H), FA Cup, Aug 18, 2015.

Club vice-captain Kyle Hamid also made awards on behalf of the players to club captain Michael Ellison on his retirement from playing and also to kit manager Paul Blundell and goalkeeping coach Lee Luscombe for their work in the backroom team behind the scenes.

Photos of the presentations can be found here.

Runcorn beat Padiham in the North West Counties Premier League at Arbories Memorial Sports Ground with a score of 0-4. Kyle Hamid put the Linnets ahead with an absolutely pearling strike from just outside the area in the 22nd minute. River Humphreys increased the Linnets' lead with a world class shot from 40 yards out that went in off the crossbar in the 36th minute. Kyle Hamid extended our lead following a cracking goal from inside the area in the 58th minute. Linnets benefit from Padiham own goal in the 89th minute.

Match Report   Pictures

Following the success of the launch of our new away kit and online club shop in association with Runcorn-based Macronstore Cheshire, the club is by popular demand to take the unusual step of issuing a non-playing 3rd shirt.

During the selection process for the new orange and black kit, which has proved an immediate hit with our supporters, strong consideration was also given during consultation with management, players and a cross-section of fans to a change kit in gun metal grey and neon yellow.

However, when contact was made with the FA via the North West Counties League, it was discovered that this particular strip would be unsuitable due to a potential colour clash with the black of the match officials' clothing. We, therefore, had to remove it from consideration.

However, both the club and Macron have since had a number of enquiries from our fans about whether the shirt, which is primarily gun metal grey with neon yellow facings and trim, could still be made available, despite the fact it cannot be worn in Linnets matches.

By popular demand, we are delighted, with Macronstore Cheshire's support, to be able to do so.

The gun metal and neon yellow shirt is of exactly the same design as the orange and black shirt, unveiled last week. It likewise features our special, commemorative 10th anniversary badge and the logo of our long-standing main club sponsor Millbank.

The new 3rd shirt will become available from June but fans are now able to preview it in our online Macron club shop – accessible via commercial and merchandise on the drop down menu of our website's home page.

Watch this space!

Runcorn beat Squires Gate in the North West Counties Premier League at School Road with a score of 2-3. Michael White scored for the Linnets in the 48th minute with a cracking strike after a scramble in front of goal. Kyle Hamid increased the Linnets' lead in the 62nd minute with a fantastic effort from inside the area. Squires Gate closed the gap in the 64th minute despite shouts for a foul on the keeper. Freddie Potter increased the Linnets' lead in the 65th minute with a cracking shot. Squires Gate closed the gap in the 66th minute.

Match Report   Pictures

Well done to the players and management of our Under 14s on a 4-3 victory over Runcorn Town U14s tonight in the age group Runcorn & District FA Cup final.

Mini-derby success at The Millbank Linnets Stadium was a good way to mark our 10th anniversary day.

Credit goes to both teams for such an entertaining match.