Linnets are to sign powerful centre forward Carl Furlong on Saturday. Carl has previously played for Rhyl, Altrincham, Droylsden, Cammell Laird and Netherfield, and has had Football League experience with Wigan.

Two goals from Nicky Young in the 28th and 35th minutes saw Runcorn enjoying a 2-0 lead. A deflection off of Peter Ellis in the dying seconds of the first half rewarded Altrincham with an own goal. The second half featured some fiercely competitive end-to-end play, but neither team were able to capitalise on their chances, and the scoreline remained unchanged, at 2-1, in front of a crowd of 353.

Match Report

Playing at Witton Albion's Whincham park Stadium, the Linnets went ahead in the 6th minute following an own goal forced from pressure by Runcorn in the Fleetwood 6 yard box. Fleetwood looks strong and were threatening to score, and equalised in the 70th minute. Less than 60 seconds later, Nicky Young put Runcorn ahead again, and then Runcorn managed to hold on to the lead, which involved Tony McMillan making some impressive saves.

Runcorn now go on to play Stafford Rangers in the next round of the FA Cup at the Halton Stadium on the 16th October, who overcame Kettering Town 1-0 in their replay.

Match Report

Runcorn FC Halton Manager Alvin McDonald continues to add to the Linnets’ squad with the capture of Karl Brown from Unibond Division One side Gresley Rovers. Brown is the sixth player to sign forms with the Linnets in the last week.

22 year-old Brown, who won Welsh International honours at Under 16, Under 18 and Under 19 level, has made the move back to be near Liverpool, where he originally hails from. He was with the Linnets during pre-season, but subsequently joined Gresley.

He plays on left side of the pitch, and is equally comfortable as either a full back or midfield. Brown has also played for fellow Conference North side Stafford Rangers, Southern League Hednesford Town, Welsh League Barry Town, and Getafe who play in Spain's Segunda Division.

Runcorn had a number of chances in the first half, but it was Ged Courtney's cheeky back heel from a corner in the 24th minute that put them ahead. Fleetwood came on stronger in the second half, and in the 78th minute, following a minor fracas around Tony McMillan which possibly unsettled the Runcorn defence, Fleetwood equalised.

The forced replay is a financial blow to the club, since the cost of hosting the tie on Tuesday evening will now offset any potential winnings from the match.