Match Preview: Runcorn Linnets vs Bootle

Credit: Runcorn Linnets

By Brendan Doyle

We would like to welcome you all as we kick off our 2026/27 campaign on a Tuesday night with a trip over to Runcorn as we take on our opponents and last season’s play offs semi finalists Runcorn Linnets at the APEC Taxis Stadium.

After very narrowly missing out on last season’s play offs, Bootle begin the 2026/27 season with a tough task of facing Runcorn Linnets on their home turf. A win against last season’s finalists would be an extremely good start for the squad’s confidence as Alan Morgan will be looking to further last season’s finish, but nonetheless will be very aware of how tough the task ahead is.

Runcorn Linnets kicked off their start to the season in a six goal thriller at home to Stalybridge Celtic and were comfortably leading 3-0 with a brace from Nick Rushton and a goal from Declan McLoughlin. However, in the seventieth minute, they were hit with a scare from Stalybridge Celtic as Ellis Horan managed to get his side back into the game with a goal and then eight minutes later, Jack Irlam converted a penalty to make it 3-2, but to put any scares of a comeback to bed, new boy for Linnets Matthew Whittingham scored the fourth goal for The Yellows in the ninetieth minute to seal a 4-2 win for Runcorn. After falling short in the play offs last season, Runcorn start with winning ways and have the momentum on their side for this upcoming fixture.

Club History:

Runcorn Linnets were founded in April 2006 by supporters after the town’s previous club, Runcorn F.C. Halton, collapsed due to financial problems. Fans formed a supporters’ trust and created a new, community-owned club to carry on the “Linnets” name and tradition.

Early Years

The club entered the North West Counties League Division Two for the 2006–07 season. Their first-ever competitive match was a 4–0 win away at Ashton Town.

Initially, they did not have their own ground and played home matches at Witton Albion’s Wincham Park.

Home Ground

In 2010, the club moved into its purpose-built home on Murdishaw Avenue in Runcorn, originally called the Millbank Linnets Stadium (now the APEC Taxis Stadium). This was a major milestone for the newly formed club. Capacity: 1,600 (150 seated).

Achievements

• 2006–07: Achieved promotion in their first season after finishing runners-up.

• 2012–13: Won the North West Counties League Challenge Cup.

• 2017–18: Won the North West Counties League Premier Division, earning promotion to the Northern Premier League.

• 2025: Won the Cheshire Senior Cup, the club’s first major senior trophy.

Recent Status

Runcorn Linnets currently play in the Northern Premier League Division One West (step 4 of non-league football). They are regularly competitive in the division, have reached various FA Cup qualifying rounds, and maintain strong ambitions for further promotion.

Club Identity

The club is run by a supporters’ trust, giving fans a democratic voice in operations. Over time they have developed a large youth setup and strong local community involvement.

Form Guide:

Trafford 1 Runcorn Linnets 2, April 3rd 2026

Kidsgrove Athletic 1 Runcorn Linnets 3, April 11th 2026

Runcorn Linnets 2 Stalybridge Celtic 2, April 18th 2026

Stalybridge Celtic 1 Runcorn Linnets 0, April 25th 2026

Runcorn Linnets 4 Stalybridge Celtic 2, August 8th 2026

The Manager:

Michael Ellison was reappointed Runcorn Linnets boss back in early January following Brad Cooke’s resignation after a 5-0 home defeat to Witton Albion. This currently Ellison’s second spell as Linnets manager after he left the club in May 2020.

Ellison was first appointed manager in the summer of 2016 after announcing his retirement from his playing career in which he also captained the club and during his first tenure he guided Runcorn Linnets to the North West Counties Premier Division title in 2018 before narrowly missing out on the Northern Premier North West Division play-offs the following term.

Key Player:

Left back Matty Rain only joined Runcorn Linnets in June 2025 but made a huge impact upon arrival after helping The Yellows to finishing fourth and reaching the play offs last season, but unfortunately for Linnets they were defeated 1-0 in the semi finals 1-0 by Stalybridge Celtic.

In the 2024/25 season whilst playing for Widnes, Rain gained a spot in the Northern Premier League Division One West team or the year. Rain has also played for Liverpool and Burnley during his academy years, and his senior football career began with FC United Of Manchester for a short stint before signing for National League North side Curzon Ashton.

After his time at Curzon Ashton, The Bucks snapped up Matty Rain in which he only made twelve appearances for us before his move to Widnes.

Last Five Seasons:

2025/26 Northern Premier League Division One West

2024/25 Northern Premier League Division One West

2023/24 Northern Premier League Division One West

2022/23 Northern Premier League Division One West

2021/22 Northern Premier League Division One West

Recent Honours:

Cheshire Senior Cup Winners 2024/25

North West Counties Premier Division Champions 2017/18


North West Counties League Cup Winners 2012/13

Non League To Pro:

Reece Gaskell