After signing Paul Rogers, Francis Barry and Daniel Timson in time for the match against Flixton, Steve Carragher has added two new players to the squad in the form of:

Carl Osman, a prolific winger previously as Cammell Lairds and Skelmersdale United.

and

Ryan Wallace, a central midfielder previously at Skelmersdale United.

After a rocky start where the Linnets conceded in the first minute, Runcorn looked the stronger team once they had settled down, and new signing, Paul Rogers, evened it up in the 25th minute. Dave Thompson put the Linnets ahead in the 31st minute, and Michael Young score just before half time to give Runcorn a 1-3 lead at half time. After the break, Flixton turned on the pressure for a demoralising come-back from Runcorn's points of view. Just two minutes in they scored the goal that gave them the hope they could still get something from the game, and in the 82nd minute, a penalty allowed them to draw level. Flixton inflicted the final blow in the last minute of the game to benefit from all three points with the final score at 4-3.

Pictures

In a match where it was probably Runcorn's poor performance, rather than a strong performance from the visitors, that was the catalyst for the defeat, Congleton's 60th minute goal was all that separated the teams.

Match Report   Pictures

Wembley will have to wait another year as the Linnets were knocked out of the FA Vase. Salford are a strong team, and went ahead in the 17th minute after a shot hit the crossbar and bounced in. Minutes before, Dave Thompson wasn't as fortunate as his attempt hit the crossbar, but bounced out. Minutes for the break, Salford were awarded, and subsequently scored from a penalty, leaving the Linnets entering half time with a tow goals to nil defecit. Paul Scott scored Runcorn's consolation in the 65th, before having to be substituted due to injury.

The club has issued a press release regarding the progress of negotiations with Halton College, and the upcoming FA Vase match against Salford City.

Following further meetings, at all levels, discussions between the college and Runcorn Linnets over the lease of land at Riverside College Halton’s Runcorn campus have moved forward. However, before a final decision can be made, the college have asked that a draft lease agreement be drawn up to enable both sides to have an input on the nature of the lease. It is hoped that this can be drawn up relatively quickly for consideration by the college pending a final agreement. The football club is most grateful to the college representatives for their continued support of the project and hope to be able to make further announcements in the near future.

Coupled with the progress on the club’s return home to Runcorn, the Linnets have enjoyed success in recent cup competition clashes. Last Tuesday they beat Warrington Town in the Cheshire Senior cup, securing a home tie against Altrincham in the next round, due to be played in November. They are also hoping to maintain their success in their first ever national FA competition, after they beat Daisy Hill 3-0 last week, with a visit from Salford City to Wincham Park on Saturday in the first round proper of the FA Vase. Kick off is at 3:00pm. Travel from Runcorn is available, for more details visit the club’s website at www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk.