Runcorn FC Halton’s squad strengthening ahead of the inaugural Conference North campaign continued today with the signing of striker Nicky Young from Unibond Premier side Marine.

Young started his career at Everton and Bury, but made his name at fellow Conference North side Vauxhall, where he was regularly the clubs leading goalscorer in their rapid rise up the leagues.

Last November, after nine seasons at Vauxhall, he moved to Northwich Victoria to team up again with his former manager and father-in-law Alvin McDonald. However with Northwich once again changing managers in February, Young moved on to Marine after finding first team chances limited.

Runcorn manager Chris Lightfoot was delighted to capture Young saying, “I tried to sign Nicky in February but he chose Marine instead as he felt that the move there offered him a better chance at the time of first team football.

“However Nicky is now out of contract at Marine, and although they don’t want him to leave, Nicky has told me he wants a chance to play in Conference North and I am delighted to give him that chance.”

Lee Parle, who was voted by Runcorn supporters as their Young Player of the Year two seasons ago, has re-signed for the Linnets after doctors gave him the all clear to resume playing.

The 20-year old attacking midfielder was forced to retire from football in October 2003 following medical advice about a neck problem. However Parle has had a second opinion after a period of rest, and doctors have ruled that the injury is not as serious as originally thought.

Parle made his debut as a substitute against Wakefield & Emley in September 2002, scoring the winning goal. In his first spell at the club he made thirty starts and scored seven goals.

Runcorn FC Halton have been handed a tough tie in the First Round of this seasons FA Trophy with an away trip to fellow Conference North outfit Alfreton Town.

Alfreton finished fourth in last seasons Unibond League after leading the league in the early stages, but Runcorn will go there with a good record having never lost in seven meetings.

The game will be played on Saturday 6th November 2004.

Following on from the Conference North fixtures that were announced yesterday, Runcorn FC Halton can announce several changes to these.

Our first away match at Bradford Park Avenue has been put back 24 hours to Wednesday 18th August because Wednesday's are the midweek matchday for Bradford.

The games against Ashton United have been switched, with the game on Saturday 28th August now played at Hurst Cross, Ashton, with the return match at the Halton Stadium played on Saturday 9th April.

The entire Conference North fixtures scheduled for Saturday 6th November will now be played on Saturday 27th November. This is because it clashes with the FA Trophy 1st Round.

Finally our away match at Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday 26th March has been brought forward a day and will now be played on Friday 25th March, kick off 7.45pm.

Runcorn FC Halton will kick off the Conference North campaign with a home game against Reddich United on Saturday 14th August 2004. This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides.

This will be followed by two away games at Bradford Park Avenue (Tuesday 17th) and last seasons Unibond League winners Hucknall Town (Saturday 21st), before our second home match against Stalybridge Celtic (Tuesday 24th).

We face Vauxhall in our Boxing Day/New Year's Day matches, with Rivacre Park hosting the first match on Boxing Day. The season draws to a close on Saturday 30th April with a home match against Lancaster City.

Full Fixtures to follow...