All tickets for tomorrow's Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division Play-off Final have been sold.

Thank you to everybody, who has bought tickets and our sincere apologies to those who have been unable to purchase.

As you are probably aware, we initially agreed with Marine for pay on the gate only, for a game which was arranged at three days' notice.

However, following further discussions between the two clubs and the league it was decided to switch the tie to an all-ticket match.

We thank Marine and the NPL for their positive input and co-operation.

The change to all ticket provided equal difficulties in terms of reorganising, at two days' notice, with volunteer staff, who have contributed so much through the season and spent countless hours in the last week, tackling and overcoming various problems while fielding telephone calls, emails and social media messages from fans.

At 10.30pm on Tuesday, amid the  joy of victory in the semi-final at Leek, we were still unclear as to who our opponents would be and whether we would be away to Workington or at home to Marine.

In the lead-up to the play-offs, there had been no end of permutations with the fight for play-off places being so close and finishing positions only being decided on the final afternoon of the season five days ago.

We tried to engage with a recognised online ticket provider, but they were unable to cater for our needs at such short notice.

We then had no option but to revert to our online ticketing system, which was designed specifically for sales during Covid times and has never had to cope with sales for a match of this magnitude.

We have done our very best to accommodate all demands but have had to work within specific guidelines, resources and technical limitations.

Tough decisions have had to be taken but these have been made in good faith and taken in the best interests of both clubs in consultation with the Northern Premier League.

We have done our utmost to look after our Trust Members, as part owners of the club, and our season ticket holders  - as is only fair, right and proper.

Unfortunately, some supporters of both clubs will be left disappointed given the proximity and fanbase of the two well-supported teams.

Our attendances this season have outpaced the expectations of all our club officials and supporters.

We are most sympathetic to those, who have been unable to purchase tickets but we have done everything within our power and resources to ensure that the tie can be staged, successfully and safely, in front of a crowd which will beat our club record by a significant margin.

We thank everybody for their interest, support and understanding and look forward to hosting the Final and the biggest match in our short history, knowing that it will be a fitting climax to an already memorable NPL West Division campaign.

Runcorn Linnets' initial online allocation of tickets for Saturday's Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division Play-off final has now sold out.

Thank you to those, who have purchased and apologies to anyone who has been disappointed.

We are sorry for the technical difficulties we have experienced throughout the afternoon, due to the high and unprecedented demand on the website. We thank you for your patience.

Tickets will be on sale to season ticket holders and Trust Members only from the club office at the stadium tomorrow between 9am-noon.

Numbered match tickets will be allocated against season ticket and membership cards.

Please note there will be no tickets on general sale from the office tomorrow.

A further update will be given at 1pm tomorrow.

Following constructive discussions with Marine and in consultation with the  Northern Premier League, Saturday's Play-off Final will now be an all-ticket game.

Contrary to the earlier announcement, there will be no paid entry at the gate on the day.

The capacity is 1,600 and Marine will have an allocation of 600 in accordance with league rules for an all-ticket game.

We are keen to ensure that our Trust Members and season ticket holders have every opportunity to obtain a ticket to the game and we are, therefore, offering them the chance to purchase tickets for the match in person as well as online.

To purchase tickets for the final via the online ticket shop please visit Tickets These will be available from 3pm today.

Season ticket holders and Trust Members ONLY can purchase tickets from the main office at APEC Taxis Stadium on Friday, April 29th between 9am-noon.

Runcorn Linnets stormed into the Northern Premier League West Division play-off final with a stunning 4-1 win at Leek Town last night (Tuesday).

Two goals in the first four minutes of a pulsating game set up a memorable night for Linnets in what was the most important game in their history.

With the fans-owned club set to enjoy tomorrow's 16th anniversary of its formation, attention now switches to an even bigger occasion - the final.

The prize is a place in the NPL Premier Division for 2022-23.

Linnets will entertain Marine, who defeated hosts Workington 3-2 after extra-time in the other semi, also last night.

Runcorn finished fourth in the NPL West and Marine in fifth spot.

Under play-off rules, the team in the higher position has ground advantage in each tie.

Runcorn had been the only team to do the double over Leek this season and in a remarkable start, goals for playmaker Iwan Murray and top scorer Ryan Brooke (pictured) set Linnets on their way.

Cheered on from all corners of the ground by a large contingent of travelling fans, Runcorn hit a post before crowning a dominant first- half performance.

Lloyd Marsh-Hughes, on the eve of his 21st birthday, saw an effort hit the same upright, but divert into the goal, in the 35th minute.

Leek, who had claimed third position with their 3-1 weekend win at Marine, were stunned but regrouped at half-time.

They were more threatening in the second half, yet Runcorn remained resolute in defence and dangerous on the counter attack.

Leek pulled a goal back in the 65th minute through Tim Grice, to throw themselves a possible lifeline from a rare chance.

But this was dragged in when Ryan Brooke scored his second of the game - like his first from a corner - to spark more ecstatic scenes on and off the pitch.

The NPL West's 25-goal Golden Boot winner has now scored 33 in all competitions.

Runcorn Linnets are currently discussing matchday arrangements for the final with Marine.

There will be an announcement as soon as these are finalised.

Runcorn Linnets are to recognise the loyalty of supporters, who have helped to set new club attendance records this season, by making Saturday's visit of Colne a "Pay As You Like" game.

Runcorn's first-time place in the Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division promotion play-offs is already assured after landmark Easter wins over Leek and Prescot Cables.

But the final round of  league matches will decide finishing positions, play-off pairings and home venue advantage for the semi-finals.

If results go our way, the fifth-placed Linnets could yet clinch third position and a semi at APEC Taxis Stadium on Tuesday, April 26th.

Linnets normal admission prices are £8 and £5 for concessions but for this Saturday's fixture only, entry can be gained by a payment of individual choice.

The same offer will obviously apply to Colne fans making the trip.

Runcorn Linnets season tickets can still be used to gain admission with supporters who are 18 and under, from both clubs, getting in for free as normal.

Linnets have enjoyed a considerable hike in attendance figures over an already memorable season, crowds almost doubling compared with previous levels.

We are averaging 668 per match this season.

This ranks the club's home turnout as the third highest in the division while two new attendance records have been set in 2021-22.

October's FA Trophy visit of FC United of Manchester attracted the club's highest ever crowd of 1,078 - surpassing the 1,037 present for the inaugural game at the ground, a pre-season friendly against Witton Albion in 2010.

The NPL West visit of Workington AFC in January brought another landmark attendance.

The crowd of 963 was a new highest home league attendance for Runcorn Linnets.

Club chairman, Peter Cartledge said: "The final game of the regular league season against Colne will be a celebration of a memorable campaign.

"We'll be holding a party in the Clubhouse after the game with live music, karaoke, a raffle and auction - we'll also be showing the all-British WBC heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Dillian White.

"It has been fantastic to be able to complete our programme after two abandoned seasons due to Covid and to do it in the style that we have is extremely pleasing, considering the high standard of the opposition in our division.

"Calum McIntyre and his team on and off the field have worked wonders to get us into the play-offs.

"To have reached the semi-finals after Monday's win at Prescot is brilliant and we can, of course, continue to dream where that could take us - with promotion now two play-off wins away.

"We have the chance of a home semi-final if results go for us this Saturday. But whatever happens, who ever we face and no matter where we play, Calum and his team will be up and ready for the challenge.

"We already have cause to be very proud of the club's performances this season, after two very difficult years.

"It is only right that we should mark our achievements so far by giving as many fans as possible the opportunity to witness the match - showing the management and players that we are all behind them, although they all know that already.

"We are happy to make the Colne game a "Pay as you Like'" game.

"But we are sure that fans will want to be generous and to contribute in a way which helps the club and is proportionate to the considerable efforts of the management, coaches, players and volunteers over the eight months of the season."

The NPL West Division play-offs will see the league runners-up hosting the fifth-placed team in the semi-finals and the third-placed team being at home to the side, which finishes fourth.

The play-off final is on Saturday, April 30th on the ground of the finalist club placed higher in the final league table.

Picture: Tom Paul.