MICHAEL Burke has won the North West Counties Premier Division Player of the Month award for February.

We are sure all fans will join us in congratulating central defender Mike on this richly-deserved accolade. He will receive the award before a forthcoming home game.

In a month when the weather got the better of many fixtures, Runcorn Linnets managed to play just four games. "Burkey"not only started in all of these but also continued to play a significant part in the Linnets' success.

First up in February was a 3-0 defeat of Squires Gate at The Millbank Linnets Stadium. Although the ball must have proved difficult for defenders to judge - particularly in the air - in such a high wind, Burke was as always a towering presence in Runcorn's rearguard, showing the all-round qualities which have made him such a reliable ever-present in Joey Dunn's team this season.

A tough Cheshire Senior Cup tie against Conference side Hyde FC came next. Although four leagues separated the teams, Burke did not look out of place in such company and while the visitors ran out 1-0 winners they were given a fright by their hosts with Burke outstanding on the night.

The Linnets had to wait 18 days before their next game at Alsager in the League Challenge Cup. A tight game again saw Burke dominant at the heart of the defence, ensuring that the Cup holders only needed a solitary goal to move into the quarter-finals.

Only the second league game of the month saw the Linnets off-colour against a lively Congleton team at the Millbank Linnets Stadium but despite not performing at their best, Burke remained steadfast alongside skipper Mike Tomlinson in the middle of defence. Congleton needed a penalty to finally break Runcorn down and earn a point.

In a season which has been stop-start since the turn of the year, Burke's presence and dominant form on the field have been instrumental in ensuring that the team are right in the mix at the business end of the season in both the League and Cup.

Runcorn beat Winsford United in the North West Counties Premier League at Barton Stadium with a score of 0-4. Mark Houghton put the Linnets ahead with a header in the 4th minute. Antony Hickey increased the Linnets' lead by lobbing the 'keeper in the 6th minute. Mark Houghton extended our lead from inside the penalty area in the 66th minute. Winsford down to 10 in 69th. . Antony Hickey put us four goals clear from outside the box in the 82nd minute.

Match Report

Runcorn beat Squires Gate in the North West Counties Premier League at School Road with a score of 0-4. Michael Burke put the Linnets ahead with a header from a corner in the 14th minute. Warren Bellew increased the Linnets' lead with a thunderous strike in the 29th minute. Squires Gate down to 10 as #5 sent off in 51st minute for second yellow. Matty Atherton extended our lead with a cheeky back heel in the 57th minute. Michael Simpson put us four goals clear from inside the 6 yard box in the 73rd minute.

Match Report   Pictures

Runcorn drew with Congleton Town in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 1-1. Kevin Towey put the Linnets ahead from inside the penalty area in the 15th minute. Congleton Town equalised in the 79th minute from the penalty spot. .

Match Report

Runcorn beat Alsager Town in the North West Counties League Challenge Cup at Town Ground with a score of 0-1. Mark Houghton scored for the Linnets from inside the 6 yard box in the 27th minute.

Match Report