BOXING Day's Runcorn derby match will see followers of the two highest-ranked football clubs in the town again showing support for charity as well as their favourite team.

Runcorn Linnets and Runcorn Town, who meet at the former's Millbank Linnets Stadium in a 3pm kick-off, are inviting fans to mark the season of goodwill with donations to Runcorn Foodbank.

The collection at the festive North West Counties League Premier Division match follows on from the success of a similar initiative for the clubs' last meeting over Easter this year, when supporters turned up with carrier bags and cardboard boxes full of food for the good cause.

Since launching in November 2012, Runcorn Foodbank has given emergency food supplies to 3,000 people thanks to the dedication of its volunteers and generosity of local people.

Runcorn Linnets fans Tony Waddington and Lee Metcalfe will again be setting up a stall inside the ground – in the lane between the clubhouse and pitch – to accept all items of non-perishable groceries.

Tony, a former Trust Board member and football secretary of the Linnets, said: "Runcorn Foodbank has indicated that our last donation drive on Easter Monday fed 64 people for a week, which is very encouraging.

"All foodbanks will inevitably feel a strain on their stocks over the holiday periods, so any contribution will be of value."

Items, which are most regularly needed by Runcorn Foodbank, include tinned ham, tinned fruit, tinned vegetables, long life milk, long life fruit juice, tinned puddings and tinned custard. Utility items such as toilet rolls are also wanted.

But any spare, long-dated items from cupboards or larders will be welcomed. Other suitable goods include cordials, tinned soup, pasta and sauces. cereals, tea bags, instant coffee, instant mash, rice, tinned meat or fish, jam, biscuits and snack bars

Runcorn Foodbank, run by The Trussell Trust in conjunction with Runcorn Churches Together, operates at various locations in the town on Monday to Friday each week (excluding Bank Holidays). Vouchers issued to those in crisis by care professionals, charities and other agencies such as housing associations and church organisations are exchanged for a three-day food supply.

These are redeemable at a foodbank centre, from where clients are also signposted to agencies for longer-term support with their problems.

Rebekah Tunningley, project manager for Runcorn Foodbank, said: "Rising costs of food and fuel combined with static income, high unemployment and changes to benefits are causing more and more people to come to foodbanks for help. Foodbanks help prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems. A simple box of food makes a big difference."

Derek Greenwood, chairman of Runcorn Linnets, said: "Runcorn Linnets is set up as a community benefit society and as part of this, we try where ever possible to support and help local good causes and charities be it through helping with their fundraising or highlighting their good work.

"Christmas is a time when families and friends come together full of festive spirit but at this time of year, we always think too of those who are suffering distress or hardship of any kind.

"The Boxing Day football match is an occasion which fans traditionally look forward and we can all help to make it a little more special this year by coming together to not only support our chosen teams but also help Runcorn Foodbank with their vital support of the needy and vulnerable in the neighbourhood."

"Once again, we thank Tony Waddington and Lee Metcalfe for co-ordinating the collection on our behalf and I know they would appreciate any volunteer support with collecting food on the day – please contact the club through our website if you are able to help."

Linda Young, secretary of Runcorn Town, said the club was pleased to again take part in such an excellent initiative and hoped the Christmas food collection would follow on from the successful Easter event in highlighting and aiding Runcorn Foodbank's important work.

Runcorn beat Barnoldswick Town in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 6-2. Francis Smith scored for the Linnets in the 40th minute following a deflection in the 6 yard box. Francis Smith increased the Linnets' lead with a great strike from a corner in added time of the first half. Martin Crowder extended our lead in the 50th minute by throwing himself at the ball in the 6 yard box. Martin Crowder put us four goals clear with a screamer from outside the area in the 57th minute. Barnoldswick Town scored in the 61st minute from a free kick, despite having a shot saved from playing the advantage. Matty Atherton put us four goals clear with a great strike from a corner in the 75th minute. Francis Smith added another to our tally in the 89th minute after a scramble in front of goal. Barnoldswick Town managed to score in the 90th minute.

Match Report

RUNCORN Linnets last night completed the signing of Louis Austin, a 20-year-old striker from North West Counties League Division One club Litherland REMYCA.

Manager Joey Dunn delightedly confirmed the signing at the club Annual General Meeting.

Louis is capable of playing in any of the front three positions, and his eye for goal is matched by an ability to create scoring opportunities for others.

We welcome Louis to the Millbank Linnets Stadium, hope he will soon settle into his new surroundings and wish him every success at Runcorn.

Runcorn lost to Nelson in the North West Counties Premier League at Victoria Park with a score of 2-1. Nelson went ahead in the 24th minute. Nelson down to 10 men in the 37th minute. Nelson increased their lead in the 45th minute, despite the Linnets making most of the chances. Michael White closed the gap with a coolly taken penalty in the 71st minute. White sent off in 82nd.

Match Report

The club is pleased to announce that Ross McDowell has signed for the Linnets from Bootle.