The road to Wembley has already reached the fourth round for one football fanatic, as his mammoth charity campaign rolls in to Yorkshire.

Richard Knowles, from Frodsham, Cheshire is following the FA Cup from the very first round right through to the final, raising £5,000 for Cancer Research in the process.

The 35-year-old kicked off this year’s campaign on August 15th at local team, Runcorn Linnets, watching them beat AFC Emley 4-1 in the Extra Preliminary Round.

He then traveled to Bamber Bridge and watched the home side defeat the Linnets 6-0 in the Preliminary Round before travelling to Manchester and watching Bamber Bridge win again, this time 4-1 win at Maine Road.

Richard will continue to follow the winning team in each round until the final at Wembley in May.

This weekend he reaches the Second Qualifying Round and will watch Bamber Bridge take a trip to Guiseley. He will be joined and helped with collecting matchday donations by brother Robert and a number of friends.

News of the campaign has even reached the House of Commons, after Richard’s local MP for Weaver Vale, Mike Hall, sent a letter of support.

He dreamed up the idea with Robert in 2005, but has only now put his plans into reality.

David Fielding, north west area volunteer manager, said: “Support from people like Richard and his team is important to raising the awareness of the work done by Cancer Research UK.

“We look forward to following his progress to Wembley.”

Richard, who will be paying all expenses, has already raised over £600 and is hoping the campaign continues to gather momentum along the way.

He said: “Like many people cancer has had a direct impact on my life, as my father died when my brother and I were very young.

“He was a great footballer and this seems an appropriate way to raise money.

“My dad used to play for Runcorn in the 1960s and it seemed appropriate to start with them.

“I’ve received superb support from Runcorn Linnets, Bamber Bridge and Maine Road and look forward to meeting new friends at Guiseley.”

To donate simply go along to watch Guiseley play Bamber Bridge on Saturday or go online to www.justgiving.co.uk/richard-knowles

Follow Richard’s progress at http://runcorn2wembley.blogspot.com/ and twitter richthemaster.

Fans will be pleased to know that Troy Hayder is back home this evening after suffering a concussion today in the match against Daisy Hill. Troy clashed with Chris Blundell, and after taking a couple of minutes to recover, rejoined the pitch, and completed the match. However, after the match an ambulance was called after he complained that his face started to go numb, and that he was losing the feeling in his left arm.

Following a checkup at the hospital, they are confident that it's nothing major, and that he suffered a concussion, and have allowed him home. We all hope he's feeling 100% soon.

Runcorn lost to Daisy Hill in the Second Round Qualifying of the FA Vase at New Sirs with a score of 2-1. Daisy Hill went ahead, against the run of play, in the 16th minute, which seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Linnets a little, giving the opportunity for Daisy Hill to get their second in 31st minute.

The Linnets came out after the half-time break in a much more feisty mood, with Tony Roscoe going up front, replacing Matt Rigby, and this allowed Rob Whyte to bring Runcorn back into the game in the 51st minute. However, the second goal just wouldn't come. A number of chances couldn't be clinched, but it wasn't through lack of trying. The Linnets had the upper hand in the second half, but it just wasn't enough.

Steve Wilkes, was on BBC Radio Lancashire's Non-League show on Friday night with Ross Bain. If you missed it you can listen to edited highlights of the broadcast by clicking here.

Runcorn beat Ashton Athletic in the Vodkat Premier League at Wincham Park with a score of 3-0. Kyle Jacobs hit the post from 25 yards in 29th minute. Billy Webb scored in 34th. Rob Whyte makes it 2 in the 54th minute. Lloyd Balazs in 65th.