Our player of the month for February (sponsored by Bowland Brewery) is Aaron Morris, the ever-consistent central defender having already won the equivalent accolade in November.

In a busy month of fixtures, including a couple of cup quarter- final games, there would be no rest for Aaron, who played every minute of every match. With Michael Ellison's squad plagued by injuries, Aaron took up the mantle and led by example.

Aaron started the month by taking on the added responsibility of captaining the side for the Integro Cup last-eight tie against Trafford. In the thrilling home victory over Kidsgrove, his contribution could not have been bigger. A magnificent goal line clearance when Runcorn were trailing 0-1 in the first half would prove critical as two very late goals earned the Linnets maximum points, the winner being scored in the 93rd minute by Aaron himself when he coolly rounded the goalkeeper and swept the ball into the net, sparking absolute pandemonium at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.

Captain's duty followed once again, this time in the Cheshire Senior Cup quarter-final tie against Congleton Town. Leading his side against a fast and strong team, the Aaron steered the Linnets through to an impressive 4-1 victory.

A resounding 5-0 victory at Clitheroe gave a welcome clean sheet to the months work for Aaron, and February ended with a very tough home fixture against in-form Mossley with a tight and entertaining game ultimately ending with the spoils shared.

Some changes in personnel in and around Aaron throughout the month didn't effect his play, and for coming through a difficult month of fixtures with the added responsibility of captaining the team on a couple of occasions, Aaron thoroughly deserves this award.

Picture: Aaron receives his award from club chairman, Mike Bignall.

Runcorn Linnets have signed prolific striker Tom Bailey from West Didsbury & Chorlton.

Tom has been a star performer at North West Counties League level for a number of years.

He is in his second season with West, scoring 42 goals in 67 appearances for the Mancunians.

In 2016-17, he netted a similarly impressive 31 times in 52 outings for 1874 Northwich.

Prior to that, the player spent four years at Glossop North End, scoring at Wembley in the FA Vase final against North Shields.

His overall goal tally for the Hillmen was 82 in 215 games.

Tom earlier in his career played for Flixton, Altrincham and Maine Road.

We welcome Tom to The Millbank and wish him every success with Runcorn Linnets.

In the 20th minute the Laird's number 8 got a yellow card,. Frank Jones gave the Linnets the advantage in the 22nd minute from inside the 6 yard box with a lovely strike. Bobby Evans received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 29th minute. In the 57th minute the Linnets substituted Bobby Evans for Ryan Gibson. In the 63rd minute a penalty was awarded to Channel Lairds. Cammell Laird 1907 equalised in the 64th minute with a penalty from Number 3. Aaron Morris gave the Linnets the advantage in the 70th minute after a cracking header from close range. In the 87th minute the Linnets were awarded a penalty that was saved. In the 5th minute of added time of the second half the Linnets substituted Danny O'Brien for Harrison Coady.

Match Report

Kidsgrove Athletic FC went ahead in the 14th minute with a goal from Anthony Malbon. Kidsgrove Athletic FC got another in the 31st minute with a goal from Anthony Malbon. In the 33rd minute the Linnets substituted Frank Jones for Ally Brown. Kidsgrove Athletic FC extended their lead in the 47th minute with a goal from Chris Budrys. In the 57th minute Kidsgrove Athletic FC substituted Will Saxon for Shaun Rhodes. In the 57th minute the Linnets substituted Ronnie McCarthy for Josh Dobie. In the 58th minute the Linnets substituted Mitch Bryant for Liam O'Neill. Rhys Thompson received a Yellow Card for Kidsgrove Athletic FC in the 61st minute. Shaun Rhodes received a Yellow Card for Kidsgrove Athletic FC in the 72nd minute. Kidsgrove Athletic FC got yet another in the 81st minute with a goal from Anthony Malbon. In the 82nd minute Kidsgrove Athletic FC substituted Anthony Malbon for Rumenio Valido. In the 84th minute Kidsgrove Athletic FC substituted Lewis Bergin for James O'Neill. Kidsgrove Athletic FC scored in the 88th minute with a goal from Kyle Diskin. Josh Dobie received a Yellow Card for The Linnets in the 89th minute. James Butler received a Yellow Card for Kidsgrove Athletic FC in the 90th minute.

Match Report

RUNCORN Linnets offer a warm welcome to new signing Alastair Brown.

Full back Ally, 30, has arrived from fellow Division One West club, Trafford (where he had been in his second spell) and brings plenty of experience at Steps Three and Four.

Ally joins the Linnets with our pronotion hopes still burning bright and he is no stranger to helping teams to step up from EVO-STIK League Division One.

He was initially part of the Trafford team which went up to the EVO-STIK League Premier Division in 2012-13, having made his debut in October of that season.

On moving to Warrington Town in summer 2015, Ally helped to lift the Yellows out of the old Division One North in 2015-16.

Renowned for his ability to attack the right touchline at pace, Ally's other clubs have included Radcliffe Borough, Chorley, Droylsden and Witton Albion.