Runcorn FC Halton regret to announce the news that the First Team Managerial Team of Chris Lightfoot and Eddie Bishop have being relieved of their duties with immediate effect.

This decision comes after a series of poor performances by the team over recent weeks, culminating in the club bowing out of two different cup competitions in the space of four days.

The club would like to place on record our thanks for the work done by Chris and Eddie since their appointments, and wish them both the best of luck with any future managerial careers that they may undertake.

Further announcements relating to the appointment of a new First Team managerial team will be announced shortly.

Runcorn are out of the Liverpool Senior Cup following their defeat in penalties 4-2 after a 3-3 scoreline after extra time against Prescot Cables.

Prescot opened the scoring, and Runcorn equalised with a goal from new trialist Tom Fields. An own goal from Peter Ellis put Prescot into the lead again just before 90 minutes, but Runcorn equalised with a Lee Kissock goal in injury time.

Extra time was played, and Prescot went ahead again, but Chris Lightfoot, who had brought himself on as a sub, managed to walk a goal over their line to leave the full time score at 3-3.

In the penalty shoot-out that followed, Lee Kissock's attempt was saved, and Chris Lightfoot missed the target, and so it was all over at 4-2.

Despite looking the stronger team in the first half, a 29th Minute goal from Stafford Rangers put Runcorn out of the FA Cup. Runcorn had a number of chances in the first half that didn't quite stick, but despite protestations from the crowd of a foul on Tony McMillan the Stafford goal was allowed. In the second half Stafford played a more defensive game, and Runcorn never really looked threatening. So, contrary to predicted form, the final score was 0-1.

Match Report

Runcorn entertain Stafford Rangers in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup at the Halton Stadium on Saturday 16th October, 3:00pm kick-off. The Linnets will be looking to bag the £5,000 prize money, and move on to the 4th Qualifying round in a straight win over Stafford.

Stafford are two places above Runcorn in the league, but only on goal difference, with both teams on 16 points. Recent form would favour Runcorn in that Stafford have yet to win away from home this season, and Runcorn have won their last four home matches. Back in August when the two teams met at Marston Road it was a 0-0 draw, and with Stafford's home form being better than their away, Runcorn will be wanting to ensure the win on Saturday.

The signing of new forward, Carl Furlong, due to take place on Saturday is too late for him to take part in the match, and regulars Tom Spearritt and David Ness look unlikely due to injury. The most likely line-up will be the same team that overcame Altrincham 2-1 on Tuesday night.

On a practical note, there will be limited parking at the Halton Stadium on Saturday, but there should be plenty of space in the overflow car park at Halton College. Turn right into Milton Road at the traffic lights, just by the Cricketer's Arms pub. The car par is off Caldwell Road, which is the second right.

Also, with this being a cup match, the normal offer of a child getting in for free with an accompanying paying adult is not valid, but the prices of £7 and £3.50 for concessions are still applicable.

Over the coming weeks visits to the Halton Stadium should be an alltogether more enjoyable affair for families with children. The introduction of a separate family seating area will give an opportunity for those parents who would rather keep their children away from the more "vocal" supporters to do so.

Also, expect to see improved catering for youngsters with their own area of the counter so they don't have to queue with the adults, and an improved selection of snacks and sweets for them to choose from.

There should be some general improvements in the catering for everybody with a greater stock of pies etc so there should be greater availability both before the match, and at half time.

There will also be some fixtures in the concourse to show that it is the club's home, including a club notice board. The club will also be issuing a questionairre shortly asking for fan's views about how the whole experience at the stadium can be improved, with entries being put into a prize draw for an executive box for a match - so keep an eye out for that!