A SIGNED Runcorn Linnets shirt starred in an auction of sports memorabilia at a high-profile charity fundraising event on Merseyside.

The shirt was donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust after an approach by Linnets supporter Dan Clay, whose fiancee's nephew has the condition.

Dan's fiancée works with the wife of Linnets assistant manager Stuart Humphreys, who was only too pleased to arrange the donation of the shirt when he heard about two-year-old Layton.

The shirt went under the hammer alongside a variety of autographed sporting merchandise at Saturday's function at the Silvestrian Club in Liverpool and raised £100 towards the £7,500 proceeds from the night.

Dan, who regularly attends games at the Millbank Linnets Stadium with brother Olie, said: "When I heard about the event, I'd hoped to ensure the Linnets were represented. Assistant Manager, Stuart Humphreys arranged for the signed shirt to be provided for the event and I'd like to say a massive thank-you to him and all the players and staff.

"Highlights were seeing Kevin Towey had signed his name as 'Super Kevin Towey', as well as Athers (Matthew Atherton), Mucker (Kyle Hamid) and the mighty Rubz (goalkeeper Andy Robertson)."

The shirt took its place alongside signed Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher shirts, Tony Bellew boxing gloves and an Everton team football.

Dan added: "Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening inherited disease, affecting over 10,000 people in the UK. You can't catch or develop cystic fibrosis, it's something you're born with and most cases in the UK are now diagnosed soon after birth.

"Layton is a little fighter and not only has battled against the condition but also a stroke he suffered last year as a result of the chicken pox virus. I'm really proud of the club helping with this event. People were asking me about the top and I was pleased to be able to gab with them about the Linnets, especially at the moment when we're flying high."

For information on the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, please visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk

Meanwhile, Runcorn Linnets are still selling tickets for a club raffle being held in association with town centre business Runcorn Framers, in aid of the Linnets' official 2014 charity Cavendish School.

The prize is also a club shirt, professionally framed and signed by the 2013-14 first-team squad.

Tickets are £1 for a strip of five. The draw will be made at the club presentation evening in May.

Cavendish School in Lincoln Close, Runcorn, caters for 11-19 year olds with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties, including those with autistic spectrum disorder.

RUNCORN Linnets FC are is delighted to announce that, at the invitation of the league management committee, the club is to host the North West Counties League's Division One Trophy final for a second successive season.

The fixture will be played at the Millbank Linnets Stadium, Murdishaw Avenue, Runcorn, on Thursday, April 17th with one of the participants already known.

Hanley Town, newcomers to the NWCL, made it through to the final with a 5-4 aggregate victory over Holker Old Boys despite losing the away leg 3-2 in Cumbria on Saturday.

They now await the winners of the last-four tie between Darwen and Formby, which is delicately poised after a 3-2 home victory for Darwen in the first leg. This return game is on Wednesday, March 26th.

Linnets successfully staged last season's corresponding final in which West Didsbury & Chorlton defeated Abbey Hey 1-0.

Runcorn lost to Ashton Athletic in the NWC League Challenge Cup - Quarter Final at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 0-2. Ashton Athletic went ahead in the 20th minute from a disputed free kick. Ashton Athletic increased their lead in the 53rd minute.

Match Report

Runcorn beat Silsden in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 1-0. Matty Atherton put the Linnets ahead with a header in the 51st minute. Simpson sent off in 89th for second yellow (taking throw in too slowly).

Match Report

Runcorn lost to Colne in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 3-4. Colne scored in the 5th minute. Colne increased their lead in the 22nd minute amidst calls for offside. Adam Wade closed the gap with a close range shot in the 28th minute. Colne increased their lead in the 32nd minute despite linesman flagging offside this time. Hickey sent off in 43rd for 2nd yellow. Mark Houghton closed the gap from the penalty spot in the 51st minute. Mark Houghton equalised with a header in the 58th minute. Colne went ahead in the 90th minute.

Match Report