This Saturday (October 13), Linnets entertain North West Counties League Premier Division rivals Winsford United in the FA Carlsberg Vase first round.

The tie at the Millbank Linnets Stadium in Murdishaw, Runcorn, coincides with Non-League Day.

This is a national initiative, encouraging supporters of high-level professional teams to show solidarity with clubs from outside the top four divisions during the latest international break.

The event, now in its third year, was devised by football fan James Doe who supports QPR but also follows non-league outfit Harrow Borough.

James said: “With England playing on Friday October 12 and the Premier League and Championship taking a week off, I urge fans of the big clubs to get out and watch their local non-league teams instead on Saturday, October 13.

“Given the current financial climate, clubs outside the Football League need all the support they can get, so your presence at a game will be genuinely appreciated.

“With tickets and refreshments at a fraction of the cost, what’s stopping you!”

The FA Carlsberg Vase is the annual competition for clubs playing below Step 4 of the English National League system. Runcorn Linnets are now seven ties, including a two-leg semi-final, from the Wembley final on Saturday, May 4 2013.

They have already won away games against Ashton Athletic and Alsager Town, also NWC Premier teams, in the preliminary stages and can expect another tough test.

Winsford knocked out the 2009 FA Vase runners-up Glossop North End, who also play in the same division, in the previous round. Non-League Day is a celebration of the semi-professional and amateur game and a chance for fans of bigger clubs to experience football at a level they may be otherwise unfamiliar with.

Moreover it helps promote hundreds of clubs across the country, who are almost exclusively volunteer-run and do so much good for the local community.

Runcorn Linnets were formed in 2006 as successors to Runcorn AFC. The club, run by fans as a not-for-profit trust, has two senior teams, a youth side and various junior age group teams.

Derek Greenwood, chairman of Runcorn Linnets, said: “Linnets fans have always enjoyed the excitement of cup football and I am sure Saturday’s game against our friends and rivals from Winsford will be no exception.

“It would be wonderful to have a good cup run but we do not underestimate the challenge that Winsford will bring” Admission to the game (ko 3pm) is at the turnstiles, costing £5 for adults, £3 concessions and £1 for Under 16s.

Since gate receipts in the FA Vase are shared after expenses, both clubs will benefit from any extra income generated through Non-League Day which has Sky TV’s senior football commentator Martin Tyler, a fan of non-league club Woking, as its official ambassador.

For further information visit www.nonleagueday.co.uk.

Runcorn Linnets Youth team last night successfully came through a tough FA Youth Cup second qualifying game versus Lancaster City to set up a tie against Chester Youth.

After early Lancaster pressure, the Linnets youngsters dominated the rest of the opening spell but could not find the goal they needed. The second half again saw the Linnets totally dominate their opponents but chances again went begging, a far post header back across goal which hit the post was the nearest they came to breaking the deadlock. As the game entered extra time, the visitors came more into the game but again it was the Linnets who created the better chances.

With neither team able to find the decisive touch, the game went to an exciting penalty shoot out. All the penalties were comfortably put away until the Linnets keeper saved the fourth Lancaster penalty and the youngsters held their nerve to put away their remaining 2 penalties to win the shoot out 5-4. Congratulations to them and thanks to the excellent crowd of 141 for providing such a good atmosphere. The winners of the third qualifying round match versus Chester will take on York at home.

Rob Whyte was stretchered off in the 85th minute at Norton following a reckless challenge that earned the perpetrator just a yellow card. Unfortunately, Rob has suffered ligament damage and a small bone chip break. Everybody at the club would like to wish Rob all the best, and hope for a full and speedy recovery.

Runcorn beat Norton United in the North West Counties Premier League at Norton CC & MWI with a score of 0-3. Neil Black put the Linnets ahead with a fantastic strike in the 32nd minute. Neil Black increased the Linnets' lead with a close range shot in the 46th minute. Tommy Turner extended our lead with a close range shot in the 67th minute. Rob Whyte off injured in 85th.

Match Report

Runcorn lost to Congleton Town in the North West Counties Premier League at The Millbank Linnets Stadium with a score of 2-4. Congleton Town went ahead in the 9th minute. Matty Jones equalised with a header from a corner in the 20th minute. Congleton Town went ahead in the 41st minute with a pen. Matty Jones equalised with a header in the 68th minute. Rob Whyte sent off in 76th. Congleton Town scored in the 82nd minute. Congleton Town increased their lead in the 83rd minute.

Match Report