Runcorn Linnets, the new club brought together in just under four months by the ex-fans of Runcorn FC Halton, are topping the North West Counties Division Two league table, thanks to goal difference, following their 0-4 win over Ashton Town at the weekend. Goals from McCoy, Quirk, Scott and Young ensured that their inaugural season in the North West Counties League got off to a flying start.

Ashton were taken somewhat unawares by the 100 strong Runcorn supporters that descended upon their Edge Green Street ground, which constituted over two thirds of the crowd. Those fans that did manage to attend the game saw an entertaining match where Runcorn were very much the dominant force. Steve Pritchard, Linnets Press Officer, said "We are obviously very pleased with the result, and we couldn't have hope for a better outcome in our first ever league match. However, we are aware that there is no room for complacency, and we can't expect to come away with results like this every match."

The Linnets now turn their attention to the Cheshire Senior Cup where they play Alsager on Tuesday night for the opportunity to play Northwich Victoria in the next round. There's no doubt it will be a tough challenge, but the Cheshire Senior Cup plays an important part of Runcorn's past, and the prospect of playing a club like Northwich can't be allowed to just slip away.

Once the brief interlude of the Cheshire Senior Cup has passed, the focus is back on the league campaign where the Linnets play Castleton Gabriels in their first ever home league match at Wincham Park on Friday, kick off at 8:00pm. The club hopes that the match, kindly sponsored by Lloyds TSB of Runcorn, will enjoy a bumper crowd with Runcorn fans, old and new, being joined by other local support for the Friday night fixture. Spectators are encouraged to wear their football tops and bring their flags to the match to add some colour to the occasion.

The football club is Trust based, similar to FC United of Manchester, and so everybody is welcome to join the Trust and have a say in how the football club is run. The Trust offers membership to youngsters too via the "Young Linnets" scheme, which along with other benefits, gives the opportunity to become a team mascot, and also provides a free season ticket to those aged 12 and under.

The club has also introduced an SMS notification scheme for fans that can't make it to matches. Simply text "Runcorn" to 84070 for score updates at half and full time, plus news from the club (25p per message), or if you only want the news then text "Runcorn" to 83070 (50p per message) which could be useful to prevent unnecessary travel when matches may be called off in the winter months.

For more information about the club, Trust membership, fixtures, etc then visit the club's official website at www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk