Runcorn Linnets offer a warm welcome to goalkeeper Dean Porter, who was registered with the club last night after being signed by manager Joey Dunn.

Dean is already a familiar figure to Linnets fans having played against us a number of times for Bootle before leaving for Witton Albion. He joined Skelmersdale United at the start of this season.

Runcorn beat AFC Liverpool in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 2-1. AFC Liverpool went ahead in the 32nd minute. Kyle Hamid equalised in the 37th minute with a well placed shot from inside the area. Freddie Potter put the Linnets ahead in the 83rd minute with a firm header in the 6 yard box.

Match Report

The weather relented enough to ensure that the army of Linnets volunteers were rewarded with another highly-successful fundraising event following on from the golf day in July.

The annual Bank Holiday event took place at Sutton Fields and despite the early morning drizzle, the skies cleared and the event soon filled up with sellers and buyers from far and wide.

The Linnets are once again grateful to Mrs Ford at Sutton Fields for offering us the prime slot for our car boot sale and the club would like to thank the many volunteers who helped out with a multitude of tasks on the day.

Former team-mates are paying tribute to title-winning 1970s Runcorn AFC footballer Steve Hipwell, who has died aged 63 after a three-year fight with Motor Neurone Disease.

Steve was part of the Linnets team which defeated Wigan Athletic on the final night of the 1975-76 season to clinch the first of the club's two Northern Premier League championships.

A minute's silence was held by successor club Runcorn Linnets before their FA Cup victory over Pontefract Collieries on Saturday. Ex-colleagues have been quick to remember Steve as a talented footballer, genuine person and great friend.

Derek Baker played at right back alongside right-sided midfield player Steve in the team which also won the NPL Challenge Cup the season before their championship success. He is now a regular home and away supporter of the "new" Linnets.

Derek said: "Steve was a playing partner in the mid-seventies who was an integral part of Stan Storton's league and cup winning squad.

"He was excellent in the air and really skilful on the ground, he kept himself fit and was still playing five a side up until his early sixties.

"I will always remember Steve as a great lad and if anyone knew him, they would understand why he will be sadly missed.

"So sorry for his family as I know what they must be going through. Goodbye Steve - a great footballer, a nice lad and a really good friend. I know you will be in the first team wherever you are."

Steve Hipwell joined Runcorn from Hillingdon Borough after serving his footballing apprenticeship at Chelsea.

He also figured in three Cheshire Senior Cup finals, winning two - the only major honour eluding the Linnets around that time being the FA Trophy after deep disappointment in semi-finals.

Tim Rutter, who played at left back in the team, said: "If I had £1 for every match report I read that mentioned '...another goal scored by Steve Hipwell who ghosted in at the far post...' I would be rich!

"Steve scored lots of goal for us by sneaking in, unseen, for another 'tap in' that he made look so easy. Scoring like that game after game was no mean feat when you are well over 6 feet tall and defenders are looking out for you! Steve wasn't just a goal scorer though for Runcorn, he was a really clever, hard-working and very skilful footballer.

As well as a great team player on the pitch Steve was a genuinely good man off the pitch too. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Just a top man, who will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

Graham Millward, former Runcorn AFC vice-chairman, said: "Such sad news to hear of Steve's passing. He really was a quality player, who started his career at a much higher level and, I am sure, with a bit of luck and being in the right place at the right time, could have played his whole career in League football.

"I think that amyone who ever met Steve will testify to the fact that he was a genuine nice guy. Whenever I think of Steve I picture him rising to head a superb back-post headed goal at the bottom end (of) Canal Street. "RIP Steve; you left us with great memories. Thinking of his family."

Runcorn beat Pontefract Collieries FC in the Emirates FA Cup - Preliminary Round at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 6-0. Freddie Potter scored for the Linnets in the 2nd minute with a shot that was threaded past the keeper from inside the 6 yard box. Freddie Potter increased the Linnets' lead in the 8th minute by lobbing the 'keeper from outside the area. Freddie Potter extended our lead with a header in the 6 yard box, picking up the pieces, in the 33rd minute. Pontefract #6 sent off in 35th. Franny Smith scored in the 41st with a great strike from outside the area. Mark Houghton added another to our tally with a firm header in the 6 yard box in the 55th minute. Franny Smith continued the domination in the 62nd minute with a shot that went under the 'keeper from inside the 6 yard box.

Match Report