Runcorn Linnets FC are left to ponder their 2-1 defeat at Ashton Athletic during the build up to their upcoming home clash with Padiham on Saturday. The Linnets' season had got off to a dream start with four consecutive league wins putting them top of the table, but the hope of a fifth win in a row was possibly jinxed by Captain, Ricky Newell's, public expression of his desire to go through the season undefeated in the press last week.

The Linnets still top the table with twelve points from five games, and look forward to the fixture against Padiham at Wincham Park, on 9th September, with a 3:00pm kick off. Padiham have enjoyed an unbeaten run in their first four games, and will be looking to keep that performance up.

Attendances have exceeded the new club's expectations, with programme demand outstripping supply at both home matches. Derek Greenwood, programme editor, said "Judging how many programmes to print is always a tricky business, as you never want to have too many left over. The usual rule of thumb is to print a number equivalent to a third of the attendance, but they seem to be more popular than that this season."

The club has opened a new online merchandise shop, and already has over fifty products on offer. The shop can be accessed via the club website at wwwRuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk, and includes T-Shirts, Mouse Mats, Underwear, and Teddy Bears in addition to other items. The club will have other merchandise available to supplement the online store to provide a wider choice and an opportunity for those people who don't have internet access to purchase some branded merchandise.

The club's replica shirts are now on sale for £27.50 for adults, and £25.50 for children's sizes - details on the club website, or people can call about this, or any other club matter on the clubs helpline on 07050-801-733.