The BetVictor Northern Premier League has indefinitely suspended all senior and Academy fixtures because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tomorrow's scheduled North West Division visit of Marine is the first to be affected.

This is now off as is this week's intended NPLFA fixture.

In an official statement, the league said:

"The Northern Premier League has today decided, reluctantly, to suspend all fixtures until further notice in light of the escalating Covid-19 outbreak.

"The League would like to congratulate the players, officials, volunteers and fans of clubs able to stage games at the weekend and notes the excellent attendances at those fixtures. Whilst the primary responsibility of the League is to the financial sustainability of its member clubs, the number of clubs reporting players or officials in self-isolation has now reached a point at which continuing to play games would severely undermine the integrity of the competition.

"In consultation with the partners Eliteform, all NPL Football Academy fixtures have also been suspended until further notice.

"The NPL is well aware that clubs and fans need clarity around whether the 2019/20 season is to be suspended temporarily or permanently, and the full implications of either eventuality. The NPL will be working with the other Alliance Leagues and the Football Association, to assess the various options and to agree a way forward.

"As soon as we are able to, we will share that information with member clubs and their supporters."

Former Welsh youth international 'keeper Scott Reed has signed for Runcorn Linnets from Winsford United.

He joined North West Counties League club Winsford only last month from their Premier Division rivals, Northwich Victoria.

Scott played for Manchester United at Under-9s level, his junior and youth career later taking him to Liverpool (from U10-U14) and Swansea City (U14-U18).

He moved into senior football, playing for Merthyr Town in the Southern Premier League and more recently Vics from October to December of last year.

Scott says the definite highlight of his career so far was  representing Wales at youth level, winning the 2015 Victory Shield.

Welcome on board, Scott!

In the 6th minute from a fantastic strike despite the 'keeper getting something on it from the edge of the area Scott Lycett put the Linnets ahead. Marske United equalised in the 36th minute with a goal from Glen Butterworth. Peter Wylie received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 56th minute. In the 63rd minute the Linnets substituted Ben Kerr for Louis Hayes. In the 73rd minute the Linnets substituted Kurt Sherlock for Liam Caddick. Marske United put one past us in the 78th minute with a goal from Liam O'sullivan. Liam O'sullivan received a Yellow Card for Marske United in the 81st minute. Peter Wylie received a Red Card for The Linnets in the 83rd minute. In the 85th minute the Linnets substituted Ben Wharton for Louis Corrigan.

Match Report

Runcorn Linnets have bolstered our injury-ravaged squad with two recruits from FC United of Manchester.

They are midfieldman Jack Lenehan and defender Ben Kerr.

21-year-old Jack is a Liverpudlian, who joimed FC United last summer from Prescot Cables.

He followed Cables manager Brian Richardson to Broadhurst Park on Richardson's appointment as assistant manager.

Jack had joined Prescot on loan from Chorley in the 2018 pre-season.

First-team experience with the National League Magpies was highlighted by his inclusion in their Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final team.

Jack arrived at Volair Park having already played in the Northern Premier League for Skelmersdale United, also on loan.

Formerly part of the youth set-up at Rochdale, he had also been a successful track athlete for Southport Waterloo.

Ben Kerr, aged 19, signed for FC United in November 2019 from Tranmere Rovers.

Prior to joining FC United, Ben had spent time in Sweden on a Player Placement programme.

He was among 19 ex-Football League club Academy players to taste footballing life in Scandenavia - a path already trodden by more than 250 fellow former apprentices as part of the same scheme.

Ben's 12-week stay saw him placed with Swedish Second Division club Gottne IF.

He has started two games for FC United, making his BetVictor NPL Premier Division debut in February's win at Nantwich which was settled by a single goal from ex-Linnets favourite Aaron Morris.

Ben's first senior start had come against Sheffield FC in the Integro Cup.

He has been on the FC United bench 14 times and was a non-playing sub for their Buildbase FA Trophy visit to Runcorn Linnets.

Jack Lenehan was introduced in the 62nd minute of that tie, which FC United won 3-0.

He had already  scored the breakaway Reds' 90th-minute second in their 2-0 pre-season home victory against Linnets.

Runcorn Linnets will be without another three players for the forseeable future as a result of injuries suffered in Tuesday's game against Clitheroe.

We already had four players with long-term or significant injuries.

In the 8th minute the Linnets substituted Kris Holt for Louis Hayes. In the 25th minute the Linnets substituted Ally Brown for Scott Lycett. Ben Wharton received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 3rd minute of added time of the first half. Liam Caddick received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 51st minute. In the 55th minute the Linnets substituted Kyle Hamid for Anthony Donaldson. In the 55th minute Clitheroe substituted Charlie Russell for Oscar O'neil. Clitheroe went ahead in the 78th minute with a goal from Kieran Feeney. In the 86th minute Clitheroe substituted Terry Cummings for Daniel Gray. In the 90th minute Clitheroe substituted Tyrhys Dolan for Jordan Scott.

Match Report