Runcorn beat Colne in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 4-0. Antony Hickey scored for the Linnets in the 40th minute. Freddie Potter increased the Linnets' lead in the last few minutes of the first half. River off injured in 64th minute. Freddie Potter extended our lead following a cracking shot from inside the 6 yard box that was unstoppable in the 71st minute. Straight red for Colne #5 in 75th minute for two footed challenge on Mucca. Kyle Hamid put us four goals clear in the 83rd minute with a powerful strike from just outside the area.

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RUNCORN Linnets manager Joey Dunn has welcomed the fact that this season's North West Counties League appears more competitive than in recent years.

In an informal question-and-answer session with members and fans after last night's Annual General Meeting, Joey said that a more evenly-balanced Premier Division increases the prospect of teams taking points off each other and therefore reduces the risk of teams losing interest in face of a runaway leader.

Although disappointed that his team had lost five league matches already, he said it was important to view results in terms of points dropped rather than simply through defeats, adding that his team had benefited from not having any draws so far.

Ahead of tomorrow's visit of fellow high fliers, Colne to The Millbank Linnets Stadium, Joey remained confident that the Linnets would rise to the top come the end of the season and make up for losing out on the title as runners-up to Norton United and Glossop North End, respectively in the last two seasons.

Joey admitted that while it was always going to be difficult to replace the handful of experienced players who had left in the close season, the Linnets' current record, particularly defensively, showed that the team had more than made up for their loss.

The young, emerging players in the squad were also showing great promise and improvement; the manager assured fans these youngsters are now ready to take their chances when they come along.

Joey praised the team spirit within his squad and their commitment to preparing correctly for games – again highlighting the efforts and ability of club physiotherapist Carl Rutter, both in assessing and treating injuries out of hours.

He pointed out that tactical adjustments in pre-season had led to greater speed and vitality in the ranks while making the Linnets more resilient defensively.

Referring to the departure of striker Jason Carey, who had rejoined Glossop North End earlier in the week, Joey concluded that things had simply not worked out.

With the number of quality front men in the squad, he did not envisage there being a need to find a direct replacement but suggested that a signing in another position could be imminent.

Looking back to the recent FA Vase defeat when the Linnets had been forced to make the long trip to North Yorkshire in midweek, Joey said the postponement of the Saturday fixture against Northern League champions, Marske United and its prompt rearrangement for a working day – which had begun for some team members at 5am - had left the travelling players on a hiding to nothing.

Although the team lost heavily, Joey felt that key decisions had also gone against the Linnets on the field.

Fans were quick to praise the loyalty and integrity of the players in embarking on the hastily-arranged long-distance fixture in such trying circumstances - applause following one supporter's assertion that the result on the night was irrelevant as the team's efforts had filled him with such great pride.

The AGM saw the fans-owned club present accounts for the year ending June 30th 2015.

Prudent planning throughout the year had kept the club's financial position healthy despite a significant drop in revenue from FA Cup competitions in terms of gate revenue and prize money compared with the 2014 figures.

The re-election of chairman Derek Greenwood, club secretary Lynn Johnston and three other Trust Board members who had retired by rotation – Paul Eastup, Mark Buckley and Reg Woods – was confirmed by the Trust secretary, Dave Bettley, chairing the meeting.

As previously reported, there had been six valid nominations for the half-dozen vacancies and in such circumstances election is automatic.

The only change was the appointment of Adrian Taylor as a new board member in place of David Rose, who had opted not to stand this time but will continue his duties as volunteer groundsman.

David was again thanked for making such an invaluable contribution during his term in office, which had begun while the Linnets still playing first-team home games at Witton Albion.

The six successful candidates will serve on the club's Trust Board for two years.

Striker Jason Carey has decided to return to Glossop North End. We thank him for his efforts during his time at the club and wish him well back at Glossop.

Richie Mottram, Adam Donohue and Jamie Weeder are all looking to get game time at other clubs in the coming weeks while remaining members of the Runcorn Linnets squad.

Runcorn beat Maine Road in the North West Counties Premier League at Brantingham Road with a score of 0-2. Playing with the strong wind in the first half. Kyle Hamid put the Linnets ahead following a powerful strike from inside the area that was unstoppable in the 1st minute. Freddie Potter increased the Linnets' lead in the 54th minute with a forceful header from inside the 6 yard box following a cross across the front of goal.

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Runcorn lost to Barnoldswick Town in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 0-1. Barnoldswick Town went ahead in the 51st minute.

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