Runcorn Linnets FC have passed another couple of milestones in their short history by playing their very first home game, and notching up their first ever win. The Linnets beat Welsh Premier outfit, Rhyl, 1-0 in a pre-season friendly following a superb goal from Andy McCoy who scored directly from a corner with a ball that curled and went in off the inside of the far post.

This first home fixture was the culmination of planning and hard work for the new club's committee, and the 91 spectators that travelled to Wincham, the Linnet's temporary home until a new facility is available in Runcorn, were rewarded with a very entertaining match. Unfortunately Runcorn substitute James Deane only spent a few minutes on the pitch until he suffered, what turned out to be, a fractured collar bone. Press Officer, Steve Pritchard, said "We hope that James has a speedy recovery, but, his injury aside, we are very please how it's gone today. In addition to a great performance and result, a crowd of 91 for a friendly is way above what we would have seen in recent seasons at the old club, and even though this is the first match we've ever organised as hosts, it's all gone very smoothly".

The Linnets are hoping that their first league fixture will be as successful. The match against Castleton Gabriels has been brought forward to the evening of Friday, 18th August, with an 8:00pm kick-off, due to a clash with a function to be held at the Wincham Park stadium on the Saturday. With no other local football taking place at that time, it is hoped that a few Witton and Northwich fans might come and take in the match.

Chairman, Stuart White, said "It would be great to have a large crowd to cheer us on in our first home league match. We hope that all fans, old and new, will come down to offer their support, and see what we have to offer." It is hoped that as many people as possible will come to the match wearing the team colours of yellow and green, and set the season off on a high note.

The first competitive home match offers programme collectors a rare opportunity to obtain the very first programme ever produced by a club. They are available for pre-order (details on the club's website at www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk) and a number of fans and collectors have already reserved their copy. The club is offering the opportunity for anybody, whether they are a business or individual, to place their message in that very first programme. For just £5 for up to 10 words, and 50p a word thereafter, messages of good wishes, support, or anything else will be printed in the very first programme that the club produces - more details on the club website.

Runcorn's first Cup campaign starts at Alsager on the 15th August, with their first Cheshire Senior Cup match. The date was originally scheduled to be the first home league match, against Cheadle, until the cup match forced rearrangement to the 29th August. Anybody planning to travel to the Alsager match should note that the kick-off time is 7:15pm, rather than the more usual 7:45pm. [NB. Please note, this is INCORRECT. The kick off is at 7:45pm]

Runcorn Linnets FC are gearing up to play their very first fixture at their new home of Wincham Park in Witton on Saturday, a friendly against Welsh Premier outfit, Rhyl. The Linnets are halfway through their pre-season campaign, which consists of just four matches due to the lack of time to arrange fixtures, since they only had confirmation of their place in the league in mid June.

The first two matches, against St Helens, and Cammell Laird have both gone well, but resulted in defeats, although the latter did include the milestone of the very first Runcorn Linnets goal ever, scored by Thomas Lamb. Supporters have been encouraged by the performances of the new team so far, and are looking forward to the Moore & Co. Construction Solicitors League campaign starting on the 12th of August.

The first home match of the season, that was to be against Cheadle scheduled for the 15th August, has had to make way for a Cheshire Senior Cup fixture, away to Alsager, and so has been rearranged for the 29th August. Consequently, the new first home match is against Castleton Gabriels, but again it looks as though this will be subject to rescheduling due to a clash with a function at Wincham Park - currently the club is seeking agreement to bring the fixture forward to Friday 18th August.

The match of Runcorn Linnets FC v Rhyl is at Wincham Park, Witton, on Saturday 5th August, with a 3:00pm kick-off. Admission prices are £5 adults, £2 concessions, and free for under 4's.