Runcorn Linnets have signed 22-year-old goalkeeper Ben Purdham from Ashton Town.

Ben made 10 appearances in early season for the North West Counties League club, making his debut in a 5-1 defeat of AFC Liverpool in First Division North.

He has played Northern Premier League football before, most recently for Clitheroe who he joined in February 2019 on loan from Curzon Ashton.

The young Wiganer also played for Mossley, Prescot and Atherton  LR during his time at Curzon (from October 2017 to September 2019).

Ben had spent three years and four months on the books of Salford City, starting in February 2014.

He progressed through the youth team to make his first-team debut in 2016.

Ben is also an FA Level 2 coach.

Louis Hayes received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 34th minute. In the 55th minute the Linnets substituted Louis Corrigan for Zac Aley. In the 55th minute the Linnets substituted Louis Hayes for Kris Holt. Ben Wharton received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 57th minute. In the 62nd minute Colne substituted Lewis Bradley for Bradley Knox. Colne went ahead in the 65th minute with a goal from Connor Hughes. In the 70th minute Colne substituted Connor Hughes for Billy Hasler Gregg. Ben Wharton equalised with a back-heel from close range in the 79th minute. In the 81st minute the Linnets substituted Liam Caddick for Keaton Mulvey. Waqas Azam received a Yellow Card for Colne in the 85th minute. Zac Aley received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 1st minute of added time of the second half. In the 3rd minute of added time of the second half Colne substituted Harrison Hopper for Andrew Hollins. David Sherlock received a Yellow Card for Colne in the 6th minute of added time of the second half.

Match Report

Runcorn Linnets' latest new arrival needed no introductions when signing for the club this evening.

Midfielder Kristian Holt is already close to a century of Linnets appearances.

Kris was a key member of our title-winning North West Counties League the season before last and served us equally well in our maiden NPL campaign in 2018-19.

He left at the end of last season to join NWCL West Didsbury and Chorlton on their appointment of his former Atherton Collieries team mate Brad Cooke as manager.

When Cooke was named boss at Colls in December, Kris followed him to the Skuna Stadium but he has now returned to The Millbank from the NPL Premier Division club.

Kris made 17 appearances for West as club captain, scoring twice, and has played 10 times since rejoining Colls, starting their last two league games.

Great to have you back, Kris!

Runcorn Linnets have snapped up promising 18-year-old Keaton Mulvey from Rochdale on a one-month youth loan.

The promising front man joined the EFL One club in January, signing a contract until the summer of 2021.

Keaton had impressed during a trial spell at the Crown Oil Arena, starring in three of Dale's Central League Cup games, scoring three goals.

He netted seven in as many games for Curzon Ashton's Youth Team in their run to the third round of the FA Youth Cup earlier this season, as well as playing for Dale's Elite Development Squad (EDS).

Welcome, Keaton!

Runcorn Linnets offer a warm welcome back to Tony Donaldson for a third spell with the club.

The creative midfielder, better known to fans as Kaka, rejoins us from Colne after making more than 30 appearances for the Lancastrians this season.

Tony originally came to Linnets with the 2016-17 season in its infancy.

After signing for Doncaster Rovers in January 2017, he rejoined the Linnets at the start of 2017-18.

He has since also had spells at Marine, Widnes, Runcorn Town and Ramsbottom United.

We look forward to seeing him in the Yellow and Green once again.