Runcorn lost to Bootle in the North West Counties Premier League at Delta Taxis Stadium with a score of 1-0. Bootle went ahead in the 89th minute.

Match Report

Linnets Chairman, Derek Greenwood with Greg Strong of Macron

A new range of club-branded leisurewear and merchandise marks the start of a partnership with leading Italian sportswear firm Macron, whose county showroom is at Beeston Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, WA7 1SS.

The launch of the online club store coincides with the unveiling of a new away playing kit for Runcorn Linnets to commemorate the 10th anniversary of our Trust-run fans club - marking the achievements and progress made since formation in April 2006.

The striking change strip, produced by Macron in orange and black, will be introduced for the 2016-17 season, and features the name of our main sponsor, Millbank along with the special Runcorn Linnets 10th anniversary logo designed by Trust Board member, Mark Buckley.

Our official merchandise includes a full range of attractive and high-quality leisurewear, which fans will likewise be proud to wear at matches, around town and further afield.

Supporters are now able to buy the new change playing shirt and other official Linnets products via the Macron Club Shop.

Our fans can also visit the Macronstore Cheshire showroom to check out the products before purchase and ensure they are the right size and meet their individual requirements.

From polo shirts to sweatshirts, coats to leisure tops and holdalls , we are sure the range will suit all needs, tastes and pockets; not only looking smart but helping to spread the word about our club, which now has more than 400 players and regularly attracts 300+ spectators to first-team home matches.

Founded in 1971, Macron's headquarters are in the Italian city of Bologna, the company being a European leader in the production of active sportswear – providing team wear, apparel and accessories for football (and other major sports) clubs from amateur to professional levels.

Macron is kit and merchandise supplier to major football clubs worldwide – its European portfolio including (among many others) SS Lazio and Bologna FC 1909 in Italy's Serie A; German Zweite Bundesliga clubs TSV 1860 Munchen and 1.FC Union Berlin; Portuguese Primeira Liga club Sporting Clubbe de Portugal (Sporting Lisbon) and Vitesse from Holland's Eredivisie.

Its teams in English Leagues include Crystal Palace, FA Cup semi-finalists, along with Bolton Wanderers of the Championship (the company are also sponsors of the Macron Stadium), Millwall, Colchester United and Newport County, to name but a few, while leading Scottish clients are the SPL's Motherwell and Ross County.

Macron serves a number of Welsh Premier League clubs and is official kit supplier in England to The Ryman League and Evo-Stik League.

Runcorn Linnets chairman, Derek Greenwood said: "Macron is a big name in sports and leisure wear and we are extremely pleased to entering what both parties hope will be a long and successful partnership.

"Macron's stature and professionalism speaks for itself and we are honoured to be connected with a company of such international renown – especially as it is now also at the heart of our own community in Runcorn.

"This is a very exciting new venture for us and the owner and management of Macronstore Cheshire could not have been more supportive in helping us set up and stock this new club shop with a wide range of attractive, high-quality products.

"It means we can offer our most comprehensive range of merchandise ever and we are sure this will prove very popular with our many hundreds of players and fans.

"The new second kit is very attractive and its launch is a fitting way to mark our 10th anniversary.

"The change shirts will be extremely smart on the field but they will look just as striking on the terraces at The Millbank Linnets Stadium or opposing grounds and equally stylish as a leisure shirt in every day wear."

Mike Davies, Macronstore Cheshire owner, said: "I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to supply the Linnets; we ascertained, early in our marketing strategy to make an approach with their prominence in the community and close proximity to the store.

"Our Cheshire store is the second one under my parent company FC Teamwear, we supply many clubs across North and Mid Wales, including for this season Wrexham AFC. Our Cheshire store will give us the opportunity to expand further into Cheshire, Manchester and Liverpool with the new Mersey bridge due.

"We specialise in Teamwear for all sports, Workwear, Trophies and other bespoke coaching aids. We offer a full print and embroidery service, and look forward to meeting players, parents and members of the Linnets family in the near future".

The first of two Runcorn & District Football Association junior finals nights at the Millbank Linnets Stadium takes place tonight.

The Linnets have a big interest on both evenings with our Under 12s and Under 14s contesting honours, the older age group being in a Mini Derby final on Thursday, April 28th.

Before that, the U12s play Frodsham Park this evening (ko 6.15pm).

The meeting of U14s sides from Runcorn Linnets and Runcorn Town on Thursday (ko 6.15pm) is the first of a double bill which continues at 7.45pm with the Under 16s final involving Grappenhall Sports and Helsby.

The main turnstile near the main entrance will be open on both evenings. Admission on each night is £1 for adults and 50p for U16s.

Our Ladies team has won the Cheshire Women's League title with a game to spare.

While Runcorn Linnets Ladies were winning 3-0 at AFC Stockport - Tempany Carlson, Chelsea Penny and Marcia Jones-Sacharewicz on target - second-placed Egerton FC Ladies were being beaten 2-1 by Wallasey Wanderers. With both Linnets and Egerton having one game left, Runcorn are four points clear and cannot now be caught.

Many congratulations to the management and players of Linnets Ladies, who have done themselves and also the whole club proud all season - and particularly in a hectic last eight days with four crucial victories.

With the first half of the double now secured, all concerned with the Ladies can concentrate on, and prepare for, a League Cup final appearance against Egerton Ladies at Barnton on Sunday, May 8th.

Runcorn beat 1874 Northwich in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 2-1. 1874 Northwich went ahead in the 18th minute. Antony Hickey equalised in the 67th minute with a half volley from inside the 6 yard box. 1874 #5 sent off in 79th, and penalty awarded. Michael White scored for the Linnets with a fantastic penalty in the 80th minute.

Match Report