Warm-up clashes arranged
PRE-SEASON plans have started to take shape at Runcorn Linnets with the announcement of four friendlies.
There are likely to be one or two more fixtures added to the list.
With 14 of last season’s squad having already committed to the club, fans are eagerly looking forward to the 2017-18 campaign. ●
It will now be preceded by home warm-up matches against the club’s former landlords Witton Albion, newly promoted to the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier Division, Marine (from the same division) and one-time North West Counties League title rivals Colne.
The East Lancastrians, managed by ex-Linnets skipper, Steve Cunningham, are fresh from an excellent first season in the Evo-Stik League First Division North.
After pipping Runcorn Linnets to the Premier Division crown on the final day of 2015-16, they finished fifth in their debut campaign in the league above, being knocked out of the promotion playoffs in the semi-final.
Witton, who defeated Spalding United in their playoff final, and Marine are, likewise, no strangers to the Millbank Linnets Stadium having visited for similar warm-up games in previous campaigns.
Michael Ellison’s men will again be making the short journey to Middlewich Town of the Hallmark Security Cheshire League Division One after enjoying the excellent facilities on and off the field as much as their warm welcome last summer. ● Linnets’ pre-season friendly schedule to date is: Saturday, July 15, Witton Albion (H) ko 3pm; Tuesday, July 18, Marine (H) ko 7.30pm; Saturday, July 22, Colne (H) ko 3pm; Tuesday, July 25th, Middlewich Town (A) ko 7.15pm.