Cup dream still there for Town
TOWN’S 2020 cup-winning dream is back on – but only 75 fans will be able to see their rearranged Macron Cup semi-final.
The game – now a one-off against AFC Liverpool at the home of Marine – will take place on Friday, September 4 (7.45pm) after organisers asked if the semifinalists would see the 2020 competition to its conclusion.
A provisional date has been set for the climax of the tournament, with the Macron Cup Final set for Saturday, September 26.
However next season’s Macron Cup will be suspended by the North West Counties Football League in order to concentrate on the 2020-21 League season, which they confirmed will start as planned on Saturday, October 3.
The new semi-final one-off format proposed for this year’s Cup is that the two teams originally drawn at home entertain their opponents.
That means NW Counties League Div 1 N outfit AFC Liverpool hosting Town.
However for the second semifinal, Shelley have forfeited home advantage to Saturday’s opponents 1874 Northwich.
The home team for the final will be the one drawn out of the hat first following the semifinals.
The club said: ‘‘The AFC Liverpool v Runcorn Town semi-final will be played under reduced capacity at the Marine Travel Arena due to Covid-19 restrictions. As previously outlined, a roadmap for a Phased Return for Spectators has been created by the Football Association.
‘‘As AFC Liverpool have no home matches before the tie, the semi-final will therefore be classed as a Stage 1 Return of Spectators match.