Four ex-Runcorn players featured in a Witton side that beat Runcorn 2-0, with both goals coming from free kicks. Danny Byrne, Mike Mossely, Tom Spearritt and Anton Lally were all familiar faces to the Runcorn crowd. Witton went into the lead in the 21st minute, after which Runcorn upped the pace and had the best of the play until the half-time break. In the second half Witton came out stronger, and from a free-kick scored a second goal within 5 minutes. Runcorn, trying hard to overturn a two goal defecit, lost a little of their composure, but were able to make some chances, but without managing to make them stick.

Runcorn drew their first match of the season against Frickley at their new home of Valerie Park, Prescot. It could have been a different story with Runcorn's Tommy Taylor missing a penalty, and the referee over-ruling the linesman who seemed to agree with the protesting Runcorn players that the Frickley goal didn't actually cross the line.

Match Report

New manager of Runcorn FC Halton, Steve Carragher, is no stranger to starting the season with Runcorn this being the 5th year in his second spell at the club, but this is his first time in the Manager's chair. Stepping up from the Assistant Manager's post following the resignation of Steve Soley at the end of last season, Steve has brought in a number of new players and is relishing the challenge that the new season brings.

Pre-season preparations have gone well for the new-look Runcorn side, with four wins, one draw, and a single defeat at the hands of Cammell Laird (not helped by conceding two penalties). Steve realises that the youthful side, with many new faces, lacks the experience of some other teams in the UniBond Premier, but is confident that their fitness and enthusiasm will pay dividends over the course of the season. In addition to Steve Carragher, there are a number of familiar faces in the side to share their experience around the new side, including David Ness, James Locke, Tommy Taylor, and Jason van Blerk, all having played last season with the club in the Conference North.

During the off-season, a number of players have moved on including Lee Parle, Nicky Young, Carl Rendell, Lee Kissock who all meet up with ex-Runcorn boss Alvin MacDonald at Marine, Phil Denney who went to Mossley, Matty McGinn who has signed for Southport, Craig Heenighan goes to Warrington, and Robbie Moore is now playing for Northwich Vics. Tom Spearritt will be reunited with Runcorn when we play his new club, Witton, as the second fixture of the season on the 23rd August at Wincham Park.

The new faces brought in include:

Paul Burns - assistant manager whose previous clubs include Morecambe, Accrington and Burscough Robbie Holcroft – goalkeeper, who has spent the last 8 seasons at Skelmersdale Anthony Hughes – a defender from Rhyl who is a product of the FA National school Billy Robertson – defender who was player of the season at Ramsbottom last year Adam Hunter – midfielder. Adam is a Runcorn lad who signed from Chester. Darryl Allen – midfilder who played for Bamber Bridge last season. Played with Blackburn as a youth player and came through the Southport P.A.S.E scheme Paul Scott – midfielder who signed over the summer from Maghull Lee Furlong – forward. An established goal scorer who signed from Newton FC Adam Roscoe – forward. A recent signing from Clitheroe Shaun Whalley – midfield. Shaun is the son of former assistant manager, Neil, and has signed from Chester. Scott Forster – midfield. Signed from local team Waterloo Dock in the summer. Ian McKinerney – midfield. Ian came through the Accrington Stanley youth section.

Runcorn start their season on Saturday 20th August at their new home of Valerie Park in Prescot, home of Prescot Cables, with a fixture against Frickley Athletic. Runcorn and Frickley go back some time with their first meeting in the 1960/61 season. Since 1996 there have been 17 meetings between Runcorn and Frickley, with Runcorn winning ten, drawing six, and only losing once. In fact Runcorn have not lost a home game against Frickley since 23rd March 1982. Kick-off is at 3:00pm, with tickets costing £7 for Adults, and £4 for concessions.

It has been confirmed today that the ongoing negotiations have reached a conclusion and Matty McGinn has signed a contract for Southport FC. Whilst the club is sorry to see Matty leave, in recognition of the loyalty and support that he has shown to Runcorn FC Halton, the club was keen to ensure that move represented the best possible deal for the future of this promising player. It is the club’s policy to ensure that it doesn’t hinder the progress of young players that have an opportunity to further their careers, and is proud of the stance it takes to secure the best arrangements possible for the player as they move on. The club would like to take the opportunity to thank Matty for his efforts, and wish him well for the future.

Due to UEFA Cup commitments, the match due to be played against Rhyl FC at Belle Vue on Thursday 11th August has been cancelled.