Steve Wilkes has moved quickly to ensure that there is goalkeeping cover in Robbie Holcroft's absence by signing new 'keeper, Paul Forester. Paul was formerly with St Helens Town, Pilkingtons and Congleton. He joined Connah's Quay in summer 2007 but hasn't been registered with any clubs this season.

Everybody associated with the club would like to welcome him to Runcorn Linnets.

Due to a change in personal circumstances, Robbie Holcroft is going to take a break from his position as Assistant Manager, and Goalkeeper. His break will start after the Boxing Day fixture against Formby, but the door has been left open for his return and Steve Wilkes, and the Board wish him well.

Robbie joined Runcorn FC Halton in the 2005/2006 pre-season, and was one of the few players that stuck with the club during those difficult times. He joined Runcorn Linnets in November 2006, and took on the Caretaker Manager role in January 2008 after the departure of Steve Carragher and Mark Phillips. He became Steve Wilkes' Assistant after his appointment in mid-January 2007.

Robbie said "At the moment, I don't feel I can commit to the club as much as I would like, or think it deserves, so I think that taking a break is the best option. I'd like to thank the club's great fans for all of their support, and hope they see, as I have, how the club has evolved from the problems of the old club, to the success and promise of new one. I'd like to thank Steve Wilkes, who I've learned so much from over the last 11 months or so, and want everybody to know it's not 'Goodbye', it's 'See you later'."

Paul Baker will step up and take on the Assistant Manager role in Robbie's absence. Everybody associated with the club would like to wish Robbie well, and we would welcome "Lord Holcroft of Skem" back at any time.

To our knowledge, Rob Kelly is the first fan to ever have a Runcorn Linnets Crest Tattoo* - you will notice that the Runcorn Linnets crest differs from the original Runcorn Coat of Arms by the addition of the Linnet birds to the circles on the shield. You can see the first stage of his tattoo here, and we'll show the full colour version once it is complete in a few weeks.

Runcorn were knocked out of the FA Vase by current holders, AFC Fylde. The Linnets took the lead in the 15th minute from a Mike Morrison goal, but Mozza was responsible for the free kick that lead to the equaliser in the 29th minute, from a challenge that was judged to be "too high". Early in the second half, the home side took the lead, which they cemented in the 64th minute, to put the scoreline at 3-1. Brian Walsh was dismissed in the 75th minute with his second yellow card for 2 yellows. Fylde ensured victory in the 85th minute with their 4th goal.

The first half saw both teams making chances, but with no obvious superiority, until the last couple of minutes of the half. Runcorn had a succession of near misses, including hitting the post in the last minute of the half, but it was Winsford who managed to capitalise on their chance in the dying second of the half, and went into the break a goal up.

In the second half, Runcorn looked very much on the back foot, never managing to look dangerous. Winsford scored their second goal in the 70th minute.